Kimberly is wintering her cows on a wheat pasture. In order to help prevent grass tetany, what type of mineral supplement should she supply her cows? Zinc Calcium Magnesium Phosphorus

## Step 1<br />Grass tetany, also known as hypomagnesemia, is a metabolic disorder that can occur in ruminants, such as cows, when they are grazing on lush, rapidly growing pastures. This condition is characterized by low levels of magnesium in the blood, which can lead to nervous system dysfunction and can be fatal if not treated.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes in the body, including muscle contraction, nerve function, and energy production. When cows are wintering on a wheat pasture, they may not receive adequate amounts of magnesium from their diet, leading to an increased risk of grass tetany.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />To help prevent grass tetany, it is recommended to supplement the cows with magnesium. Magnesium supplements can be given in the form of magnesium oxide or magnesium sulfate. These supplements can help increase the magnesium levels in the blood and reduce the risk of grass tetany.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />While zinc, calcium, and phosphorus are also essential minerals for cows, they are not the primary minerals used to prevent grass tetany. Zinc is involved in immune function and wound healing, calcium is essential for bone health and muscle contraction, and phosphorus is important for energy metabolism and bone health. However, in the context of preventing grass tetany, magnesium is the most relevant mineral to supplement.