The annual incidence of grass staggers in the UK is estimated to be 1%. However, there will be a much larger percentage of animals with sub-clinical symptoms which may affect overall animal performance. Grass staggers or hypomagnesaemia is defined as a deficiency of available dietary magnesium. Clinical signs of deficiency will occur rapidly and can quickly result in death which is why prevention is always better than cure. Spring is a risk season due to the flush in grass growth that occurs as temperatures start to increase. Not only does this rapidly growing grass have a low magnesium content, but the higher water content at this time of year will also increase the speed at which it passes through the gut further decreasing available magnesium absorption. Additionally, high levels of potassium and nitrogen can reduce magnesium absorption once the grazed grass has been eaten. Approximately 70% of an animal’s magnesium will be stored in the bones, however it is not effectively released from here and therefore daily magnesium supplementation is important, especially during risk periods. In addition to daily magnesium supplementation, it is important during this time to reduce stress, maintain dry matter intakes and consider the supplementation of straw or hay to slow digestion. This year in particular, the wet warmer winter means there is already plenty of forage available which may be short in magnesium and farmers are encouraged to get ahead when it comes to magnesium supplementation.
How can Downland MAG EXTRA help manage the grass staggers risk this season?
- Molassed palatable mineral lick containing 15% magnesium
- Optimal sodium level to aid magnesium absorption
- Fortified with minerals and vitamins often found deficient in grazing
- Protected zinc for where there is risk of mastitis and lameness
- Also available with copper, suitable for breeding cattle
- Available as 25kg buckets and 80kg tubs