Livestock at risk from staggers
Livestock are at risk of fatal grass staggers this spring following leaching of magnesium from pasture, experts are warning.
The condition, which is caused as a result of low levels of magnesium, is often a problem for dairy, beef and sheep producers at the start of spring as lush, fast growing grass is low in the mineral. However, the record rainfall last year could have exacerbated the problem at turnout this year.
And with the disease almost impossible to treat once it takes hold, farmers are being urged to take action before turnout.
Vet Maarten Boers from the Livestock Partnership, West Sussex says only last week he confirmed a sudden death in a beef cow as a result of staggers.
“Within two hours an animal can be down and having convulsions. Any stress factor can push them over the edge.”
Mr Boers advises farmers to take preventive measures before turning out stock. “There are various ways to supplement magnesium. The problem with only providing licks is that some animals can gorge on them, but others won’t touch it. My advice would be to either bolus individuals to ensure they are getting the correct amount, or use a combination of licks alongside magnesium supplementation in water.”
Mr Boers adds: “A constant supply is required of about 60 grams for an adult cow, with pregnant and lactating animals (sheep as well) most at risk as they have a higher requirement.”
James McCulloch from Agrimin suggests bringing cattle in at night for the first week at turnout, especially in cold, wet and windy weather-conditions which aggravate the problem.
Sheep should also be supplemented before the flush of spring grass. Mr McCulloch says: “If lambing indoors, supplement with magnesium prior to turnout and if lambing outdoors, supplements should be provided to coincide with the period two to six weeks post lambing.”
He also suggests keeping ewes and lambs aged two to six weeks on the same pasture as moving them can actually trigger staggers.
Karen Wonnacott, ruminant technical manager at BOCM Pauls, advises farmers to consider salt supplementation during the risk periods. “Magnesium absorption is dependent on the presence of sodium and therefore it’s important to consider magnesium not in isolation, but in conjunction with dietary sodium and potassium levels.”
Grass staggers – what you need to know
- Grass staggers is caused by low magnesium levels
- Lush spring grass is often low in magnesium
- Wet weather could have exacerbated the problem by leaching magnesium from soil
- Affects beef, sheep and dairy cattle
- Some 48,000 cattle are thought to be affected each year
- Potassium from fertiliser can intensify the problem as it inhibits magnesium uptake
- Ruminants have low stores of magnesium
- Symptoms includes nervousness, excitability, restlessness, over alert appearance and possible aggression, leading to death
- Onset of symptoms is generally rapid
- Wet, windy and frosty weather can exacerbate the problem
- Supplement magnesium prior to turnout in the form of boluses, free access mineral licks, magnesium added to TMR or water
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Magnesium supplements can prevent staggers