The impact of this year’s drought conditions cover much of the country. It has reduced supplies of quality forage and grain. The practice of turning cows into fields to graze on total plants puts them at risk from the presence of aflatoxin, prussic acid or nitrate in the grazed crops.
Aflatoxins are especially a threat to dairy farmers because they can render milk unsalable as well as adversely affect animal health.
Source: Progressive Forage, September 6, 2017. Link.
Proper sampling of environmentally stressed forage is essential for preventing aflatoxin, prussic acid or nitrate poisoning. The sample knowledge may save animals and avoid production losses.
INSIGHTS: What’s done is done despite the rains in late August and September. Visit with producer customers and share this information on social media, e-newsletters and with local Extension specialists.