Abstract:
A feed composition designed to prevent grass tetany in livestock. Neutral or acidic magnesium salts are completely dissolved in a liquid energy source to provide readily available magnesium ions which, when ingested, increase blood serum magnesium levels in the animal sufficient to avert hypomagnesemia. The liquid energy source is selected from a group of materials which are immediately absorbed from the alimentary canal without the necessity of undergoing digestion. Thus, the feed supplement provides an instantly available source of both magnesium and energy, which combination acts to prevent grass tetany in livestock.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to livestock feed compositions and more particularly to a feed composition designed to avert grass tetany in livestock. The feed composition is a stable solution of magnesium salts completely dissolved in a liquid energy source. The liquid feed supplement may be made available to the animals in appropriately located lick wheel feeders or other convenient liquid feed dispensing devices. 
     Grass tetany, also known as grass staggers, wheat pasture poisoning and downer syndrome, has long been a problem of magnitude in grass-fed cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and swine. Nutritional tetany is a useful, correct term for several disorders in livestock which are characterized by hypomagnesemia. Hypomagnesemia results in tonic and clonic muscular contractions and sudden death of the animal. Fibrillary twitchings of the muscles are followed by either a sustained contraction of muscles or jerking muscular contractions. The cardiac muscle also displays hyperirritability. Breathing becomes rapid and noisy, salivation may occur; and death follows either through spasm of the thoracic or cardiac muscles, or both. 
     Livestock grazing rapidly growing grasses are highly susceptible to grass tetany. Such grasses are usually low in magnesium and low in available carbohydrates; sucrose, fructose, glucose and other hexoses; but high in potassium. 
     The cause of tetany is not completely understood. Studies have indicated conflicting reports on the nutritional status of the affected animals. Aside from the deficiency of magnesium it has been suggested that other factors contribute to the disorder. Among these factors are low intakes of soluble carbohydrates, energy or dry matter; and high intakes of non-protein nitrogen, potassium, and transaconitate. Further, low levels of manganese, cobalt, phosphorus, sulfate, citrate and possibly other trace minerals contribute to the disorder. 
     It is well known that the onset of grass tetany in grass fed animals is due to a sudden fall in the level of magnesium ions in the blood stream; hence, the name hypomagnesemia. Although many factors are thought to contribute to the onset of tetany, the control of magnesium metabolism appears to be the primary issue. Hypomagnesemia is the first sign of the metabolic disorder and the whole problem can be eliminated by providing high levels of dietary megnesium which obviates the need for homostatic control. 
     To avert tetany in grass fed cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and swine, the animals must consume sufficient amounts of magnesium to maintain 2 to 3 milligrams of magnesium per 100 milliliters of blood serum. Attempts have been made to provide the necessary magnesium to grazing animals via magnesium compounds fed as loose minerals; or magnesium compounds mixed with solid feedstuffs, mixed with the drinking water, incorporated in salt blocks, and mixed with molasses. 
     Feeding magnesium compounds as loose minerals has not proved successful in averting tetany. Although feeding magnesium compounds in this manner can reduce the incidence of grass tetany, animals will not voluntarily consume sufficient amounts to alleviate the symptoms of hypomagnesemia. It has been suggested that animals refuse the magnesium compounds since they are highly unpalatable. Magnesium carbonate and magnesium oxide are only slightly soluble in saliva and do not readily ionize so that the animal is unable to detect the presence of magnesium. Magnesium acetate, magnesium chloride, and magnesium sulfate are hygroscopic, become solutions which either intermingle with other mineral components or leak from their container. Since these compounds are unstable, they are unsatisfactory. 
     In order to overcome the problems associated with feeding magnesium compounds as loose minerals, magnesium compounds have been admixed with solid feedstuffs, such as corn. This approach has also proved unsatisfactory for various reasons. 
     Due to the difference in the particle size of the magnesium compounds and the solid feed, there is a segregation of materials. Since a homogenous mixture cannot be maintained, some portions of the feed are rich in magnesium while other portions are deficient. Thus, the animals intake of needed magnesium in unpredictable. 
     Further, admixing magnesium with solid feed is costly both in terms of needed labor and in terms of material costs. High labor costs result due to the necessity of daily hand feeding, making this approach unfeasible under range conditions. Also, it is felt that the animals&#39; consumption of the mixture is dictated by the desire for the solid feedstuff, such as corn rather than their need for magnesium. 
     Common practice has been to mix magnesium oxide in grain and transport sufficient quantities of the mixture to grazing animals daily when, in the mind of the feeder, grass tetany became imminent, or when one or more of the animals have succumbed. This practice is costly in terms of the grain and labor used; and justification for these high costs is based on either speculation as to the need, or a desperate attempt to minimize losses. It has become obvious that a more systematic, manageable approach is needed. 
     Attempts to incorporate magnesium compounds into block form, generally with salt, have met with little success. The problems associated with feeding loose minerals also apply to this approach. Either the block is unpalatable, unstable, or the block is consumed based on the animals&#39; desire for a component other than magnesium. 
     Addition of magnesium compounds to the animal&#39;s drinking water has met with some success in averting tetany. However, this approach requires that the animals have access only to the treated water, a requirement that is often unfeasible under range conditions. Further, it has been observed that the compounds precipitate from solution under range conditions and become unavailable to the animals. 
     Feeding of a mixture of magnesium compounds and molasses has been known for some time. This method is not practical, however, since molasses is a product of commerce which varies widely, frequently being very high in potassium. Potassium, when fed with grasses also high in potassium, contributes to grass tetany since it restricts the absorption of magnesium into the blood stream. 
     Further, it has been demonstrated that the intake of the molasses mixture is controlled by the animals&#39; desire for molasses. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,794,740, Achorn uses an overfeeding preventative such as ammonium sulfate or sodium chloride in a molasses containing feed supplement, which acts as a governor on the animals&#39; appetite. (It should be noted, however, that ammonium per se, being alkaline, slows the absorption of magnesium into the blood stream). 
     While molasses is sometimes considered an energy source, the contained disaccharide must be inverted before it is available for absorption by the blood stream. The sucrose contained in the molasses must be digested in the alimentary canal, or inverted, to produce glucose and fructose before it can be absorbed into the blood stream where energy yielding compounds are needed. The low energy condition, thought to be a factor in tetany, is, therefore, not immediately overcome by the ingestion of molasses. Due to the time lag associated with digestion, molasses does not provide a readily available energy source. 
     Those concerned with the control of grass tetany and other magnesium dificiency related conditions recognize that the existing methods of control are inadequate. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention is a feed supplement designed to avert hypomagnesemia and subsequent tetany in domestic livestock. Study of the various parameters leading to the clinical manifestation of tetany discloses a relationship signaling a better preventative than the feeding of magnesium alone. This invention was formulated based on the premise that carbohydrate, or energy deficits, and excessive potassium levels in the ration contribute to tetany. 
