“DEATH BY MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY I PRESUME?” crime scene investigation Magnesium deficiency, or grass staggers, is still a significant cause of death in cattle during the early Spring period. The disease is ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TREAT as the onset of symptoms is generally very rapid and for most farmers, the earliest indication that they have a magnesium problem is a dead animal. Given this, PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES must be employed to minimise the risk. The major points to consider are as follows: 1. Provide magnesium to cattle prior to the spring grass flush. 2. Try and bring animals in at night for the first week. Especially in cold, wet and windy weather. 3. Reduce silage and any concentrate feeding gradually in the run-up to turn-out. 4. Delay the use of potassium rich fertilisers until later in the year. 5. Watch out for poor weather – staggers cases increase dramatically on wet, windy days and frosty nights. 6. Consider a belt and braces approach to magnesium supplementation – use a bolus and free access products. The only effective means of giving each individual animal a guaranteed supply of magnesium during the high risk period is by using Rumbul magnesium bullets. These boluses are given 2-3 days prior to turn-out. The boluses last 28 days and will provide a consistent supply of magnesium to cattle, every minute of every day during their active life. It does not pay to run the risk of losing cows – start thinking about staggers now. Rumbul Magnesium Bullets for Cattle contain magnesium Further information is available on request Legal Category POM-VPS Agrimin Ltd Arlanda Way, Humberside Airport, Kirmington, Lincs, DN39 6YH Tel: (0)1652 688046 Fax: (0)1652 688049 Email: [email protected]

“DEATH BY MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY I PRESUME?” crime scene investigation Magnesium deficiency, or grass staggers, is still a significant cause of death in ewes during the early Spring period. The disease is ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TREAT as the onset of symptoms is generally very rapid and for most farmers, the earliest indication that they have a magnesium problem is a dead animal. Given this, PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES must be employed to minimise the risk. The major points to consider are as follows: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Provide magnesium to ewes prior to the spring grass flush If lambing indoors, supplement...