However, concern should certainly be raised when plant growth has been less than half of normal or nitrogen application more than twice recommended. The occurrence of nitrate poisoning is difficult to predict because nitrate levels can change rapidly in plants and the toxicity of nitrate varies greatly among livestock due to prior exposure, age, health status, and diets.
Thus, when an animal dies from nitrate poisoning, it is due to a lack of oxygen. Nitrite then will be absorbed into the bloodstream and will convert hemoglobin to methemoglobin, which is unable to transport oxygen. Consequently, when higher than normal amounts of nitrate are consumed, an accumulation of nitrite may occur in the rumen. Nitrate is converted to nitrite faster than nitrite is converted to ammonia. Nitrate (NO 3) -> Nitrite (NO 2) -> Ammonia (NH 3) -> Amino Acid -> Protein Nitrate (NO 3) -> Nitrite (NO 2) -> Ammonia (NH 3) -> -–Bacterial Protein-– The steps of conversion in this process are as follows: Under normal conditions, nitrate ingested by ruminant livestock, like cattle, sheep and goats, is converted to ammonia and then bacterial protein in the rumen. Horses are much less sensitive to nitrate toxicity since they are hindgut ferments and do not have a rumen. Nitrate poisoning is a condition which may affect ruminants consuming certain forages or water that contains an excessive amount of nitrate. Nitrate Poisoning in Cattle, Sheep and Goatsīy Dan Undersander, Dave Combs, Randy Shaver,
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