     The feed supplement of this invention contains a liquid energy source which is recognizable by the animal; and which is immediately absorbed from the alimentary canal without the necessity of undergoing digestion, as is necessary with grain or molasses. The liquid energy source also serves as a solvent in which magnesium salts are completely dissolved. Also, the composition is substantially free of other conflicting ions, such as potassium. In one embodiment of the invention water is added to the solution to provide a suitable viscosity so that the composition will adhere to the wheel of a lick tank. 
     This invention depicts a novel and unexpected method of supplying animals with instantly available magnesium ions from magnesium compounds which are slightly acidic in nature or which contribute to an acidic pH, particularly in the alimentary canal. Magnesium salts are dissolved in a liquid source of energy to form the composition. The animal can, therefore, partake of its needs according to the dictates of its internal system; thus, having of its own free will even a therapeutic dose of available magnesium and avoiding the dangers of tetany and allied symptoms. Further, the composition is stable; thus, it can be positioned on pasture or range for long periods without the necessity of daily attention by the feeder. 
     The feed composition of this invention provides grass fed cattle, sheep, goats, horses and swine with a stable, readily available source of magnesium which they consume free choice in amounts sufficient to maintain blood magnesium levels of 2 to 3 milligrams of magnesium per hundred millimeters of blood serum. Thus, tetany is averted and the need of daily transportation of a magnesium source to the field is eliminated. Other attempts along this line have failed. 
     Unexpectedly, the simultaneous provision of immediate and highly available sources of both energy and magnesium ions, in a field stable composition, induces animals to consume sufficient magnesium on a self-fed basis to avert grass tetany. Heretofore, animals consumed sufficient magnesium only when the magnesium compound had been mixed with grain or molasses. Since the energy source need not be digested before being absorbed into the blood stream, the needed nutrients are readily available. The availability of the needed nutrients is comparable to the injection of needed substances into the blood stream with a hypodermic needle. The substance can be used immediately in intermediate metabolism, but are consumed free choice orally. 
     This invention involves the use of a liquid form of energy in which magnesium compounds, being in the nature of weak electrolytes, and being perferrably acidic, are dissolved to the extent of their solubility. 
     Where the viscosity of the composition must be controlled, such as where the composition is fed from a lick tank, sufficient viscosity is given to the composition by the addition of water. The combination of ingredients in these compositions, including water, produces the necessary viscosity for this purpose. 
     It is the lack of magnesium ions in the blood stream which causes hyperirritability of neuromascular tissue and the resulting convulsions associated with tetany. Normally, the magnesium level in the blood serum is two to three milligrams of magnesium per 100 milliliters of blood serum; and 80 percent of this magnesium is ionized and diffusible, the remainder perhaps being bound to protein. The magnesium in bone is in the form of a compound not readily available for instant reabsorption by the blood. The blood system bathes cardiac and skelatal muscle as well as that part of the nervous system ennervating these muscles. Magnesium ions are needed for the propogation of nerve impulses and normal muscle contractions; the muscle tissue normally containing 21 milligram percent magnesium. 
     Most importantly, magnesium is also needed for the utilization of carbohydrates in intermediate metabolism. The composition of this invention supplies both energy and magnesium which work in a synergestic manner to avert tetany. While energy is frequently low in tetany causing grasses, the use of those carbohydrates available may well be impaired by the very absence of magesium ions. Hence, the animal has two related needs satisfied, the effects of the individual sources of magnesium ions and energy being greater when supplied together than the sum of the two when supplied separately. 
     Both the energy source and the magnesium are immediately absorbed from the animals alimentary canal without the necessity of undergoing digestion as in the case of the classical grain or molasses mixed together with the magnesium compound. Because the composition employs a weak electrolyte, such as magnesium acetate, the composition furnishes magnesium ions to the blood stream immediately upon absorption. 
     Tetany producing grasses are frequently high in potassium. The use of acidic salts of magnesium not only aids a rapid absorption of ions into the blood stream, but also helps to combat the alkalinity of grasses. Magnesium compounds suitable for use in the composition of this invention include, but are not limited to, magnesium acetate, magnesium acetylsalicylate, magnesium biphosphate, magnesium bisulfate, magnesium butyrate, magnesium chloride, magnesium citrate, magnesium lactate, magnesium monophosphate, magnesium oleate, magnesium propionate, magnesium salicylate, magnesium sulfate, magnesium thiosulfate, magnesium valerate, and hydrates of these magnesium compounds. An acidic composition also increases the palatability of the prophylactic composition, since it provides the animal with a method of adjusting the pH in the alimentary canal. In this respect, the composition is far superior to molasses, which is frequently high in potassium and calcium. 
     Liquid energy sources suitable for use in the composition include, but are not limited to, propylene glycol, ethanol, normal propanol and glycerol. Glycerol is the least desirable of these energy sources, because it is product of fat metabolism; however, it is still considered a good source of immediate energy. Propylene glycol on oxidation yields acetic and pyruvic acids, which not only help to counteract the alkaline nature of tetany producing grasses, but the pyruvic acids enters the carbohydrate cycle of oxidation in the blood stream helping the animal overcome its energy deficiency. 
     In mammalian intermediate metabolism glucose yields its energy to cells through complicated pathways. One such path is called the TCA or tricarboxylic acid cycle. Pyruvic acid, from blood sugar either directly absorbed or created in the liver by gluconeogenesis, is a step in the process. In intermediate metabolism, propylene glycol is even a step ahead of glucose. Acetic acid also enters the TCA pathway. 
     Magnesium acetate, when dissolved in water, yields magnesium ions and acetic acid, a relatively weak energy source. However, the animal will not voluntarily consume the solution alone because of the unpalatability. Thus, it was unexpected that animals would voluntarily consume the composition of this invention, which contains magnesium ions in a readily available energy source. 
     An object of the present invention is the provision of a feed supplement which simultaneously provides magnesium ions and energy in an instantly available form. 
     Another object is to provide a feed supplement for averting tetany which will be voluntarily consumed by animals on a free choice basis. 
     A further object of the invention is the provision of the feed supplement for averting tetany which is convenient and economical to use under range conditions. 
     Still another object is to provide a feed composition effective to avert tetany which is stable and continuously available to the animals under range conditions. 
     A still further object of the present invention is to provide a feed supplement effective to avert tetany which does not require daily attention of the feeder. 
     Another object is to provide a feed supplement to avert tetany which is suitable for use in a lick wheel feeder. 
     Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying examples. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The following specific examples will serve to illustrate the invention. In all cases the liquid feed supplement provides sufficient magnesium ions to avert tetany in grass fed animals. The compositions are stable under range conditions, remaining in solution for extended periods of time and remaining fluid at 0° F. 
     EXAMPLE 1 
     A liquid feed supplement was prepared having the following composition. 
     
