Magnesium

Question 1

What is the function of magnesium?

Answer 1

it is a cofactor to activate enzymes involved in catabolism and anabolism, vital to the maintenance of normal nerve and muscle stability

Question 2

What are plasma magnesium levels?

Answer 2

1.8-2.4 mg/dL

Question 3

What are dietary sources of magnesium?

Answer 3

grains, oilseed meals, forage grasses, and forage legumes

Question 4

What are synthetic sources of magnesium?

Answer 4

magnesium oxide, magnesium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide

Question 5

What is hypomagnesemia?

Answer 5

tetany

Question 6

What is hypermagnesemia?

Answer 6

slow reaction time

Question 7

How do we know that an animal is magnesium deficient?

Answer 7

their plasma levels fall below the renal threshold

Question 8

What is normal plasma Mg concentration dependent on?

Answer 8

daily dietary Mg absorption

Question 9

What species group most commonly has Mg issues?

Answer 9

ruminants

Question 10

What is Mg absorption in ruminants dependent on?

Answer 10

the concentration in rumen fluid, and the integrity of the rumen active transport mechanism

Question 11

What can block rumen transport of Mg?

Answer 11

potassium in forages

Question 12

How can a Mg deficiency be overcome in ruminants?

Answer 12

adding Mg to the diet in a highly soluble form to utilize passive diffusion

Question 13

What is hypomagnesemic tetany?

Answer 13

Grass tentany caused by magnesium deficiency

Question 14

What species is grass tetany common in?

Answer 14

cows, sheep, and goats

Question 15

What cows is grass tetany usually observed in?

Answer 15

lactating beef or dairy animals at pasture

Question 16

Why are lactating cows susceptible to grass tetany?

Answer 16

because lactation increases the demand for Mg

Question 17

What are symptoms of grass tetany?

Answer 17

hyperexcitable nerves, muscle tremors, nystagmus, convulsons

Question 18

How do you prevent struvite formation in cats?

Answer 18

limit Mg, or acidify the diet