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Livestock Supplements |
Preventing Grass Tetany
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Kay
Dee Feed NEWS |
| Cody Wright, Extension Beef Specialist, South
Dakota State University |
Lush, green, rapidly growing grasses
present a considerable risk for grass tetany, regardless of season. The
combination of high potassium and low magnesium and calcium in these forages
is thought to be the primary cause of grass tetany. Because of the increased
forage production and growth rate, cattle grazing fertilized pastures are
generally at higher risk. Legume pastures and legume hay are good sources of
magnesium and calcium and are generally not a concern for grass tetany.
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The most effective management strategy to address grass tetany is to
prevent it. Prevention can be accomplished several ways. One method to
minimize the risk of grass tetany is to delay turnout until the forage is
past the rapid growth stage. Delaying turnout will not only help reduce the
risk of grass tetany, but it can also be beneficial to the range or pasture.
Unfortunately, this may not be practical for some producers.
A more common management strategy to prevent grass tetany involves
supplementing magnesium while the cattle are grazing higher risk forages.
Cattle should receive at least 0.5 to 2 ounces of supplemental magnesium per
head per day to prevent tetany. Magnesium is not effectively stored in the
body so supplementation prior to the grazing period is not an effective
prevention strategy.
The most practical means of supplementing magnesium under range or
pasture conditions is through a high magnesium block, tub or mineral mix.
Supplemental magnesium can also be added in combination with a protein
supplement, silage, or a liquid. Because of the low palatability of
magnesium supplements, care should be taken to insure that the cattle are
consuming adequate levels of the supplement. If they do not consume adequate
levels of magnesium from a free-choice mineral mix, the supplemental
magnesium should be combined with a more palatable feed (molasses,
distillers grain, soybean meal) to help drive consumption.
Regardless of the prevention strategy utilized, cattle should be observed
at least twice per day when they are first turned out on spring pasture.
There are some signs that indicate grass tetany, however, the first sign is
usually a dead animal. Animals with grass tetany frequently stop grazing and
appear nervous or high-headed. They will likely respond quickly and
erratically to the slightest stimulus. As the condition advances, they may
begin to stagger or experience twitching of the skin, followed by stiffening
of the muscles and violent jerking convulsions with their head pulled back.
They may also lie down and "pedal" with their legs and chew to the point of
frothing at the mouth. If the convulsions subside, the animal may appear
more relaxed. However, noises or touching of the animal, even to administer
a treatment, may result in violent reactions.
If an animal is suspected of having grass tetany, time is of the essence.
A veterinarian should be contacted immediately to administer a magnesium
solution intravenously. Frequently treatment can be given in range
conditions. The response to treatment depends heavily upon how advanced the
condition is at the time of administration.
Grass tetany is a potentially deadly condition in beef cattle. However,
control and prevention can be accomplished quite easily with management and
supplementation. For more information on control and prevention strategies,
contact your local Cooperative Extension Office or veterinarian. |
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