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Question of The Week:
Q: What is Grass Tetany?
A: Grass tetany is the result of low magnesium levels in the blood serum of cattle. This is a direct result of cattle grazing on forages low in magnesium. Fall-seeded small grains such as oats, wheat, rye and ryegrass are poor accumulators of magnesium and are most often the pastures where tetany occurs.
Grass tetany is often a problem when there is a cool, wet spell. A sudden rise of temperature following a cool spell increases the danger of an outbreak. The chances of tetany are increased on pastures high in nitrogen and potash and low in magnesium. After the average temperature remains about 57º F for six consecutive days, the danger from tetany decreases.
Symptoms of Grass Tetany. Grass tetany is usually confined to females and is more prominent in older animals. Cows that have recently calved and are heavy milkers are especially susceptible.The first symptom may be a dead cow, but earlier symptoms include nervousness, lack of coordination, muscular spasms, staggering, etc., and the animal will collapse and go into convulsions.
Preventing Grass Tetany. Do not take chances with grass tetany, especially where you have had a history of tetany problems. Feed mineral supplements that contain high levels of magnesium during the high-risk periods. Also, when turning cattle onto fresh, lush pastures for the first time, let them eat a fill of hay first. Check cattle several times each day, especially the heavy-milking cows, and if symptoms develop, call your veterinarian immediately for a definite diagnosis and proper individual cow treatment. Delay or improper treatment may cause unnecessary losses. When cattle reach the coma stage, chance of recovery is slight.