         ______________________________________Ingredient         Weight %  Weight in lbs.______________________________________Magnesium acetate quadrahydrate              18.3      0.29Magnesium chloride hexahydrate              18.3      0.29Propylene glycol   31.7      0.50Water              31.7      0.50              100.0     1.58______________________________________ 
    
     The magnesium salts were completed dissolved in the propylene glycol-water solution by heating to 66° C. In this composition the viscosity is such that the composition will adhere to the wheel of a lick tank. The composition did not separate nor freeze at 0° F. when placed in the field for four weeks. 
     The composition prepared by the method described above contains magnesium salts added to the extent of their solubility. The dissociated magnesium ions are present in the composition in a concentration equivalent to approximately 4 percent by weight; thus, one pound of supplement ingested provides the animal with approximately 18 grams of available magnesium ions. One pound of the supplement consumed daily would provide 18 grams of magnesium, a therapeutic dose for large animals, such as cattle. One half pound of the supplement consumed daily would provide 9 grams of magnesium, a prophylactic dose for large animals and a therapeutic dose for small animals, such as sheep. 
     Propylene glycol has long been recognized as a fast, rich energy source and a preventative for ketosis (impaired fat metabolism in absence of glucose). Therefore, the magnesium and the propylene glycol are synergistic in their action to avert tetany. 
     The formula has been fed free-choice to cattle and prevents grass tetany and sub-clinical magnesium deficiencies and imbalances that occur due to variations in the mineral composition of feedstuffs and plants. The formula provides a unique combination of a soluble and palatable source of magnesium in an energy rich solution. 
     EXAMPLE 2 
     It is anticipated that the following composition would be efficient in preventing grass tetany and allied symptoms in livestock. Sufficient viscosity should be produced by the addition of water, as compared with Examples 11 through 21 to allow the composition to adhere to the wheel of a lick feeder. 
     
