Forages of Texas - North Central » Forage Livestock Disorders

DISORDER: Grass Tetany (grass stagger or hypomagnesemic tetany) Plant Species: Wheat, oat, rye, triticale, rye ryegrass and  some perennial cool-season species Causes: Low bloods levels of Mg (Magnesium) (1-8 mg/100 ml or 18 mg). Occurs usually during gestation and lactation. Mode of Action: Generally when Mg > 2.2 mg/g in the plant. Animal Symptoms: Nervousness, muscle twitching, staggering, and eventual convulsions, however the exact etiology is unknown. Conditions: Soils low in Mg (Magnesium) and P (Phosphorus); and high in K (Potassium)and N (Nitrogen). Soils that are hypoxic (low O2), generally heavier textured soils. When weather condition is cool and cloudy. Treatment: Treat with intravenous solution with calcium gluconate fortified with Mg and P. Prevention: 1. Graze forages high in Mg (legumes) - (grow mixture). 2. Lime with dolomitic limestone (contains Mg). 3. Increase P fertilizer and reduce K and N fertilizer when problem occurs. 4. Supplement with Mg oxides in the mineral mix. More Disorders: | Blister Beetle | Bloat | Coumarin | Fescue Toxicosis | Fog Fever | Gossypol Toxicity | Grass Tetany | | Interstitial Cystitis | Lathyrism | Milk Fever | Nitrate Poisoning | Photosensitization | Prussic Acid | Staggers | |  Ag Programs   |  Center Information   |  Faculty & Staff   |  TAES - Research   |  TCE - Extension   |  Weather  | [ State of Texas Homepage | Privacy Policy | Open Records Policy | Copyright Infringement | Required Links | Statement of Purpose ]  Copyright ©2009 · The Texas A&M System · Research & Extension Center - Stephenville, Texas 76401 · 254.968.4144  Contact the Webmaster at:  stephenville@ag.tamu.edu