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RAPP CHATS 2±lts?
COW DEATH loss due to grass tetany has already started showing up. There are several reasons to make us think this problem could be more severe this year. 1. Earlier and higher incidences of tetany already reported. 2. Later than normal grazing of blue and orchard grass pastures that have lost much of their nutrients. 3. Average lower quality of hay made this summer. Source of most of the following background information and recommendations were a recent telephone conversation with Dr. John Gerkin, V.P.I. Extension Animal Science Specialist. As a county agent in Clarke County in the early 1960’s, John was instrumental in the discovery and cause of grass tetany. He has since done intensive laboratory research on the subject and is probably one of the most knowledgeable men in the state on the tetany problem. Winer and early spring is the season when grass tetany usually occurs. The only difference between “winter” tetany and grass tetany is the time of year it occurs. Both are caused by a lower than normal or an inbalance of magnesium in the cow’s blood.
GRASS TETANY usually strikes cows in the first month or two after calving. However, death losses have been reported in cows in the later stage of pregnancy. - Older cows seem to be more susceptible than first calf heifers. Low levels of magnesium in winter feed and early pasture grass plus relatively high requirements for milk production for the calf seem to be the factor most responsible for bringing on tetany.
Characteristic 'symptoms are undue excitement, incoordination, loss of appetite, viciousness, staggering and faUing, twitching, labored heart beat; followed by coma, convulsions and death. The onset of the disturbance is rapid and losses are high so that prevention is most important.
Unlike Vitamin A, magnesium is not stored for long periods of time in the cow’s body. Excess amounts are flushed out of the cow’s system through normal excretion. Therefore, regularity of intake by the cow is more important than excessive amounts.
FOR PREVENTION Of grass tetany feed 1/2 ounce magnesium oxide daily during the critical tetany season. Feed as the only source of salt a mixture of 1/2 magnesium oxide and 1/2 salt. Put this mixture out several times a week so that it doesn’t become hard or “set-up.”
If cattle do not eat enough of the above mixture, try mixing 1/3 magensium oxide, 1/3 salt and 1/3 steamed bone meal.
If you have an emergency tetany problem call your veterinarian. He can save a high percentage of your cows, if called in time.
Follow through with a mixture of 1/3 magnesium oxide, T/3 salt and 1/3 diied molasses; or spread magnesium oxide at the rate of 1 to 2 ounces per 1 head -over corn silage until tetany danger is past. □
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