         ______________________________________Ingredient          Weight %  Weight in Lbs______________________________________Magnesium acetate quadrahydrate               35.0      1.05*Ethanol (SDA 35A)  35.0      1.05Water               30.0      .90               100.0     3.00______________________________________ *Specially denatured SDA 35A U.S. Treasury Department 
    
     The anticipated composition would contain 3.9 percent by weight magnesium ions; thus, one-half pound of the mixture would provide 8.8 grams of magnesium. The composition would be slightly acidic in nature. 
     EXAMPLE 3 
     It is anticipated that the following composition would be efficient in preventing grass tetany and allied symptoms in livestock. Sufficient viscosity should be produced by the addition of water, as compared with examples 11 through 21, to allow the composition to adhere to the wheel of a lick feeder. 
     
         ______________________________________Ingredient        Weight %   Weight in Lbs______________________________________Magnesium acetylsalicylate             15.0       .45Magnesium biphosphate             35.0       1.05Propylene glycol  30.0       .90Water             20.0       .60             100.0      3.00______________________________________ 
    
     The anticipated composition would contain 4 percent by weight magnesium ions; thus, one-half pound of the mixture would provide 9 grams of magnesium. The composition would be slightly acidic in nature. 
     EXAMPLE 4 
     It is anticipated that the following composition would be efficient in preventing grass tetany and allied symptoms in livestock. Sufficient viscosity should be produced by the addition of water, to allow the composition to adhere to the wheel of a lick feeder. 
     
         ______________________________________Ingredient          Weight %  Weight in Lbs______________________________________Magnesium chloride hexahydrate               30.0      .90Magnesium bisulfate 15.0      .45Ethanol (SDA 35A)   20.0      .60Propylene glycol    20.0      .60Water               15.0      .45               100.0     3.00______________________________________ 
    
     The anticipated composition would contain 5.2 percent by weight magnesium ions; thus, one-half pound of the mixture would provide 11.7 grams of magnesium ions. The composition would be slightly acidic in nature. 
     EXAMPLE 5 
     It is anticipated that the following composition would be efficient in preventing grass tetany and allied symptoms in livestock. Sufficient viscosity should be produced by the addition of water, to allow the composition to adhere to the wheel of a lick feeder. 
     
         ______________________________________Ingredient      Weight %    Weight in Lbs______________________________________Magnesium butyrate           30.0        .90Magnesium oleate           10.0        .30propylene glycol           30.0        .90glycerol        15.0        .45water           15.0        .45           100.0       3.00______________________________________ 
    
     The anticipated composition would contain 3.2 percent by weight magnesium ions; thus, one-half pound of the mixture would provide 7.2 grams of magnesium ions. The composition would be neutral to slightly acidic in nature. 
     EXAMPLE 6 
     It is anticipated that the following composition would be efficient in preventing grass tetany and allied symptoms in livestock. Sufficient viscosity should be produced by the addition of water, to allow the composition to adhere to the wheel of a lick feeder. 
     
