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News Release 1-29-2001 |
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GRASS TETANY REMAINS A YEAR-ROUND THREAT The occurrence of grass tetany in cattle and sometimes sheep is influenced by many things. Among these factors are soil temperate, condition of the animal, magnesium content of the feed, lactation phase of the animal, and other related items. Magnesium is a critically important component of the blood required to ensure a healthy animal. When the magnesium level becomes too low, the animal becomes excitable, wild, falling, paddling and may die. The time lapse between onset and treatment is extremely important if the animal is to survive. Cool weather interferes with the forage uptake of magnesium from the soil. When the animal consumes large amounts of the forage, it will likely become affected. Cows that are nursing calves become unprotected from grass tetany, as milk production assists in further depleting the system of this element. Grass tetany develops quickly and is more severe when the animals are moved or undergo stressful conditions. Affected animals require immediate attention. This usually involves an intravenous injection of a magnesium and calcium solution. It is advisable for a veterinarian to administer the drug while simultaneously monitoring the heart's reactions. If too much is given too quickly, the animal will not survive. Grass tetany is usually preventable by providing the animal access to mineral blocks containing ample amounts of magnesium. In extremely critical cases, the producer may also wish to add supplemental magnesium in the form of magnesium oxide to the feed. Many farmers sprinkle the magnesium oxide on the hay. Two ounces per head, per day is considered sufficient. "With so much readily available fertilizer the state of fertility of many pastures is extremely high," said Agriculture Commissioner Gus R. Douglass. "Forage makes rapid growth in the absence of many important elements. Grass tetany becomes a year-round threat." Commissioner Douglass continued, "Prevention is easy and economical. But, when not followed quick action is necessary to save the animal. All forms of stressful action must be avoided. Professional care should be considered." Commissioner Douglass concluded by adding, "Unseasonably cold weather requires added calories in the animal's ration for its caloric intake to remain positive. Added calories means an increase in cost, but this pales in comparison to treating a sick animal." |
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©2001, 2002 West Virginia Department of Agriculture, All Rights Reserved |
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