When in doubt, remember "dilution is the solution" when handling nitrate issues. The feedstuffs must be well mixed, removing the ability of the animals to sort feedstuffs. Mixing high nitrate feeds with grains is one of the best ways to dilute the nitrate levels because grain are high in starch, low in nitrate. High nitrate forages can also be mixed with low nitrate forages. The key is to know the nitrates in both forages/feedstuffs.
Make sure that you know what units they are expressing the nitrates in. The most common are Nitrate Nitrogen (NO3N) and Nitrates (NO3). The reason for this is that each differ in what the toxic level would be. If the measure of nitrates is Nitrate Nitrogen (NO3N) then the toxic level would be 2,200 ppm and if the measure is Nitrates (NO3) then the toxic level is 10,000 ppm.
So if the test you received has the nitrates expressed in Nitrates, then the feed is safe to feed. If the test you received has the nitrates expressed in Nitrate Nitrogen, then you need to dilute the nitrates to a safe level using a feed that is not high in nitrates such as grass hays, alfalfa, silage, or another feed. You could mix this feed in a 1:1 ratio or 1:2(milo hay) and it should be ok. Make sure the cattle are not hungry when you start them on this hay mixture.
If the milo stalks are for grazing, make sure the cattle are filled with hay before turning them out to graze the milo. The cattle will select the leaves before they will select the lower part of the stalk where the nitrates are located. Don't force them to graze the lower part of the stalk.
