ID-217: Forage-Related Disorders in Cattle: Nitrate Poisoning

Michelle Arnold, Jeff Lehmkuhler, Megan Romano, Ray Smith | Oct. 24, 2022 (Minor Revision)

Nitrates are natural constituents of all plants. Under normal conditions, plants take up nitrate through their roots and transport it to the leaves for use in photosynthesis. However, photosynthesis decreases under adverse environmental conditions (e.g., drought; leaf damage due to disease, hail, frost, insects, or herbicides; cool and cloudy weather; and other plant stressors). When photosynthesis is reduced, nitrate transportation to the leaves slows also. Potentially toxic nitrate concentrations can remain in the lower stalks and stems.

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ID-2: Guide to Plants of Kentucky Potentially Poisonous to Livestock

Michelle Arnold, J.D. Green, Megan Romano | Apr. 22, 2022 (Minor Revision)

Poisonous plants are responsible for considerable losses to farmers and stockmen in Kentucky. Many cases of plant poisoning are never diagnosed or even suspected. There are nearly 100 different species of plants growing in Kentucky that under certain conditions may be poisonous to livestock, although only one third of these are likely to cause serious trouble. The primary purpose of this publication is to enable individuals to recognize, at sight, some plants which are known to be dangerously poisonous, and to have knowledge of those additional plants, which, under certain conditions, may cause trouble.