As pastures begin to green up, sheep and goat producers should be aware of the potential risk of grass tetany While this condition is more commonly associated with cattle, it can also occur in small ruminants and
can lead to serious health issues if not recognized and managed properly.
What is Grass Tetany?
Grass tetany occurs when animals develop low levels of magnesium in their blood. Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in muscle and nerve function. When magnesium levels drop too low, animals may experience muscle tremors, nervousness, difficulty walking, and in severe cases, seizures or death.
Unlike some nutrients, animals cannot store large amounts of magnesium in their bodies. This means they must receive an adequate supply through their daily diet.
Why It Happens in the Spring
In Western North Carolina, grass tetany most often occurs during the early spring when cool-season grasses begin rapid growth. While lush spring pasture looks ideal, these rapidly growing forages can sometimes be low in magnesium and high in potassium and nitrogen, which can interfere with magnesium absorption in the animal.
Certain conditions increase the risk, including:
Rapidly growing spring pastures
Heavy nitrogen or potassium fertilization
Cool, cloudy weather
Pastures dominated by ryegrass or other cool-season grasses
Animals with higher nutritional demands, such as lactating ewes and does, are typically at the greatest risk.
Signs to Watch For
Producers should keep an eye out for early signs of grass tetany, which may include:
Nervous or excitable behavior
Muscle twitching or tremors
Stiff or uncoordinated walking
Reduced appetite
Animals separating from the herd or flock
In severe cases, animals may go down, experience seizures, or die suddenly if treatment is not provided quickly.
Prevention Strategies
The good news is that grass tetany is largely preventable with proper management. A few key practices can greatly reduce the risk:
Provide a mineral supplement containing magnesium.
Offer a high-quality loose mineral specifically formulated for sheep or goats that includes magnesium. Free-choice mineral should be available at all times.
Avoid turning hungry animals onto lush pasture.
Provide hay before turnout so animals are not consuming large amounts of rapidly growing forage at once.
Maintain balanced soil fertility.
Overapplication of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers can increase the risk of grass tetany. Soil testing can help ensure pastures are receiving the appropriate nutrient balance.
Provide supplemental forage when needed.
Offering hay alongside pasture can help balance the diet and reduce the risk of mineral imbalances.
Work with Your Veterinarian
If you suspect grass tetany, immediate veterinary attention is critical. Treatment often involves administering magnesium solutions, and quick action can save the animal.
Final Thoughts
Spring pasture growth is an exciting time for producers in McDowell County and across Western North Carolina. However, it’s important to remember that lush forage does not always mean balanced nutrition. Monitoring mineral supplementation, pasture management, and animal behavior can help prevent problems before they start.
If you have questions about mineral supplementation, pasture fertility, or small ruminant nutrition, contact your local Cooperative Extension office for additional resources and support.
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