Nitrites and Nitrates in pastures: A risk for livestock

Nitrates and nitrites are nitrogenous compounds that occur naturally in the soil and can accumulate on plants, especially grasses. Although they are essential nutrients for plant growth, in high concentrations they can be toxic to livestock.The accumulation of nitrates in grasses can be favored by various factors such as excessive nitrogen fertilization, since an excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers increases the concentration of nitrates in the soil and, therefore, in plants. Also adverse climatic conditions such as prolonged droughts, followed by intense rains, can favor the accumulation of nitrates in plants. also the grass species, because some grass species are more prone to accumulate nitrates than others, such as those of the genus brachiaria.

In the same vein, it is necessary to mention that, when cattle consume pastures with high concentrations of nitrates, these are converted into nitrites in the rumen (stomach compartment). According to what was reported by contexto ganadero (2016), nitrites, in turn, are transformed into methemoglobin, a form of hemoglobin incapable of transporting oxygen, this causes a decrease in oxygen transport to the tissues, which can lead to the death of the animal.

The symptoms of nitrate and nitrite poisoning in livestock can vary, but generally the producer or veterinarian can observe accelerated breathing and panting in the animal, bluish coloration of the mucous membranes, eyes, gums and tongue present a bluish color due to the lack of oxygen in the blood, animals may show weakness and difficulty moving, severe cases, convulsions may occur and in extreme cases death can occur quickly and without previous symptoms.

Dear readers, if nitrate and nitrite poisoning is suspected, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately, treatment usually consists of the administration of methylene blue, an agent that helps convert methemoglobin into hemoglobin.In summary, nitrate and nitrite poisoning in livestock is a serious problem that can cause significant economic losses, proper pasture management and fertilization, as well as constant monitoring of animals, are fundamental to prevent this condition.