Zinc Responsive Dermatopathy in Goats: Two Field Cases

July 2000 in “ PubMed ”

Leonard J. Singer, Alan J. Herron, Norman H. Altman

zinc deficiency alopecia endocrine imbalance mineral deficiency calcium zinc absorption

Studysummary 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.

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Two adult female goats exhibited symptoms of symmetrical alopecia, rough hair coats, weight loss, and general unthriftiness, which were suspected to be due to a mineral deficiency or endocrine imbalance. The goats were on a diet high in calcium from alfalfa, which can inhibit zinc absorption. Low serum zinc levels and skin biopsies confirmed zinc deficiency, suggesting that the high dietary calcium was the primary factor preventing zinc uptake.

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Research cited in this study

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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.