Skin

August 2022

Daniel L. Smith, David M. Sherman

hair growth photoperiod melatonin nutrition skin diseases contagious ecthyma capripox viruses skin lesions secondary bacterial infections staphylococci

Studysummary This review examines the structure and function of the skin in goats and the factors affecting fiber growth, particularly in cashmere and mohair-producing breeds, without presenting new research data.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The document reviews the structure and function of goat skin, with a focus on hair growth. It notes that hair growth in goats is similar to other land mammals and is influenced by factors such as photoperiod, likely through melatonin, and nutrition. Certain goat breeds are specifically kept for fiber production, with mohair consisting of non-medullated fibers lacking crimp. The document also discusses the diagnosis of skin diseases in goats, which involves a progression from history, to a general clinical examination, to a detailed skin examination, and finally to confirmatory testing or diagnosis by response to therapy. It mentions that contagious ecthyma and capripox viruses cause prominent skin lesions in goats, and that secondary bacterial infections, especially staphylococci, commonly invade almost any skin lesion on a goat.

View this study on onlinelibrary.wiley.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

8 / 8 results

research Malassezia Slooffiae-Associated Dermatitis in a Goat

24 citations , September 2007 in “Veterinary Dermatology”

This report documented the first known case of Malassezia slooffiae-associated dermatitis identified in a goat through diagnostic work-up, including histology and DNA sequencing.

research Zinc-Responsive Dermatosis in Goats Suggestive of Hereditary Malabsorption: Two Field Cases

34 citations , August 2005 in “Veterinary Dermatology”

This descriptive study reports that zinc deficiency in two dairy goats likely resulted from hereditary malabsorption, requiring life-long zinc supplementation to prevent skin lesions.

research Zinc Responsive Dermatopathy in Goats: Two Field Cases

10 citations , July 2000 in “PubMed”

This case report suggests that increased dietary calcium from alfalfa may have contributed to zinc deficiency in two adult female goats by blocking zinc absorption.

research Protein And Sulfur Amino Acid Nutrition Of Hair Fiber-Producing Angora And Cashmere Goats

38 citations , May 2000 in “Livestock production science”

This study found that good quality protein supplements or rumen-protected methionine increased fiber yield in Angora goats and, to a lesser extent, in Cashmere goats.

research Melatonin and Fleece Growth in Australian Cashmere Goats

26 citations , July 1995 in “Small ruminant research”

This study found that melatonin implants at specific times of the year may increase cashmere production in young Australian cashmere goats by altering their growth cycles.

research Seborrhoeic Dermatitis in Pygmy Goats

5 citations , September 1991 in “Veterinary dermatology”

In this study of seborrhoeic dermatitis in pigmy goats, researchers found that the disease has chronic cycles of remission and relapse without clear infectious or nutritional causes, and corticosteroid treatment provided only temporary relief.

research Zinc Deficiency in Sheep and Goats: Three Field Cases

45 citations , June 1984 in “Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association”

In this study, zinc supplementation rapidly improved conditions such as anorexia, depression, and foot soreness in sheep and goats diagnosed with zinc deficiency, along with healing skin lesions and resumption of hair and wool growth.

research Effects of Long-Term Zinc Deficiency on Feed Utilization, Reproductive Characteristics, and Hair Growth in Sexually Mature Male Goats

40 citations , January 1973 in “Journal of Dairy Science”

This study found that zinc deficiency in goats led to lower plasma zinc levels, decreased growth rate, smaller testicles, reduced libido, and was associated with higher mortality compared to control goats.