Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Risk of magnesium deficiency, vets warn
cows
"Although cattle are well designed to withstand very low temperatures, they are less well adapted to continuous rain which is what they have had to face over the last four to five weeks.

Extreme weather this winter could affect cattle

Farmers are being warned that extreme weather this winter could result in their cows suffering from magnesium deficiency.

Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) advises farmers with outwintered stock, especially cows, to make sure they receive a daily magnesium supplement.

The condition, often known as 'grass staggers', usually affects grazing cattle in spring, but overwintered cows fed on silage can also suffer.

"Magnesium is essential for metabolism and the requirement increases at times of stress," explains veterinary investigation officer George Caldow.

"Furthermore cattle rely on a steady intake of magnesium and heavy rainfall can interfere with the normal food intake of cows so that magnesium intake becomes critical."

On the whole, farmers have countered the recent extreme weather by making sure their dry, pregnant spring claviers are well fed with big bale silage. This is usually more than enough to meet the cow's energy requirements but can fail to meet their specific needs for some minerals and vitamins.

"Although cattle are well designed to withstand very low temperatures, they are less well adapted to continuous rain which is what they have had to face over the last four to five weeks," Mr Caldow adds.

"This continual drain on their heat reserves when coupled with a deficiency of magnesium can result magnesium tetany. While all producers are well aware of the risk of tetany to cows suckling calves at grass in the spring, it is not commonly expected in the middle of winter!

"Our advice is therefore for all producers with outwintered stock, particularly cows, to ensure they are adequately supplemented with a suitable magnesium supply daily."

 

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

RUMA CA&E extends survey deadline

News Story 1
 RUMA CA&E has extended the deadline for its online survey into vaccine availability.

Vets, SQPs, retailers and wholesalers will now have until Friday, 26 September at 5pm to submit their response.

The survey aims to further understanding into the vaccine supply challenges faced by the sector. It will also consider the short and long term impacts of disruption issues.

Insights are anonymous, and will be shared with industry stakeholders and government bodies.

The survey can be accessed here

Click here for more...
News Shorts
BSAVA publishes Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice

The BSAVA has added a small animal nutrition advice booklet to its series of BSAVA guides.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice offers a resource for veterinary professionals to provide appropriate nutrition for animals. As well as maintaining the wellbeing of healthy pets, the guide explores how nutritional requirements change in times of illness and disease.

The guide is divided into five sections, which explore the importance of nutritional assessment; diet types; feeding at different life stages; feeding for specific situations; and feeding for specific diseases. Online resources are also in the BSAVA Library including client handouts and videos.

It is designed to be suitable for referencing, in-depth case planning and team training sessions.

The BSAVA Guide to Nutrition in Small Animal Practice can be purchased online from the BSAVA store.