Zinc Deficiency in Sheep and Goats: Three Field Cases

    June 1984 in “ Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association ”
    Dennis R. Nelson, William A. Wolff, Dennis J. Blodgett, B. Luecke, Rachel Ely, James F. Zachary
    TLDR Zinc supplements quickly improved health issues in sheep and goats.
    Zinc deficiency was diagnosed in 2 flocks of sheep and a herd of goats, leading to symptoms such as alopecia, wool eating, hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, abnormal hoof growth, and a closed stance with arched back and bowed hindlimbs. The animals also experienced anorexia, depression, and foot soreness, which improved rapidly after zinc supplementation. Skin lesions healed, and hair and wool growth resumed. The cause of the deficiency was not determined.
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