Such feed price increases could cut into these margins and eventually cool off the feeder cattle market to restore some margin to the feeder. Although most cattle producers are aware of the threat of grass tetany, it remains a critical management issue. Because magnesium is not readily available from storage areas in the body, cattle must take in a certain amount of magnesium each day in order to maintain proper levels in the blood. Ideally, cattle should receive magnesium from both forages and mineral supplements. We see grass tetany predominately in the spring because new grass is very low in magnesium as compared to older, more mature growth.
Prevention is the best management for cattle at risk for grass tetany.
One common preventative measure is to supplement herds with a salt mineral mix. An alternative to providing free choice mineral is to feed 2 ounces of magnesium oxide per head per day. Because magnesium oxide is bitter, it should be fed in combination with grain, salt, or molasses to improve palatability and ensure intake. Grass tetany is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms vary so much and also mimic other disorders. Cattle affected by grass tetany are often found in an excited state, with erect ears and exhibit a wild stare.