Why is this research important for Alberta ag?
Nitrate levels in plant fluctuate depending on environmental factors and increase dramatically in the presence of stressors such as drought, hail, or frost. Nitrate levels exceeding 0.5% of DM are toxic to ruminants, particularly sheep and cattle, as these levels are commonly observed in drought conditions such as those being experienced in western Canada. Nitrate toxicity can cause several chronic symptoms such as reduction in weight gain, depressed appetite, greater susceptibility to infections, and in extreme cases, lead to abortions and death.
To reduce the risk of nitrate poisoning, producers are advices to test forages for nitrate concentrations before feeding it to livestock. Traditional protocols for nitrate testing require sending samples to laboratories for chemical analysis, which generally takes about three days. In times of reduce forage availability, this waiting period contributes to the stress livestock producers face when sourcing feed. Coupled with perceived high costs associated with lab analysis, producers are reluctant to test for nitrate concentration.
To increase uptake of forage nitrate testing by Alberta producers, protocols must be practical, rapid, inexpensive, and reasonably accurate. Currently, there are a few rapid in-field testing methods available for forage nitrates in North America, including strip tests and NECi Nitrate Kits and Cardy nitrate meters. While these tests are promising and offer quicker results, adoption is still low.
This project will assess and validate the accuracy of the NECi Nitrate Test Kit and the Cardy Nitrate Meter for the on-site measurement of nitrate concentrations in forages, and promote knowledge and technology transfer to disseminate the use of these rapid tests by Alberta producers.
What benefits can producers expect from this research?
Upon completion of this project, researchers will be able to provide valuable information to livestock producers regarding the accuracy and applicability of innovative and advanced in-field methods of rapid nitrate testing. This will ideally raise adoption levels so producers will become more comfortable accessing and performing rapid testing methods.
By potentially lowering the production and health losses associated with nitrate toxicity, consequential reductions in economic losses in livestock are anticipated.
Funded in part by the Government of Canada under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.