         ______________________________________Ingredient          Weight %  Weight in Lbs______________________________________Magnesium chloride hexahydrate               18.5      .555Magnesium acetate quadrahydrate               18.5      .555n-propanol          30.0      .900propylene glycol    32.0      .960water               1.0       .030               100.0     3.000______________________________________ 
    
     The anticipated composition would contain 4.3 percent by weight magnesium ions; thus, one-half pound of the mixture would provide 9.7 grams of magnesium ions. The composition would be slightly acidic in nature. 
     EXAMPLE 7 
     It is anticipated that the following composition would be efficient in preventing grass tetany and allied symptoms in livestock. Sufficient viscosity should be produced by the addition of water to allow the composition to adhere to the wheel of a lick feeder. 
     
         ______________________________________Ingredient      Weight %    Weight in Lbs______________________________________Magnesium propionate           28.0        .84n-propanol      30.0        .90glycerol        10.0        .30water           32.0        .96           100.0       3.00______________________________________ 
    
     The anticipated composition would contain 3.5 percent by weight magnesium ions; thus, one-half pound of the mixture would provide 7.9 grams of magnesium ions. The composition would be slightly acidic in nature. 
     EXAMPLE 8 
     It is anticipated that the following composition would be efficient in preventing grass tetany and allied symptoms in livestock. Sufficient viscosity should be produced by the addition of water to allow the composition to adhere to the wheel of a lick feeder. 
     
         ______________________________________Ingredient      Weight %    Weight in Lbs______________________________________Magnesium citrate           30.0        .90n-propanol      20.0        .60propylene glycol           25.0        .75water           25.0        .75           100.0       3.00______________________________________ 
    
     The anticipated composition would contain 3 percent by weight magnesium ions; thus, one-half pound of the mixture would provide 6.8 grams of magnesium ions. The composition would be slightly acidic in nature. 
     EXAMPLE 9 
     It is anticipated that the following composition would be efficient in preventing grass tetany and allied symptoms in livestock. Sufficient viscosity should be produced by the addition of water to allow the composition to adhere to the wheel of a lick feeder. 
     
         ______________________________________Ingredient      Weight %    Weight in Lbs.______________________________________Magnesium malate           25.0        .75Magnesium valerate           25.0        .75Ethanol (SDA 35A)           10.0        .30Propylene glycol           35.0        1.05Water           5.0         .15           100.0       3.00______________________________________ 
    
     The anticipated composition would contain 5.5 percent by weight magnesium ions; thus, one-half pound of the mixture would provide 12.5 grams of magnesium ions. The composition would be slightly acidic in nature. 
     EXAMPLE 10 
     It is anticipated that the following composition would be efficient in preventing grass tetany and allied symptoms in livestock. Sufficient viscosity should be produced by the addition of water, as contrasted with examples 11 through 21, to allow the composition to adhere to the wheel of a lick feeder. 
     
         ______________________________________Ingredient         Weight %  Weight in Lbs.______________________________________Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate              28.0      .84Magnesium lactate  10.0      .30Magnesium salicylate              3.0       .09Ethanol (SDA 35A)  34.0      1.02Water              25.0      .75              100.0     3.00______________________________________ 
    
     The anticipated composition would contain 3.8% by weight magnesium ions; thus, one-half pound of the composition would provide 8.7 grams of magnesium ions and instantly available energy. The composition would be slightly acidic in nature. 
     EXAMPLE 11 
     It is anticipated that since 1 gram of magnesium chloride will dissolve in 2 ml of alcohol that the following example can be prepared by stirring the magnesium chloride vigorously into the specially denatured ethyl alcohol. 
     
         ______________________________________Ingredient          Weight    Weight in Lbs______________________________________Magnesium chloride hexahydrate               34.5      1.035Ethanol (SDA 35A)   65.5      1.965               100.0     3.000______________________________________ 
    
     The composition would not be viscous and should not be fed in a lick tank, but rather in a ball type feeder similar to roll on containers and to smaller animals such as calves or lambs. It would be neutral to slightly acid as regards pH, but would contribute chloride ions to counterbalance high levels of potassium in forages; thus helping to avert grass tetany and similar symptoms. 
     The anticipated composition would contain 4 percent by weight magnesium ions; thus one-half pound of the composition would provide 9 grams of magnesium ions daily for smaller livestock. 
     Ethanol can be used directly as a source of energy by mammalian cells and does not require digestion. Thus energy and magnesium ions would be instantly available for tissue use as needed to avert the symptoms of grass tetany. 
     EXAMPLE 12 
     It is anticipated that the following composition could be efficient in preventing grass tetany and allied symptoms in livestock: 
     
         ______________________________________Ingredient      Weight %    Weight in Lbs______________________________________Magnesium Valerate           33.3        1.0Ethanol (SDA 35A)           66.7        2.0           100.0       3.0______________________________________ 
    
