Prepare for the Grass Tetany Season
Livestock Update, March 1997
Ike Eller, Animal and Poultry Sciences
PREPARE FOR GRASS TETANY SEASON - There is always concern for the prevention of grass tetany, particularly in early spring and late fall when lush pastures are available. Grass tetany is a condition brought about by an imbalance of electrolytes and lack of magnesium in the animals system. Animals do not store magnesium in bones as they do other minerals. Magnesium is stored in the soft tissues and must be ingested on a daily basis. Cattle more apt to be affected with grass tetany are older cows after they have calved. To guard against grass tetany problems, utilize a mineral mix containing magnesium. If you use a commercial mineral mix, be sure it contains at least 12% magnesium. For a homemade mix, use equal parts by weight of trace mineralized salt, dicalcium phosphate, magnesium oxide and soybean meal or another feed such as dried molasses or finely ground shelled corn to make the mix palatable. Many producers keep cow herds on magnesium containing supplements throughout the year. Check your minerals and be sure your herd is protected during late winter and spring.