grass tetany or bloat?

[LuckyLegs]

I am getting ready to let my pregnant cow (due in June) out into a 1.5 acre pasture where I have planted some winter rye grass - it is tall and green. Only about 10% section is planted, the rest is dormant winter grass just starting to turn green. Currently she is in a pen and has available at all times free choice hay, a molasses protein tub, all-purpose mineral lick, and fresh water.

I am concerned when I let her our she could get bloat/tetany? I have been searching the boards for a definitive answer and I see conflicting answers - some say tetany, and others bloat. I have both a bloat guard block and a Hi-Mag mineral on the shelf in the barn, just not sure what to put out, and for how long. Maybe I am being overly cautions, but I hate to loose a cow when I could easily safeguard myself.

Thanks

 

[dun]

Could get either. Have a bloat block available and start her on hi-mag minerals for a week or 2 before you turn her in. The hi-mag will address the tetany and the bloat block with address the bloat issue

 

[dyates]

Pull the protein tub out and give her the hi-mag.

 

[TexasBred]

Limit her grazing time on that rye grass as well. A couple of hours per day should be plenty then let her finish filling up on hay.

 

[Fred]

I've never had bloat problems with any cows on ryegrass. Keep the hi-mag mineral out for grass tetany and give her access to the hay.

 

[CSM]

I never use high mag unless the cows are producing milk.

CSM

 

[TheBullLady]

I've never had either problem on rye grass either. Clover or johnson grass yes, but never rye.

As suggested, you could limit her access to start out. I would also suggest filling her with hay before you let her out initially.