An adequate amount of magnesium in a cow’s diet is essential to reducing Grass Tetany. While it’s evident that cows have magnesium in their bones, they can only mobilise this very slowly. Cows are typically poor at absorbing magnesium which means they require daily intakes of magnesium. Lactating animals during this season have an increased requirement for magnesium also. Anything that affects the gut function or DMI (dry matter intake) can disrupt magnesium absorption.

• Magnesium can be given through water. This is the most effective way of ensuring adequate mineral intake specifically suited to the needs of your herd. It is cost-effective and reduces the intensity of labour requirements.
• Mg in concentrates being added to feed – but be careful to allow for this when reducing meal in the diet.
• Magnesium boluses are an option that can be used but they only cover for 3 weeks. This is a labour-intensive method and care should be given if animals “cough up” bolus in the following 24hours.
• Palatable licks and high magnesium buckets.
• We can feed fibre in the diet during the spring to reduce the risk from lush spring grass high in oils and low in fibre. Most care should be taken when lush low covers are being grazed in particular.
• Pasture dusting magnesium can be done also but is very labour intensive.

We recommend using Magnesium through our OPIS or OrbVie systems, as accurate dispensing to ensure all animals get an even amount is vital during this period.