Essay On Grass Tetany

The physiological processes of a mammal are in a unique balance where any deviation from the normal can result in a pathological condition. For example, mammals require a continuous intake of nutrients to ensure that every vital process can be maintained. If these processes are not maintained; the organism will begin to absorb its own nutrients, thereby reducing the availability of resources within the organism (Odette, 2005). An organism that is absorbing its own nutrients will be unable to sufficiently complete the numerous processes that are necessary for its continued functioning and thus, the organism will begin to experience symptoms associated with malnutrition. If the malnutrition is prolonged, the organism will develop comorbidities as a result of the decreased resource …show more content…
The epidemiology of grass tetany occurs primarily in regions that experience periods of prolonged temperature fluctuations that is representative of the changing seasons. For example, most wild grass enters a dormant state when temperatures fall below 6°C (Goff, 2006). This dormant state does not result in the death of the flora, but causes the roots to minimize their growth activity to ensure their continued survival throughout the winter. As the temperatures rise above 15°C, most forms of grass will emerge from their dormant state and will begin rapid growth (Goff, 2006). During these periods of rapid growth, the roots of the grass will require a greater allotment of nutrients and thus, fewer nutrients will be available in the leaves (Goff, 2006). Prolonged periods of insufficient magnesium consumption will require the use of internal magnesium pools to stave off the development of hypomagnesemia. As such, grass tetany will develop if the cattle enters a state of hypomagnesemia and is not provided any additional sources of magnesium (Goff,