By Lacey Quail and Jake Galbreath et.al
Over 70% of North Dakota is currently experiencing some degree of drought. Producers are reporting that livestock water sources are drying up across much of the state or reaching toxic levels of total dissolved solids and sulfates. These conditions have prompted many livestock producers to supplement water to mitigate issues with water quality and/or availability.
“While they may be convenient, using tanks to haul or supplement water that have previously been used to haul fertilizer or pesticides poses a serious poison risk to cattle, sheep and goats,” says Lacey Quail, North Dakota State University Extension livestock management specialist.
Urea or nitrogen is often a major component of commercial fertilizers. As a part of normal digestion in ruminants, microbes convert urea and nitrogen to ammonia, which is used to make protein; however, excess ammonia produced by a sudden increase in intake is absorbed and quickly becomes toxic.
“Clinical signs of ammonia toxicosis can occur in as little as 20 minutes postexposure in cattle,” says Dr. Jake Galbreath, NDSU Extension veterinarian.
These signs can include muscle tremors (particularly in the face and ears), abdominal pain, frothy salivation, frequent urination and teeth grinding. This can progress to incoordination, weakness, seizures and respiratory distress. Affected cattle can become agitated and aggressive. Sheep will usually appear depressed. Death usually occurs within two hours in cattle and four hours in sheep. Insecticide poisoning can cause similar signs in cattle, depending on the chemical. Cholinergic signs (salivation, watery eyes, urination and diarrhea) may also be present.
Source : ndsu.edu