:: neighborly advice

Preventing Grass Tetany

Spring has arrived. So has green grass, which means it time for magnesium to prevent grass tetany in your cattle. Veterinary texts define grass tetany as a deficiency of magnesium (Mg). Magnesium is closely related to calcium and phosphorus in its dispersion and functions within cattle. Most of the body's magnesium is found in bone and muscle.

Did you now that it has been estimated from meetings with Rural Lands Protection Boards that annual cattle losses due to grass tetany are $3-$5. (Rural Lands Protection Board survey 1993-94). The disorder is prevalent on the northern, central and southern tablelands and slopes, but it has also occurred elsewhere.

Grass tetany, which is characterized by low magnesium in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. It typically occurs in lactating cattle either grazing lush, spring pasture high in potassium and low in calcium and magnesium or those fed harvested forages low in magnesium.

The incidence of grass tetany increases in cattle grazing in early season pastures where nitrogen and potassium has been applied. Although forages contain about twice as much magnesium as cereal grains, its content depends on plant species, soil magnesium, stage of growth, season and environment.

Both magnesium oxide and magnesium sulfate are good sources of supplemental magnesium. The Mercantile has a good supply of our new Hi-Mag mineral on hand. Your cattle should consume 4 to 6 ounces per head per day.

For more information these links provide excellent information regarding grass tetany:

Grass Tetany

http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/lvstk2/MF976.PDF

http://www.caf.wvu.edu/~forage/3216.htm

Grass Tetany

http://www.soilandhealth.org/01aglibrary/010106voisin/010106frames.html