Drought-stressed corn can be used for forage as green chop or silage, but since there's potential for nitrate toxicity, use green chop (or grazing) only when emergency feed is needed. For instance, say University of Minnesota Extension Service agronomists Dale Hicks and Paul Peterson, silage shouldn't be fed for at least three weeks after the silo has been filled. And nitrate testing is recommended, since fresh green-chopped corn will vary in nitrate level due to soil fertility, soil moisture and corn maturity. Symptoms of nitrite toxicity in animals are increased pulse rate, quickened respiration, heavy breathing, muscle tremble, weakness, staggered gait and blindness. If these symptoms occur, change the feed source.
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