Prevent Grass Staggers This Spring
The longest lasting magnesium capsule on the market, Rumetrace capsules are available ‘over the counter’ via rural merchants and vets as an aid in the prevention or grass staggers hypomagnesaemia (Magnesium deficiency).
By releasing elemental Magnesium every day, the capsules help remove the troughs in the normal ‘saw-tooth pattern’ of blood magnesium that may lead to hypomagnesaemia and clinical grass staggers. One capsule is administered to each cow prior to calving (or 7-10 days before the grass staggers risk period begins). In most circumstances one Rumetrace capsule will then release 1-3g of Mg right through the grass staggers ‘risk period’.
Rumetrace Magnesium capsules are suitable for both dairy and beef cows, but are mainly purchased for herds on farms that don’t have the facilities, labour, and/or inclination to drench twice daily. Any cow or rising 2yr heifer may be treated.
Lactating dairy cows normally require approx 20-30g of Magnesium per day, about half of which is provided by normal metabolism. The capsule will provide 1-3 grams of supplementary Magnesium per day under most conditions. Capsule Mg release rates vary according to feed (Mg) intake and cow’s Mg demand. Consult with NRM or your local veterinarian for advice in using Rumetrace, as under certain conditions additional Mg may be required.
Consult with NRM or your local veterinarian for advice in using Rumetrace, as under certain conditions additional Mg may be required.
By Ed Catherwood, NRM Business Development Manager