Efficacy of a large magnesium alloy rumen bolus in the prevention of hypomagnesemic tetany in cows.

Abstract

Two cow-calf grazing studies and 2 rate-of-disappearance trials in steers surgically prepared with rumen fistula were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a large Mg alloy rumen bolus in preventing hypomagnesemic tetany (grass tetany). The mineral composition of the forage and results of study of 2 cows in the cow-calf studies indicated that an environment conducive to the occurrence of grass tetany existed. Grass tetany occurred in a cow that was given a Mg bolus and in a control cow. Administration of 1 or 2 mg boluses did not affect blood serum Mg, Ca, P, and K concentrations. Bolus treatment did not affect cow-calf performance or conception rate. The rate of weight loss of the boluses in the surgically prepared steers (rumen fistula) ranged from 0.71 to 1.43 g/day or 0.66 to 1.33 g of Mg/day. Steer differences affected the rates of disappearance patterns of the boluses. The rate of disappearance was relatively constant over a 175-day period and regurgitation or passage was not a problem. Although administration of the boluses could have prevented tetany in some animals (borderline), the rate of Mg release appears too slow to be highly effective in preventing grass tetany.

• Authors: J A Stuedemann, S R Wilkinson, R S Lowrey
• Journal: American journal of veterinary research (Am J Vet Res) Vol. 45 Issue 4 Pg. 698-702 (Apr 1984) ISSN: 0002-9645 [Print] United States
• PMID: 6731982 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Alloys
• Magnesium

Topics

• Alloys (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Animal Feed
• Animals
• Body Weight (drug effects)
• Cattle
• Cattle Diseases (prevention & control)
• Female
• Lactation (drug effects)
• Magnesium (administration & dosage, metabolism, therapeutic use)
• Magnesium Deficiency (complications, prevention & control, veterinary)
• Pregnancy
• Rumen (metabolism)
• Tetany (etiology, prevention & control, veterinary)