Printer Friendly
Email to a Friend
( KLZA) - Missouri agriculture officials are warning that cattle grazing on some drought-stressed plants are at risk of falling ill or even dying.
One issue is nitrate poisoning. The University of Missouri Extension says nitrate poisoning poses the biggest risk in pastures that contain sorghum sudan, millet and Johnsongrass.
Animals that eat nitrate-laden plants appear to be suffocating because nitrate poisoning inhibits the ability of blood to transport oxygen.
Nitrate is a naturally occurring form of nitrogen found in the soil. Normally, little nitrate accumulates in plants because they rapidly convert nitrate to amino acids and proteins. But when conditions are dry, the roots will take up nitrate faster than the plant can convert it.
Dry conditions also can lead to potentially toxic accumulations of prussic acid in plants such as sorghum.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Two arrested after Doniphan Co traffic stop
Seven arrested in Atchison drug investigation
Atchison man sentenced on child sex charge
Updated: Mayetta woman now accused of attempted murder
Two arrested after Jackson Co pursuit and manhunt
Atchison woman sentenced on charges in fatal crash
Atchison man facing drug-related charges in Jackson Co
Heavy rain contributed to wreck injuring one person
One killed, 3 injured in NW MO crash
Longtime Sabetha Fire Chief recognized for service
Atchison Co: Motorists reminded to use only hwy detours
Hiawatha City Commission sets fireworks dates, times
Child abuse arrest made in Pawnee County
Brown Co Appraiser re-appointed
Brownville under consideration for small modular nuclear reactor
St. Joseph Mo man injured after boat explodes
HCH CEO advocates for rural Medicare protections in D.C.
Extension district proposal fails to gain approval
LATEST STORIES
Extension district proposal fails to gain approval
Mayetta woman facing firearms, drug-related charges
Flags to fly at half-staff in honor of fallen deputy
Big Beautiful Bill discussed at Humboldt Town Hall meeting
Richardson County approves annual insurance package
Atchison man facing drug-related charges in Jackson Co
Updated: Mayetta woman now accused of attempted murder
Nominees sought to fill local judicial seat
Hiawatha, Ks 66434