Lush green feeds might look healthy, but they are low in Magnesium and can contain factors that block Magnesium uptake, making Grass Tetany an increased threat to sheep and cattle.
Grass Tetany is a metabolic disease of Cattle & Sheep that occurs when blood Magnesium levels drop below a critical level. It can occur when Magnesium availability from green feeds is severely compromised by factors including high non protein Nitrogen and low simple carbohydrates in the diet.
Grass Tetany can kill animals very quickly.
Lactating animals grazing lush green feeds with poor Magnesium availability are most at risk, but this condition can occur in dry stock during initial introduction to challenging feeds like grazing cereals. Stressed or scouring animals, particularly young calves and lambs, are also vulnerable.
It’s a disease that causes great distress to animals, increasing energy requirements and depressing immune response and making them more susceptible to other metabolic diseases including Milk Fever and Ketosis.
Affected animals are often highly excitable, walk with a stiff gait and can suffer muscle spasms and/or convulsions. Magnesium is also critical for proper functioning of the brain and nervous system.
Animals are more prone to Grass Tetany if they are under stress, subject to cold weather and/or are lactating and, when they get sick, show symptoms that can range in severity from trembling and muscle spasms through to irritability, convulsions and sudden death.
It is important to recognise that before Grass Tetany becomes apparent, minor to moderate deficiencies of Magnesium can still be having a significant impact on appetite, reduced nerve and muscle function and affect milk yield in lactating animals.
Always introduce stock to risky feeds slowly, keeping a close eye on them during the adaptation phase. Minimising stress is critical and feeding out roughage during rough or cold weather can also help.
AIM Grazemax contains rich sources of Magnesium combined with compounds that strongly counteract the effect of Magnesium "blockers" contained in green feed, making for a highly potent solution to the treat of Grass Tetany.
Talk to your AIM Technical Sales Specialist (TSS) about the he most appropriate Grazemax supplement for your situation.
You can get in touch with us on 08 8391 5888, or Email us to find out more.