     The composition would not be viscous and should not be fed in a lick tank, but rather in a ball type feeder similar to roll on containers and to smaller animals such as calves or lambs. It would be neutral to slightly acidic as regards pH. 
     The anticipated composition would provide 7.9 grams of magnesium ions per one-half pound of supplement, having said ions present as 3.5 percent by weight of the supplement. 
     Ethanol can be used directly as a source of energy by mammalian cells and does not require digestion. Thus, energy and magnesium ions would be instantly available for tissue use as needed to avert the symptoms of grass tetany, acting together in a synergistic manner. 
     EXAMPLE 13 
     It is anticipated that the following composition would be efficient in preventing grass tetany and allied symptoms in livestock: 
     
         ______________________________________Ingredient         Weight %  Weight in Lbs.______________________________________Magnesium Sulfate Heptahydrate              15.4      .50Magnesium Salicylate              7.7       .25Glycerol           46.1      1.50Ethanol            30.8      1.00              100.0     3.25______________________________________ 
    
     The composition should be achieved by slight heating and vigorous stirring and would be somewhat more viscous than Examples 11 and 12. It should, however, be fed in a ball type feeder or a similar feeding device. 
     The anticipated composition would contain 2 percent by weight magnesium ions and hence one pound would contain 9 grams. The composition could be fed to smaller animals such as lambs and calves. 
     The composition would be neutral to slightly acidic and would help to balance high levels of potassium and calcium in forages. 
     Ethyl alcohol, as mentioned, can be used directly as a source of energy by mammalian cells and does not require digestion. While, glycerol does require digestion, it is also a source of concentrated energy and the composition would contain energy and magnesium ions sufficient to act synergistically in averting symptoms of grass tetany in livestock. 
     EXAMPLE 14 
     It is anticipated that the following composition would be very efficient in preventing grass tetany and allied symptoms in livestock: 
     
         ______________________________________Ingredient         Weight %  Weight in Lbs.______________________________________Magnesium Acetate Quadrahydrate              34.5      1.035Ethanol (SDA 35A)  65.5      1.965              100.0     3.000______________________________________ 
    
     The composition would not be viscous and should not be fed in a lick tank, but rather in a ball type feeder similar to roll on containers or similar device. It would be neutral to slightly acidic as regards pH. 
     The anticipated composition would provide 3.9 percent by weight magnesium ions in a source of liquid energy; thus there would be 8.7 grams in one-half pound. 
     Ethanol can be used directly as a source of energy by mammalian cells and does not require digestion. Thus, energy and magnesium ions would be instantly available for tissue use as needed to avert the symptoms of grass tetany, acting together in a synergistic manner. 
     EXAMPLE 15 
     
         ______________________________________Ingredient          Weight %  Weight Lbs.______________________________________Magnesium Acetate Quadrahydrate               30.0      .90Magnesium Lactate   8.0       .24Propylene glycol    32.0      .96Ethanol (SD 35A)    30.0      .90               100.0     3.00______________________________________ 
    
     It is anticipated that the above composition would be very efficient in preventing grass tetany and allied symptoms in livestock, having 4.0 percent magnesium ions in the composition or 9 grams in one-half pound. 
     The above composition provides magnesium ions and two sources of liquid energy in a slightly acidic composition to provide synergistically instantly available magnesium and energy. 
     EXAMPLE 16 
     It is anticipated that the following composition would be efficient in preventing tetany and allied symptoms in livestock. 
     
         ______________________________________Ingredient         Weight %  Weight in Lbs.______________________________________Magnesium chloride hexahydrate              33.5      1.005Magnesium oleate   4.0       .120Propylene glycol   32.5      .975Glycerol           30.0      .900              100.0     3.000______________________________________ 
    
     This composition would not be particularly viscous and should not be fed in a wheeled lick tank, but could be offered with a roll-on ball type feeder or open container. 
     Magnesium oleate, although not as rich in magnesium ions as magnesium chloride, modifies the composition with glycerol, a source of energy, but not as instantly available as propylene glycol. 
     The composition would be neutral to slightly acid and would provide chloride ions as well as oleic acid to balance an excess of potassium ions in the co-fed feedstuffs. Glycerol requires digestion before functioning as a source of energy, but is an excellent source of said energy and serves to modify the sharper taste of propylene glycol which is, indeed, instantly available for mammalian tissue. 
     The composition contains 4 percent by weight magnesium ions and one-half pound would then furnish 9 grams. 
     
