The clinical signs of grass tetany and milk fever are often similar, and probably the triggering mechanisms are also similar. Without exception, most researchers have observed that clinical signs of grass tetany rarely occur unless affected animals are high producing and being fed a ration high, or excessive, in protein which includes non-protein nitrogenous compounds.

A comparison of the health of feedlot animals fed a forage diet and feed components raised on the Growers Program, to the health of animals raised on the high energy and high fertility approach of the establishment.

Research on a respected dairy operation in eastern Pennsylvania. They agreed to split their 40 cow milking herd, using the Growers Mineral Solutions (GMS) as a mineral supplement on one half and continuing with their commercial mineral on the other half. The data shows the herd using GMS had much lower manure phosphorus levels, and it was achieved while holding same or higher levels of phosphorus in the blood stream. Includes data taken from the farm's DHIA record sheets during the comparison trial.

Grass tetany affects high producing cattle and other herbivores being fed rations excessive in protein. A common factor is excessive nitrogen fertilization of pastures. Adequate dietary sodium not only protects against nitrate toxicity, but also aids in the prevention of grass tetany, and other metabolic and reproductive disorders in herbivores.

I started with Growers Nutritional Solutions in 1992, and, along with having worked with GNS District Manager Paul Campbell for several years, have come to realize the poor nutrient levels in today's farm products are a big problem.

The Book family of Borden, in southern Indiana, had always applied limestone to their fields, but then Ed Bulcher, their Growers District Manager, came along and convinced them to apply high calcium and more tons per acre. "We always used lime, but not as much as Ed preached. He really made us "limeaholics!" joked Jim.

Scott McIver was our highlighted customer for the January 2011 customer conference call. He tells about using GMS with his registered Polled Hereford and Saler cattle. He also gives some tips on grazing alfalfa and what happens when they have to buy hay.

Aaron and his family began feeding Growers Mineral Solutions to their 100+ cows in 1996. The article explains their setup and was originally published in The Growers Solution Spring 1999. The audio was recorded during the Growers Conference Call February 2011.