With all the snow and cold weather we have seen this winter, many cattle producers are eager to see some milder temperatures. These slightly warm days during the month of February will help our pasture grasses, like fescue, start putting out new growth. Cattle producers should be aware this new growth can increases the odds of their cows having problems like grass tetany.

Grass tetany — also known as wheat pasture poisoning, winter tetany, grass staggers and lactation tetany — occurs in approximately one percent of the adult female cattle population. The majority of grass tetany problems occurs in the late winter and early spring months in cattle grazing well fertilized, lush growing pastures. But it should be noted it can be a problem anytime during the year.

Symptoms of grass tetany range from staggering and falling to profuse salivation and even death. Although there are several symptoms, most diagnosed cases are related to deficient levels of magnesium in the cow’s blood serum. Low magnesium levels may result from inadequate amounts of magnesium being consumed or when the magnesium being consumed is in a form which is unavailable to the animal. High calcium and potassium levels in some forages tend to reduce magnesium absorption from the digestive tract. Grass tetany frequently occurs on well managed farms and is not just a problem unique to poorly managed forages and cattle operations.

The best alternative to preventing this problem is to provide supplement magnesium to your cattle. To be on the safe side, some producers make this available year-round to their cattle, but all cattlemen should put out some form of supplemental magnesium when conditions are favorable for lush, rapid forage growth. Supplemental magnesium is available in a variety of forms ranging from high-mag blocks to the loose salt-like type.

So if you have not already put out some magnesium for your cattle, I would do so soon. If you have questions or need more information, feel free to call the Walker County Extension Office at 706-638-2548 or stop by to see us at 102 E. Napier Street in LaFayette.

Norman Edwards is coordinator of Walker County Extension Service.