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Restriction in Rice Straw Used for Livestock Feed
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By Heather Dye, Jack Williams, and Glenn Nader
Recent interest in utilizing rice straw for feed has introduced questions about the types of chemicals applied to rice and any feeding restrictions. Some rice pesticide labels do limit or prohibit straw use for livestock. They range from an eight-week withdrawal time to not using the feed for livestock. The rice grain is approved for consumption, but due to the absence of data on straw many chemicals are not approved. Both sellers and buyers need to be aware of these label restrictions. The labels are the governing document for the legal use of agricultural products. The chart on the following page summarizes the present label statements for grazing and feeding rice straw. Rice pesticides that are not included do not contain statements restricting use of straw for livestock.
The chemical companies have been contacted to determine the reason for the label restrictions. The results are as follows:
6 lb. Sodium Chlorate (Helena)
Results pending from the EPA
Defol 5 and 6w (Drexel)
This restriction is carried over from an earlier label and further research needs to be done on the 14 day restriction.
Harvest Aid Liquid (Wilbur-Ellis)
A representative said that the desiccant should not be a problem because it will have already been absorbed and reacted within the weeds and gone within the 14 day restriction period.
Furadan 5G (FMC)
Rice straw from crops receiving a pre-flood or pre-plant application may be fed to livestock. If postflood/postplant treatment has been made, do not use straw for food or feed. Residue studies have not been conducted on the postflood/postplant treatments.
Glyphosate (Honcho, Rattler, Roundup, Glyfos)
The labeled eight-week prohibited use of feeding rice straw after application of glyphosate is due to an absence of metabolic and residue studies. There are no known direct toxicological affects of glyphosate. Roundup Ultra is labeled for use on alfalfa, to be applied prior to the last cutting and before rotation to another crop. Alfalfa treated as such, can be fed after 36 hours. There is one indirect toxicological affect of Roundup being applied to quackgrass. The plant creates allopathic compounds that last while the tissue is still green.
Prowl (Cyanamid)
Metabolic and residue studies have not been conducted. There are no known toxicological affects of feeding rice straw that has been treated with Prowl.
Whip (AgroEvo)
Metabolic and residue studies have not been conducted. There are no known toxicological affects of feeding rice straw that has been treated with Whip.