Grass tetany is a potentially fatal metabolic disorder in cattle caused by magnesium deficiency, most common in spring on lush pastures.
Grass tetany causes extreme distress - hypersensitivity, muscle spasms, and convulsions represent acute suffering. Without emergency treatment, death follows rapidly. Prevention through magnesium supplementation is highly effective and represents a clear welfare duty for beef and dairy farmers. Animals at risk should be monitored closely during high-risk periods.