What mineral deficiency causes Green Tetany in cattle?

The correct answer is magnesium. Green Tetany, also known as grass tetany, is a condition in cattle that primarily occurs when there is a deficiency of magnesium, especially during periods of rapid pasture growth. Young, lush grass is often low in magnesium despite being high in potassium, which can inhibit magnesium absorption in the animal.

Magnesium plays a crucial role in numerous metabolic processes, including muscle function and the activation of various enzymes. When magnesium levels drop too low, cattle can experience neurological and muscular dysfunction, leading to symptoms such as stiffness, restlessness, and sometimes convulsions, which are characteristic of green tetany.

The association between magnesium deficiency and the condition underscores the importance of monitoring and ensuring adequate mineral supplementation in cattle diets, particularly when they are grazing on lush pastures. While calcium, zinc, and potassium are also essential minerals for livestock, they do not specifically lead to the characteristic symptoms associated with green tetany in cattle as magnesium does.