I just came across this on another email list:any comments on the truth of this, vets out
there?
“If you are a cattleman, I am sure you are familiar with Grass Tetany and Milk Fever, and the sudden death associated with
its occurrence. These were once thought to be magnesium and calcium
deficiencies. We now know it is from high potassium forages and grasses.
Similar situations causing abortions and gut problems often occur in horses.
What happens is that the potassium spikes during cool, wet conditions and
especially after long droughts followed by rainfall and rapid growth.- Situations like frost and freezing are
especially bad - have you ever had horse colic after a frost?Probably so...the reason is a sudden mineral
change in the grass, not just frozen grass! During these times sodium, calcium
and magnesium decrease, while potassium increases. This spike in potassium is
often deadly. A major problem like this occurred in 2001 in the Midwest where reproductive losses occurred in
thousands of horses, cattle, sheep and goats. This was severe in Kentucky. Often cattle were just found dead a few
hours after frost and freezes. Minerals blocks just cannot provide the minerals fast enough for such rapid changes in weather. Free
choice, loose minerals are a must if such problems are to be prevented!”
