Grass Tetany Season is Here
Mark A. McCann, Ph.D., Animal & Poultry Sciences, VA Tech
Early spring is usually the peak period for the occurrence of grass tetany in lactating beef cows in Virginia. Grass tetany is caused by low blood levels of magnesium and is worsened by high levels of nitrogen and potassium and low levels of calcium and magnesium intake. The lush new growth of cool season perennials and annuals consumed by spring calving cows is a recipe for trouble. Heavy nitrogen and potassium fertilization intensify the problem. This makes it more of an issue in the poultry production areas where litter is used routinely as a pasture fertilizer.
The Beef Blog 