By Jacque Day
Hopkinsville, Ky. – Farmers harvesting corn early for cattle feed this year might need to test it for nitrates. Because of recent drought conditions, corn can accumulate nitrate in the stalks and leaves of the plant. Murray State University's Breathitt Veterinary Center director Dr. Wade Northington says, even nitrate levels just barely above safe limits could impair growth and reproduction in livestock.
"If we do have farmers who may be thinking about cutting their corn for salvage, or even cutting and bailing it for cattle forage for the coming winter, to be sure to get that corn tested for nitrate levels, to be sure it is safe for feed."
Northington says, levels just slightly higher than normal could cause pregnant animals to miscarry. High enough levels can ultimately result in the death of the animal. Farmers wishing to have their corn tested can do so at the Breathitt Veterinary Center in Hopkinsville for a nominal fee.
Farmers who wish to have their corn tested can do so by bringing representative plants (the whole stalk, leaves and all) to the BVC at 715 North Drive in Hopkinsville. Turnaround time for results is two working days. Cost for the service is a $10 accession fee plus $10/sample, with payment due on submission to the lab. Veterinary referral is not necessary for forage testing. To contact the BVC, call (270) 886-3959.