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Show Grass Tetany poisonious to Cattle "The warm cloudy moist weather we have been experiencing ex-periencing should forewarn farmers of the dangers of grass tetany, often called crested wheatgrass poisoning," says Carl G. Parker, Extension Range Specialist, Utah State University. He explains that grass tetany most often occurs in this type of weather on pastures where a single species of pasture grass such as crested wheatgrass is growning rapidly, especially where it has been fertilized with nitrogen fertilizer. However, it may occur even on native grass pastures. Research reports indicate greatest losses to lactating cows. Other classes of cattle may be affected as well. Although ranchers may have their plans for spring cattle pasture well -formed, Parker advises them to alter their plans to reduce the potential for grassy tetany. He advises rotating cattle to feed sources high in soluable carbohydrates during spring periods of warm humid weather when there is little sunshine. If economical, he also advises supplementation sup-plementation with magnesium and carbohydrates. car-bohydrates. Local veterinarians and county extension agents, he notes, can be helpful in arriving at the best program for each rancher's situation. |