A study of magnesium and calcium metabolism in lactating ewes fed a semi-purified diet low in magnesium

Abstract

1. Lactating ewes, fed an artificial diet deficient in magnesium, showed no ill effects while they received an adequate supplement of magnesium acetate. Sudden withdrawal of the supplement resulted in acute hypomagnesaemia, hypocalcaemia and loss of appetite within 48-72 hr. One animal developed tetany within 3 days after withdrawing the supplement. Appetite and serum magnesium and calcium levels could all be restored by giving magnesium acetate supplement.