Sulphur content in canola silage

[cowchecker]

Just loking for people with more experience than I, that are feeding canola silage. Lab tests show sulphur content is on the edge of safe. Any tips?

[monty]

There is a potential problem with high sulfur (sulfate) content in the diet, due to the destruction of thiamine (a B vitamin) in the rumen. This vitamin is NOT usually supplemented in cow rations due to the ability of the rumen bugs to produce it and pass it along to the cow.

Polioencephalomalacia is the technical term and some symptoms may include head pressing, grinding teeth, blindness.

The best thing to do is to mix down the canola silage with some other feedstuff (with a lower sulfer content) in the total ration such as another silage type or hay or straw or grain.

If polioencephalomalacia does occur, treating with thiamine followed by supplemental thiamine in the ration is possible

[get]

I suggest you also add a good quality 3:1 mineral to boost trace mineral content. The high sulpher content (and low calcium levels this year) may lead to sulphate tie-up.

[chalmers]

Copper, Selenium and thiamine could be potential difficiency issues with high sulphur content in canola silage. Also the form that the sulphur is in would make a difference on its toxicity. I think a chat with a good nutritionist might be your best course of action.

[cowchecker]

Thanks for the feedback.