Skip to main content

Prevent grass tetany problems

By
David Dugan-
This has been an unusual winter with all of the snow early, and now it seems like it rains every other day, making for muddy conditions. Livestock have consumed more than normal amounts of hay, too.
    Green grass is something many livestock producers are hoping for soon, as the hay supply for some producers has nearly run out, while others have an abundance of hay left.  
    With the hope for lush green pastures, there are some risks that we need to take into account.
    Hungry livestock turned into lush pastures may be susceptible to bloat, which can be fatal.              Take precautions by feeding cattle dry hay and getting them pretty full before turning them out to new grass. Also, be aware that wet grass is more of a concern, so wait until the grass is dry in the afternoon to open the gate.
    Another potential problem is grass tetany. Treatment is limited for this problem because in most cases it is too late to do much because the animal is usually dead when you realize there is a problem. Since there is a slim chance of treating such a problem, the best strategy would be to make every attempt to reduce the chances of grass tetany. In order to prevent it, we need to know what causes the problem to begin with.  
    Basically, grass tetany is caused by a magnesium deficiency in the diet.
    Lush grass in the spring tends to be a problem when it comes to meeting the need for magnesium. Part of the problem is that plants do not take up enough phosphorus or magnesium when weather conditions are cool and wet.  
    Another issue that could cause more of a problem is a high level of potassium. This is even more of a problem for cows that have young calves at their side. Spring calving cows that have calves just a few weeks old on their side have more nutritional needs, so they are more susceptible than the rest of the herd.
    I am trying to put you into prevention mode, so the idea of not turning these cows onto new pastures hungry should be noted. Avoid turning cows into new pastures while the grass is still wet, and avoid applying too much nitrogen or potassium to the soil. With current fertilizer prices, applying too much fertilizer is not likely to happen.              However, fertilizer is not nearly as expensive as it was the past couple of years, and some producers may have not applied any potash. If you are trying to catch back up by applying more this year, use some caution on pastures.
    Another preventative step that should be done is use of a good loose mineral program. Livestock can consume the loose mineral easier and better than blocks. Most animal nutritionists that I have heard speak in the past few years have expressed their preference for using loose mineral. Check the mineral tag to ensure that you are providing a mineral that contains enough magnesium. To prevent grass tetany, cows need to consume .6 ounces of magnesium on a daily basis. Most companies have a mineral made for the prevention of grass tetany.  
    A good mineral program is essential for several things in livestock production, including reproduction, growth and overall good health. Livestock will consume what they need if it is available. Providing a mineral with the necessary magnesium now may help prevent grass tetany once it does green up in the pastures as well as providing many other benefits.
    Consult companies to learn more about the mineral programs available. Keep in mind that the cheaper bag in cost is most likely cheaper because it does not provide as many actual minerals as the more expensive bag. I am not talking dealer to dealer or company to company.  Each dealer and/or company will most likely have several different minerals available. Read the tags and consult your local veterinarian for additional advice on which mineral program might be best for your herd.
A good time to prune
    A good fruit tree should not make a good shade tree.  However, when pruning is neglected, many apples and pears become better shade producers than fruit producers. Standard-sized trees often outgrow the reach of ladders or pruning hooks. Backyard and commercial growers have come to prefer dwarf or semi-dwarf trees, which are not as tall and are easier to prune, spray, and harvest without the use of ladders.
    A neglected but otherwise healthy tree will usually show a marked improvement in fruit quality as a result of pruning. Fruit buds begin developing in the growing season previous to the one in which they mature into fruit, and more are initiated than can be fully developed into fruit. Growing conditions during the season of bud initiation and the subsequent winter will affect the number of buds which flower, and certain cultivars are “alternate bearers” that seldom initiate many buds during a year with a heavy fruit crop.
    In any case, by late winter the buds for the coming summer’s crop will be very evident. Buds only appear on 2- or 3-year-old twigs or spurs, which are no thicker than a pencil.
    The primary purpose of pruning is to increase sunlight penetration, remove less productive wood and shape the crown into an efficient, stable form. If left unpruned, the quantity of fruit produced might be greater, but the quality will be much lower.
    Pruning increases fruit size, promotes uniform ripening, increases sugar content, and decreases disease and insect problems by allowing better spray coverage and faster drying following rainfall. It also allows easier access for timely harvesting.
    David Dugan is an OSU Extension agent for agriculture.[[In-content Ad]]

Add new comment

This is not for publication.
This is not for publication.

Plain text

  • No HTML tags allowed.
  • Lines and paragraphs break automatically.
  • Web page addresses and email addresses turn into links automatically.
Article comments are not posted immediately to the Web site. Each submission must be approved by the Web site editor, who may edit content for appropriateness. There may be a delay of 24-48 hours for any submission while the web site editor reviews and approves it. Note: All information on this form is required. Your telephone number and email address is for our use only, and will not be attached to your comment.