Hair loss in Angora goats
By Dr Mackie Hobson BSc(Agric),BVSc

Updated June 2020

Possible causes

The Angora goat has an exceptional ability to convert available food into fibre and it is deservedly considered to be the most efficient fibre-producing animal species. There are a number of genetic and nutritional factors that effect this fibre production which in effect determine the amount of mohair shorn from a goat.

 There are however also factors which may result in hair loss.

Angora goats with hair loss on some of the farms investigated

The following list summarises the potential factors that could cause hair loss in Angora goats

1. Dermatophilus congolensis

See https://www.angoras.co.za/article/hair-loss-in-angora-goats-dermatophilosis-dermatophilus-congolensis

2. Nutrition

See https://www.angoras.co.za/article/hair-loss-in-angora-goats-nutritional-causes#368

a) Drought conditions, pregnancy, lactation, stress, fever)

b) Zinc deficiency

More info see: https://www.angoras.co.za/article/zinc-deficiency-in-angora-goats

c) Copper deficiency

More info see https://www.angoras.co.za/article/copper-deficiency-in-angora-goats

d) Selenium excess

More info see https://www.angoras.co.za/article/selenium-supplementation

e) Vit A deficiency

f) Iodine deficiency

g) Role of methionine?

More info see https://www.angoras.co.za/article/importance-of-methionine-in-angora-goats

h) Vit B12 and Cobalt deficiency

More info see https://www.angoras.co.za/article/cobalt-vit-b12

3. Hypersensitivity dermatitis (allergy/atopy)

See https://www.angoras.co.za/article/hair-loss-in-angora-goats-hypersensitivity-dermatitis#369

4. Parasites

See https://www.angoras.co.za/article/hair-loss-in-angora-goats-external-parasites

5. Bacteria and ringworm

a) Caprine Staphylococcal Dermatitis

Staphlococcus is a bacteria normally found on the skin. Under certain conditions when this skin’s defence barrier becomes compromised the bacteria may invade the skin leading to dermatitis and pustule formation. A crusty exudate may result on the skin surface and lead to hair loss. The areas involved are often on the udder or around the anal area but in bad cases the hair loss may occur along the flank, back and neck. In cases where we have investigated hair loss Staphlococcus epidermidis has been cultured but is considered non pathogenic

b) Ringworm in Goats ‘omlope’

Ringworm is a fungal infection. Affected goats generally lose hair in circular patches on the neck, ears and face. Ringworm is usually itchy. It is very easily transmitted by contact and mechanical vectors.