TLDR Goat hair growth is influenced by light cycles and diet, and skin diseases in goats are diagnosed through a step-by-step process and often involve viral or bacterial infections.
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.
24 citations
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September 2007 in “Veterinary Dermatology” A goat had skin issues caused by Malassezia slooffiae, marking the first known case in goats.
34 citations
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August 2005 in “Veterinary Dermatology” Goats may need lifelong zinc supplements due to hereditary zinc absorption issues.
10 citations
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July 2000 in “PubMed” High calcium in their diet caused zinc deficiency in the goats.
38 citations
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May 2000 in “Livestock production science” Giving high-quality protein or methionine supplements helps improve hair growth in Angora goats and, to a lesser extent, in Cashmere goats.
26 citations
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July 1995 in “Small ruminant research” Melatonin implants affect the growth and pattern of cashmere goat fleece depending on the time of year they are given.
5 citations
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September 1991 in “Veterinary dermatology” Pygmy goats with seborrhoeic dermatitis showed skin symptoms and temporary improvement with corticosteroids, but the cause and inheritance of the disease remain unknown.
45 citations
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June 1984 in “Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association” Zinc supplements quickly improved health issues in sheep and goats.
40 citations
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January 1973 in “Journal of Dairy Science” Zinc deficiency in male goats leads to poor hair growth, smaller testicles, reduced libido, and is hard to reverse.
