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Zinc responsive dermatopathy in goats: two field cases
L J Singer1, A Herron, N Altman
1Division of Comparative Pathology, University of Miami, School of Medicine, 1550 NW 10th Ave Room 109, (R-46), Miami, Florida, 33136, USA.
Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science
|August 7, 2001
Summary
High dietary calcium from alfalfa can cause zinc deficiency in goats, leading to hair loss and weight loss. This mineral imbalance impacts overall goat health and nutrition.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Nutrition
- Dermatology
Background:
- Mineral deficiencies can cause significant health issues in livestock.
- Alfalfa is a common feed for goats, rich in calcium.
- Calcium can interfere with the absorption of other essential minerals.
Observation:
- Two adult female goats exhibited symmetrical alopecia, poor hair quality, weight loss, and general unthriftiness.
- Clinical signs suggested a potential mineral deficiency or endocrine disorder.
- The goats were fed a diet primarily consisting of alfalfa.
Findings:
- Serum zinc levels were found to be low in the affected goats.
- Skin biopsies confirmed the diagnosis of zinc deficiency.
- Increased dietary calcium from alfalfa was identified as the likely cause of blocked zinc absorption.
Implications:
- Dietary management is crucial for preventing mineral imbalances in goats.
- Understanding calcium-zinc interactions is important for goat health.
- This case highlights the need for careful diet formulation to ensure adequate mineral uptake in livestock.