Q Ask the VMD ***• Leon Riegel A reader asks: What are the signs of nitrate poisoning in cattle? Is it a seasonal problem? Is there any prevention or treament? Or. Yorlete replies: Nitrate poisoning in cattle is usually caused by the ingestion of forages, weeds, fertilizer or water which contain a high nitrate content- The signs of acute nitrate poisoning are usually evident within 4 hours after ingestion. These signs classically are characterized by difficulty breathing (usually open-mouth breathing), cyanotic (purple) Models and sizes to fit any grain storage needs Whatever your grain storage needs /nay be, there’s a dependable BROCK grain bin built to fit your exact requirements. BROCK’S capacities range from 1,350 to over 75,000 bushels in dual purpose farm bins, and up to nearly 300,000 bushels in commercial bins. And you can choose from over,3oo models for farm storage, holding, and commercial storage. World’s most complete line of quality farm and commercial bins 1 j I want to know more about Tam Agri and your entire j j line of grain drying and grain handling equipment. J I NAME !ADDRESS 4cny_ j COUNTY I PHONE mucous membranes, rapid heart rate, weak pulse, generalized weakness, along with an ,un coordinated gait. Pregnant animals frequently abort. There is a characteristic chocolate discoloration of the blood. In severe cases death usually occurs within 12-24 hours. The animal frequently dies in convulsions. Death is due to the nitrate compound interfering with the blood’s oxygen carrying capacity, causing death by suffocation. Confirmation of the cause of death can be made by laboratory analysis of stomach contents. ZIP STATE WE'RE WORTH YOUR TIME Donald Yorlets Each one is built with the same BROCK quality, outstanding features, and exciting innovations that make BROCK bins the choice of grain producers everywhere. We have a special, 15-minute, free presentation and booklet that explains at least 50 reasons WHY BROCK SHOULD BE YOUR BIN. Just stop by, or call for your free showing. ■AM A3KDI)P Edgar Sheaffer blood urine, forages, or water for nitrate compounds. It should be noted that nitrate poisoning is unrelated to urea poisoning. Nitrate poisoning can occur at any tune of the year; however, it is more likely to occur at certain seasons. During the spring plan ting season, Ammonium Nitrate and Potassium Nitrate fertilizers are available and can cause nitrate poisoning if ingested. Also runoff from fertilized fields can contaminate drinking water resulting in nitrate poisoning. In the spring, immature green oats, barley, wheat, and rye hay, and R.D. 1 MOUNTAIN RD. DILLSBUR6, PA 17019 717-432-9738 Lancaster Farming, Saturday, July 24,1982—D13 sudan grass, corn or sorghum fodder may contain high nitrate levels. The plant nitrate content is largely influenced by soil con ditions: high soil nitrate content, acid soil, drought followed by moist soil conditions, and deceased light all favor accumulation of nitrates in forages. In the fall-of the year, runoff from silos is very high in nitrate compounds. Harvesting of Sudan grasses after frosting can result in Cyanide poisoning which, although completely unrelated can be confused with nitrate poisoning. ’l’hg rigjf Af mfroto noior«r,tnft be reduced by feeding high energy feeds along with nitrate containing forages. Ensiling nitrate forages is beneficial in reducing their nitrate content, the addition of Chlor tetracychne at the rate of 15 mg/pound of feed is helpful for approximately two weeks. Nitrate poisoning is treated by the intravenous injection of methylene blue at the rate of 10 mg/pound body weight for cattle. Mineral oil drenches are helpful in counteracting local irritation of the stomach as a result of the ingestion of these caustic compounds. THINK AHEAD... Read Futures Markets on Page 3. Intercourse WHEAT WANTED! EARLY CUT WHEAT FOR MANUFACTURING SN AVELY'S BEST NATURAL ALL PURPOSE FLOUR Light Soft & Lively Flour For Better Baking Cakes, Pies, Buns& Bread Milled From Natural Wheat Nothing Added No Waiting Fast Unloading and Drying SNAVEIY'S MILL, INC. 333 Snavely Mill Rd. Lititz. Pa. 17543 Ph: 717-626-6256 OF