Dairy farmers are being warned there is an increased risk of bloat, grass staggers and falling milk production in their cows.
Dairy NZ says wet, overcast weather has resulted in rapid pasture growth over the past month or so.
Consequently, many farms have increased their pasture rotation, exposing the cows to younger grasses which are high in potassium and non-protein nitrogen and low in magnesium. That increases the risk of a condition known as grass staggers.
However, principal animal scientist John Roche says staggers can be avoided by ensuring cows get sufficient levels of magnesium.
He says there have been more cases than usual of an associated ailment, bloat, reported this year, as well.
Mr Roche says prevention is the best approach, but farmers who do have a problem with bloat should talk to their vet.