         ______________________________________Ingredient         Weight %  Weight in Lbs.______________________________________Magnesium chloride hexahydrate              17.5      .525Magnesium acetate quadrahydrate              17.5      .525n-propanol         65.0      1.950              100.0     3.000______________________________________ 
    
     It is anticipated that this composition would be quite &#34;sharp&#34; to the tongue and should be fed in a mechanism where animals must lick only as needed. Propanol is absorbed into the blood stream immediately after ingestion and used by mammalian tissue as a source of energy when not admixed with molasses or other carrier which would tend to hold the n-propanol in the digestive system for use by microorganisms. 
     The composition would be a synergistic mechanism to provide livestock with instant energy and magnesium ions, and would be acidic in nature and provide chloride ions to counterbalance high levels of potassium in the forage. As such it should be an excellent mechanism for averting grass tetany and allied symptoms in livestock. 
     Magnesium ions are present at the 4 percent by weight level and one-half pound would provide 9 grams. 
     EXAMPLE 18 
     It is anticipated that the following composition could be fashioned by vigorous shaking and slight heating. 
     
         ______________________________________Ingredient     Weight %    Weight in Lbs.______________________________________Magnesium valerate          30.0        .90Magnesium oleate          5.0         .15Glycerol       15.0        .45n-propanol     50.0        1.50          100.0       3.00______________________________________ 
    
     This composition would contain 3.3 percent by weight magnesium ions and one-half pound would contain 7.5 grams. It would be acidic in nature and the 15 percent glycerol, although requiring digestion, would modify the taste of Example 17 so that livestock would more readily lick the mechanism supplying the composition. It is anticipated that the composition would be sufficiently synergistic in having an instantly available energy source and magnesium ions in an acid medium to avert symptoms of tetany and allied symptoms in livestock. 
     EXAMPLE 19 
     It is anticipated that the following composition could be fashioned by shaking and slight heating. 
     
         ______________________________________Ingredient          Weight %  Weight Lbs.______________________________________Magnesium chloride hexahydrate               17.5      .525Magnesium acetate quadrahydrate               17.5      .525n-propanol          30.0      .900Ethanol (SDA 35A)   35.0      1.050               100.0     3.000______________________________________ 
    
     Magnesium ions are present at the 4 percent by weight level and one-half pound would provide 9 grams. The composition should be offered to livestock in a tightly closed feeder and should be synergistic in providing two sources of instantly available energy with magnesium ions in an acidic medium with chloride to offset any excess potassium in the forage and should prevent hypomagnesemia and allied symptoms in livestock grazing on forages which would tend to produce the symptoms without this supplement. 
     EXAMPLE 20 
     It is anticipated that the following composition could be fashioned by shaking and slight heating. 
     
         ______________________________________Ingredient          Weight %  Weight Lbs.______________________________________Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate               30.0      .90glycerol            50.0      1.50n-propanol          20.0      .60               100.0     3.00______________________________________ 
    
     Magnesium ions are present at the 2.9 percent by weight level and one-half of one pound will yield 6.6 grams. There is instant energy in the form of n-propanol and magnesium ions in a slightly acidic medium to act synergistically to avert hypomagnesemia and related symptoms in livestock grazing pastures which could otherwise produce symptoms of grass tetany. 
     EXAMPLE 21 
     
         ______________________________________Ingredient          Weight %  Weight Lbs.______________________________________Magnesium sulfate heptahydrate               15.0      .45Propylene glycol    40.0      1.20n-propanol          45.0      1.35               100.0     3.00______________________________________ 
    
     Magnesium ions in an acidic medium are instantly available with energy sources, both of which are instantly available, at the rate of 1.4 percent by weight magnesium ions or 3.2 grams per one-half pound of supplement. 
     This composition should be easily produced and when fed in a suitable feeder so that animals lick rather than drink, the supplement should avert symptoms of hypomagesemia and allied symptoms in a synergistic manner when livestock are pastured on grasses and other forage which could otherwise produce such symptoms. 
     Table I is a summary of the Examples 1-21. Table I shows the weight percent of the ingredients of the liquid feed formulae represented by the Examples; including the magnesium salts, the magnesium ions derived from the various magnesium salts, the readily available liquid energy source, and the added water, if any. 
     
