Labs that test nitrates and prussic acid levels in forages

Last week I wrote about the potential for some forage toxicities and other problems that can develop in the fall of the year (for the full article go to https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2022-34/feeding-frosted-forages).  Specifically, high nitrates and prussic acid poisoning are the main potential concerns.

I mentioned that when in doubt regarding the safety to feed the forage, a forage sample can be sent to a lab to test for either nitrates or prussic acid levels in the forage.

Some of the labs that can provide nitrate and/or prussic acid testing in forages, that I am aware of, are listed in the table here. I called all these labs on October 10, 2022 to confirm which of the two tests they will perform on forages. There may be others, so call your favorite forage testing lab and ask if they perform the specific test you want on your forage.

It is also important to call the lab and ask for the guidelines regarding forage sample collection, handling, and shipping of the sample in order to maintain the integrity of the test you want to perform. This is especially important for the prussic acid test, since it is a gas and can dissipate quickly from a sample if not handled correctly, which could result in a false negative test.

Where to Test Forages for Nitrates and Prussic Acid (there probably are others not listed)