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Hypomagnesaemia in Cows (Also Known as Grass Staggers)
Did you know? Your cow doesn’t store magnesium in her body! That means she depends entirely on daily feed to get enough of it. When the body loses more magnesium than it gets, she can fall into a dangerous state called Hypomagnesaemia
Did you know? Your cow doesn’t store magnesium in her body! That means she depends entirely on daily feed to get enough of it. When the body loses more magnesium than it gets, she can fall into a dangerous state called Hypomagnesaemia, a condition especially common in lactating cows grazing on lush, fast-growing grass.
🌱 Why It Happens:
- Young, rapidly growing grasses (especially ryegrass) are low in magnesium.
- High levels of potassium fertilizer in pastures can block magnesium absorption.
- Lactating cows lose more magnesium through milk production, increasing their risk.
- During spring, when pasture is lush but low in minerals, cases often rise.
⚠️ Signs to Watch For:
- Restlessness or nervousness
- Staggering or uncoordinated movements
- Twitching, convulsions, or sudden collapse
- Aggressive or overly excitable behavior
- In severe cases, cows may die suddenly with no warning.
💊 Treatment & Prevention:
- Give magnesium supplements (e.g., magnesium oxide or magnesium sulfate).
- Offer mineral licks or blocks high in magnesium.
- Avoid over-applying potassium-rich fertilizers on grazing fields.
- Provide slower-growing forages like clovers and legumes which have more magnesium.
- Act fast if symptoms appear — early treatment can save lives!
👨🏽🌾 Farmer Tip: Prevention is cheaper and safer than treatment. Don’t wait for symptoms, talk to your vet or nutritionist about your cows’ magnesium needs today.