Hair Plucking and Alopecia in a Flock of Sheep in Zaria, Nigeria

    September 2020 in “ Sahel Journal of Veterinary Sciences
    Tajudeen Kolawole Bello, M. Hussaini, Balkisu Banke Oyelowo, Rania Hassan, Brenda Engo Oke, Syafriadi Idris
    TLDR Switching to coarser feed and providing hay improved the sheep's health.
    A case report from Zaria, Nigeria, described hair plucking and alopecia in a flock of 15 sheep (9 ewes and 6 rams) aged 3-48 months. Over 1 month, the sheep exhibited alopecia, but tests for parasites and nutrient deficiencies were negative. The issue was linked to the finely ground feed and lack of hay or pasture. After switching to coarser feed and providing hay ad libitum, the sheep's condition improved within 4 weeks. The study concluded that inadequate forage and finely ground feed could negatively impact sheep health and performance.
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