                                           TABLE I__________________________________________________________________________WEIGHT PERCENT OF COMPONENTS IN FEED COMPOSITIONS OF EXAMPLES__________________________________________________________________________1-21         Example         1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9  10 11__________________________________________________________________________Mg. Acetate   18.3            35.0        18.5Mg (C.sub.2 H.sub.3 O.sub.2).sub.2 . 4H.sub. 2 OMg. Acetylsalicylate               15.0Mg (CH.sub.3 COO-C.sub.6 H.sub.4 COO).sub.2Mg. Biphosphate     35.0Mg H.sub.4 (PO.sub.4).sub.2 . 3H.sub. 2 OMg. Bisulfate          15.0Mg H.sub.2 (SO.sub.4).sub.2Mg. Butyrate              30.0Mg (C.sub.4 H.sub.7 O.sub.2).sub.2Mg. Chloride  18.3     30.0  18.5           34.5Mg Cl.sub.2 . 6H.sub. 2 OMg. Citrate                        30.0Mg.sub.3 (C.sub.6 H.sub.5 O.sub.7).sub.2 . 14H.sub. 2 OMg. Lactate                              10.0Mg(C.sub.3 H.sub.5 O.sub.3).sub.2 . 3H.sub. 2 OMg. Malate                            25.0Mg C.sub.4 H.sub.4 O.sub.5 . 3H.sub. 2 OMg. Oleate                10.0Mg (C.sub.18 H.sub.33 O.sub.2).sub.2Mg. Propionate                  28.0Mg (C.sub.3 H.sub.5 O.sub.2).sub.2 . H.sub.2 OMg. Salicylate                            3.0Mg (C.sub.7 H.sub.5 O.sub.3).sub.2 . 4H.sub. 2 OMg. Sulfate                              28.0Mg SO.sub.4 . 7H.sub. 2 OMg. Valerate                          25.0Mg (C.sub.5 H.sub.9 O.sub.2).sub.2Mg. Ion        4.0             3.9                4.0                   5.2                      3.2                         4.3                            3.5                               3.0                                  5.5                                     3.8                                        4.0Mg.sup.++Propylene Glycol         31.7  30.0                  20.0                     30.0                        32.0  25.0                                 35.0CH.sub.3 CHOH CH.sub.2 OHEthanol          35.0  20.0           10.0                                    34.0                                       65.5C.sub.2 H.sub.5 OHn-propanol                   30.0                           30.0                              20.0C.sub.3 H.sub.7 OHGlycerol                  15.0  10.0(CH.sub.2 OH).sub.2 CHOHReadily Available Liquid         31.7            35.0               30.0                  40.0                     45.0                        62.0                           40.0                              45.0                                 45.0                                    34.0                                       65.5Energy SourceWater         31.7            30.0               20.0                  15.0                     15.0                         1.0                           32.0                              25.0                                 5.0                                    25.0                                       --H.sub.2 O__________________________________________________________________________           12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21__________________________________________________________________________Mg. Acetate           34.5                    30.0  17.5  17.5Mg (C.sub.2 H.sub.3 O.sub.2).sub.2 . 4H.sub. 2 OMg. AcetylsalicylateMg (CH.sub.3 COO-C.sub.6 H.sub.4 COO).sub.2Mg. BiphosphateMg H.sub.4 (PO.sub.4).sub.2 . 3H.sub. 2 OMg. BisulfateMg H.sub.2 (SO.sub.4).sub.2Mg. ButyrateMg (C.sub.4 H.sub.7 O.sub.2).sub.2Mg. Chloride                33.5                          17.5  17.5Mg Cl.sub.2 . 6H.sub. 2 OMg. CitrateMg.sub.3 (C.sub.6 H.sub.5 O.sub.7).sub.2 . 14H.sub. 2 OMg. Lactate               8.0Mg(C.sub.3 H.sub.5 O.sub.3).sub.2 . 3H.sub. 2 OMg. MalateMg C.sub.4 H.sub.4 O.sub.5 . 3H.sub. 2 OMg. Oleate                   4.0   5.0Mg (C.sub.18 H.sub.33 O.sub.2).sub.2Mg. PropionateMg (C.sub.3 H.sub.5 O.sub.2).sub.2 . H.sub.2 OMg. Salicylate      7.7Mg (C.sub.7 H.sub.5 O.sub.3).sub.2 . 4H.sub. 2 0Mg. Sulfate        15.4                 30.0                                      15.0Mg SO.sub.4 . 7H.sub. 2 OMg. Valerate    33.3              30.0Mg (C.sub.5 H.sub.9 O.sub.2).sub.2Mg. Ion          3.5               2.0                  3.9                     4.0                        4.0                           4.0                              3.3                                 4.0                                    2.9                                       1.4Mg.sup.++Propylene Glycol         32.0                       32.5           40.0CH.sub.3 CHOH CH.sub.2 OHEthanol         66.7              30.8                 65.5                    30.0        35.0C.sub.2 H.sub.5 OHn-propanol                     65.0                             50.0                                30.0                                   20.0                                      45.0C.sub.3 H.sub.7 OHGlycerol           46.1     30.0  15.0  50.0(CH.sub.2 OH).sub.2 CHOHReadily Available Liquid           66.7              76.9                 65.5                    62.0                       62.5                          65.0                             65.0                                65.0                                   70.0                                      85.0Energy SourceWater           -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --H.sub.2 O__________________________________________________________________________ 
    
     Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.