Grass tetany is a result of

Grass tetany is a result of

• A. Magnesium deficiency
• B. Phosphorus deficiency
• C. Nitrogen deficiency
• D. Nitrogen overload

Answer: (A)

Grass tetany is caused by magnesium deficiency in grazing ruminants. Magnesium is essential for neuromuscular function, so when intake or absorption is inadequate, nerves and muscles become overly excitable, leading to tremors, weakness, ataxia, and sometimes convulsions or collapse. This condition often appears on lush, rapidly growing pastures, especially in spring, where high nitrogen and potassium in the forage can interfere with magnesium uptake and utilization. The key point is that the neuromuscular disturbances reflect low magnesium, not a deficiency or excess of nitrogen or phosphorus themselves. Prevention focuses on providing adequate magnesium supplementation (such as magnesium-containing mineral mixes or blocks) and managing pasture conditions, while treatment involves prompt administration of magnesium to correct the hypomagnesemia.

Grass tetany is caused by magnesium deficiency in grazing ruminants. Magnesium is essential for neuromuscular function, so when intake or absorption is inadequate, nerves and muscles become overly excitable, leading to tremors, weakness, ataxia, and sometimes convulsions or collapse. This condition often appears on lush, rapidly growing pastures, especially in spring, where high nitrogen and potassium in the forage can interfere with magnesium uptake and utilization. The key point is that the neuromuscular disturbances reflect low magnesium, not a deficiency or excess of nitrogen or phosphorus themselves. Prevention focuses on providing adequate magnesium supplementation (such as magnesium-containing mineral mixes or blocks) and managing pasture conditions, while treatment involves prompt administration of magnesium to correct the hypomagnesemia.