Page 26 - MWC 3-10-2022s

The Midwest Cattleman · March 10, 2022 · P26
Feeding High-Magnesium Minerals to Cows

Calving on Winter PASTURES

By Paul Beck

There has not been much ing table shows the average agement, growth conditions, The high potassium con-
wheat pasture this winter mineral content from 5 ex- and soil mineral content. tent of wheat forage is
after a slow start last fall periments across Oklahoma This data shows that mag- problematic because it in-
and long winter drought in and into Arkansas. nesium, copper, and zinc are terferes with magnesium
most of Oklahoma. Many There is considerable deficient in wheat forage; absorption in the gastro-in-
pastures that usually have variation in the mineral calcium and phosphorus are testinal tract. Grass tetany
stockers grazing all winter composition of small grain adequate while potassium in mature cows is caused by
had either not been stocked forages, depending on man- is excessive. low blood magnesium levels
or have had the calves that can result from ei-
pulled already. Moisture ther low magnesium in-
from recent snow will take or poor absorption.
give the wheat a boost It is commonly a problem
and many of these fields in nursing mature cows
could be used for spring grazing small grain pas-
calving cows to graze. tures in the spring due
Growing wheat this time to magnesium excretion
of year is high in protein in the milk and reduced
and highly digestible resorption of magne-
and will easily meet the sium from the bone in
requirements of a beef mature cows compared
cow in early lactation. with younger cows or
A problem with wheat growing calves.
and other small grain Grass tetany is a con-
pasture is the mineral dition associated with
content in comparison inadequate magnesium
to the needs of the lac- in the diet. Magnesium
tating cow. The follow- is a mineral that is nec-