Plan To Attend the National Farm Machinery Show

            The Bath County Extension Office is attempting to get a group together to attend the National Farm Machinery Show in Louisville on Wednesday, Feb. 15.  The Farm Show has one of the largest varieties of agricultural products to be found anywhere. Over 850 exhibitor displays of the latest tractors, implements, combines, chemicals, seed and supplies will fill acres of indoor exhibit space and should be of interest to the whole family.

            We plan to leave the Extension Office at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 15, and return around 5:00 p.m.  This will give us about 5 ½ hours to see the show. We will be taking a 12 passenger van to Louisville.  If you are interested in joining the group at no cost, please call the Extension Office at 674-6121 by Tuesday, Feb. 14, to reserve a space. 7 seats are still remaining, so call soon.

Take Steps Now To Prevent Grass Tetany

    According to University of Kentucky Extension Veterinarian Michelle Arnold, the mild winter has allowed grass to “green up” earlier than expected; therefore beef producers should begin feeding mineral with magnesium now. Grass tetany is a disorder caused by an abnormally low amount of magnesium in the blood of cattle and sheep. Grass tetany occurs most often in animals grazing lush spring forages-- especially small grains and cool-season grasses.

    Grass tetany is most common in spring calving cows, especially if they are high producers in their third to fifth lactation. Several factors contribute to the increased incidence of tetany at this time. The magnesium requirement of cows doubles from late gestation to early lactation (from 9 grams to 21 to 22 grams). When this rapid change in magnesium needed by the cow is coupled with lowered magnesium in the plant, along with certain components that lower the availability of magnesium (such as high applications of nitrogen and potassium fertilizers), tetany can develop. Weather can also have an effect; the greatest threat is when temperatures are between 40oF and 60oF. Temperatures in excess of 60oF for a week markedly decrease the incidence of tetany. When all of these factors are combined, the risk can be high.

    Cattle affected with grass tetany might isolate themselves from the herd and stagger. As the disease progresses, they may exhibit extreme nervousness, rapid breathing, and muscle trembling. They might become aggressive and charge anyone in the pasture. In the most severe stage, the animal collapses to the ground with muscular spasms. Treatment must be given rapidly as death can occur within an hour after the onset of convulsions. Consult a veterinarian about treatment procedures.

    As a producer, you should be concerned with preventing tetany. About 2 ounces of magnesium oxide (22 grams of magnesium) is recommended to meet the magnesium needs of lactating beef cows. Since legumes are higher in magnesium than grasses, feeding cows legume hay during the early spring may supply some magnesium. Cows grazing spring grass pasture should have magnesium in the mineral mixture; in “high risk” situations, it may be supplied in a supplement. Many commercial mixtures are available in various forms to prevent tetany. Before you make a purchase, determine if the product will give adequate magnesium intake. This depends on the magnesium content and the expected consumption of the product. Both should be listed on the tag. If it appears that magnesium intake will not be adequate, a product with more magnesium or greater intake should be used. In “high risk” situations where tetany is a frequent problem, it might be necessary to force feed the daily magnesium needs. Magnesium oxide can be included in a grain or protein supplement. For more information contact the Bath County Extension Office.