Grass tetany is caused by a deficiency of which mineral?

• A. Calcium
• B. Magnesium
• C. Phosphorus
• D. Potassium

Answer: (B)

Grass tetany happens when grazing ruminants don’t have enough magnesium in their bodies. Magnesium is essential for nerve and muscle function, helping muscles relax after contraction. When magnesium is deficient, nerves become overly excitable and muscles contract uncontrollably, leading to signs like twitching, tremors, staggering, and in severe cases, seizures or sudden death. This condition is especially common on lush, lush spring pastures that are high in potassium and low in magnesium, which also reduces magnesium absorption in the rumen. Because the problem is a lack of magnesium, this mineral deficiency best explains grass tetany. Management focuses on increasing magnesium intake through mineral supplements or magnesium-rich feeds and addressing pasture mineral balance.