Raise Grass-Fed Beef

(Page 5 of 6)

May/June 1980
By Helen Molitor 
Article Tools
Print
Comments
RSS
Bookmark and Share

It hasn't. Instead, the young beast has a deadly disease called "grass tetany", "grass staggers", or "wheat pasture poisoning". In older cows, the tell-tale symptoms are an awkward gait, rapid breathing, head held high, gnashing of teeth, abundant salivation, high temperature, and collapse. The illness-if it goes untreated-will usually result in death within the span of two to six hours after the onset of the symptoms.

RELATED CONTENT

This disease is common enough to cost United States farmers hundreds of thousands of dollars in cattle deaths each year. Yet,-surprisingly enough, its cure and prevention are exceedingly inexpensive and easy . . . because grass tetany is just another name for a magnesium deficiency.

Should your cattle exhibit the foregoing symptoms, they should immediately be given an intravenous injection (usually consisting of 500 cc. of a dextrose solution of both calcium and magnesium). But such treated cattle are sometimes aggressive on arising . . . so be careful!

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION

Actually, there's no reason for your cattle ever to contract this disease in the first place. To insure against it, each cow should have a minimum of six grams of magnesium a day. The nutrient can be administered in the form of magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, or magnesium carbonate. (However, magnesium oxide-the most popular preventive-contains only 60% magnesium, so you'll need to provide at least 10 grams of that substance per animal daily . . . and some experts say to administer a full ounce to be sure the "dose" will effectively prevent the illness.)

"But my cattle eat well!" you may protest. That could be part of the problem. Pastures are often treated with fertilizers which contain calcium and phosphorus, and the substances tend to create an imbalance of magnesium. In such a case, magnesium oxide can be dusted on the fields at the rate of 25 pounds to an acre. Otherwise, keep an equal mixture of molasses and magnesium oxide available to your livestock at all times, or simply buy a mineral block high in magnesium.

Page: << Previous 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Next >>
Bookmark and Share
RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print
FEATURED ARTICLES
MOST POPULAR


Subscribe Today - Pay Now & Save 66% Off the Cover Price

First Name: *
 Last Name: *
Address: *
 City: *
State/Province: *
 Zip/Postal Code:*
Country:
 Email:*
(* indicates a required item)
Canadian subs: 1 year, (includes postage & GST). Foreign subs: 1 year, . U.S. funds.
Canadian Subscribers - Click Here
Non US and Canadian Subscribers - Click Here

Lighten the Strain on the Earth and Your Budget

Mother Earth News is the guide to living — as one reader stated — “with little money and abundant happiness.” Every issue is an invaluable guide to leading a more sustainable life, covering ideas from fighting rising energy costs and protecting the environment to avoiding unnecessary spending on processed food. You’ll find tips for slashing heating bills; growing fresh, natural produce at home; and more. Mother Earth News helps you cut costs without sacrificing modern luxuries.

At Mother Earth News, we are dedicated to conserving our planet’s natural resources while helping you conserve your financial resources. That’s why we want you to save money and trees by subscribing through our Earth-Friendly automatic renewal savings plan. By paying with a credit card, you save an additional $4.95 and get 6 issues of Mother Earth News for only $10.00 (USA only).

You may also use the Bill Me option and pay $14.95 for 6 issues.