MandTconstruct
Member
Wanting opinions on how to prevent grass tetanus in cattle.
[email protected]":2pyuoht6 said:I have used those in the past and like I said last year was the first time we have had any problem at all. It is a miserable way for a cow to die. The Hi MAG blocks were available to them I don't know why she didn't bother with it. I wonder if there is a magnesium shot available or something of that sort??
[email protected]":fgk70o16 said:That's what I meant to say, was mineral not the blocks we used the blocks years ago. I use stuff now with Triplex 4 in it year round it is supposed to have plenty of mag, but, as with anything it depends on how lazy the person was when they mixed it and how much they really give a darn about what they are doing.THNX
Primary cause of tetany is Mag deficiency. Usually characteristic of many cool season grasses (wheat, oats, ryegrass, etc.) is low mag and also high potassium. Potassium ties up mag and makes it less available to cow. Palatability is key for high mag mineral. Find one that is palatable and cows eat.S&K":2luc48j4 said:We were just looking up on tetany tonight, maybe this link will behelpful: http://www.agric.nsw.gov.au/reader/catt ... m#Symptoms (hope it works)
try a google search on grass tetany. We also just had our soil tested, and have a high Potassium level here. Apparently high P=low Mg in the forage-a risk factor. You can bet I will keep an eye on our cows! Never had a problem before, but this is a year for "Firsts".We overseeded clover last month, to get away from straight grass pastures, not going to fertilize N this spring, got mag blocks out, and maybe will mix our own as per some of the info I came across. Good luck!
aplusmnt":2se1fttd said:Which months do you think you need to use the high mag mineral on with fescue?
I keep Hi-Mag loose Minerals out year round, and have predominantly Fescue/OG Pastures. Never had a case of Grass Tetany. You want to use a Mag content of at least 14%.dun":32j8vypv said:aplusmnt":32j8vypv said:Which months do you think you need to use the high mag mineral on with fescue?
You generally want to start using it at least a month beforethe anticipated "spring flush". Occurs in different areas at different times. We usually start about mid february for this area.
dun
Thats right spring green ups can surprize you give or take a week or so getting plenty of mag in them early is the key too prevent grass tetanydun":1lj7z2uj said:aplusmnt":1lj7z2uj said:Which months do you think you need to use the high mag mineral on with fescue?
You generally want to start using it at least a month beforethe anticipated "spring flush". Occurs in different areas at different times. We usually start about mid february for this area.
dun