Applied troubleshooting for issues with alternative feeds

ALEXIS DECORBY, PAG, LIVESTOCK AND FEED EXTENSION SPECIALIST, YORKTON

Producers attempting to make the most of feed available in their area should be aware of potential issues that may arise when using alternative feed options.

Monitoring cattle throughout the feeding period for physiological changes is your first line of defence, but don’t forget that there are other resources available. In the hypothetical scenario below, you’ll follow Producer Paul’s journey in diagnosing and mitigating an on-farm feeding issue.

Producer Paul is a rancher that wanted to stretch his feed supplies by using a load of greenfeed.

The seller told him that there had been a light frost before the crop was cut and the feed test had revealed a nitrate concentration of 0.45 per cent, below the safe limit for cattle. Armed with this information, he fed out the greenfeed.

Soon after, when checking his herd, he found three cows that looked sick.

Their manure was loose, they had rapid, shallow breathing and were lethargic. Producer Paul was confused, because these symptoms were consistent with nitrate poisoning, but he knew that his feed should be safe to feed.

Being aware of potential feeding issues is the first step in troubleshooting problems. If you’re unsure of where to start, call your local livestock and feed extension specialist or veterinarian.

Paul called his veterinarian about the symptoms he was observing. The vet agreed that the symptoms were consistent with nitrate poisoning and recommended pulling the cattle off the feed.

The vet also suggested discussing the issue with his local livestock and feed extension specialist.

The specialist suggested a second feed analysis, a water test and inquired about the potential for mould within the feed.

•Paul’s feed test indicated the feed was dry and he hadn’t observed any visible signs of mould, therefore mould related issues were unlikely.

•He decided to send in a second feed sample for testing.

•The second feed analysis had a similar nitrate content to the first test. The Total Digestible Nutrient content was 67 per cent and the Neutral Detergent Fibre content was 60 per cent. One possible explanation for the sick cows could be acidosis, due to the high amount of mature grain in the greenfeed.

•The ministry specialist suggested discussing respiratory illnesses with his veterinarian. However, since the cows appeared to be recovering, the feed seemed to be the likely culprit.

•Paul’s water analysis indicated the nitrate level in the water was 325 mg/l.

Alone, 325 mg/l of nitrate in the well was high. When combined with the nitrate in the greenfeed, the total dietary concentration exceeded the safe limit of 0.5 per cent.

To mitigate future issues, the greenfeed should be fed with other feedstuffs to dilute the dietary concentration.

Producer Paul was fortunate that he caught the issue early and knew what he was looking for.

For more information about alternative feeds, Rancher’s University or other agricultural topics, contact your local livestock and feed extension specialist or the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.