What Are the Causes of Hair Loss in Cattle?

Cattle typically live in the elements, exposed to all manner of insects, parasites and environmental stresses. And although they are typically hardy by nature, cattle are still susceptible to any number of infections and diseases, some of which cause hair loss. In most cases of hair loss in cattle, you will find a host of offending parasites living in luxury off the skin and blood of your cows. However, there are a few other causes to consider.

  1. Zinc Deficiency

    • Most of the zinc in a cow's body is contained in her skin, hair and wool. If she is deficient in zinc, she will develop parakeratosis, leading to skin lesions and hair loss.

    Iodine Deficiency

    • Calves with an iodine deficiency could suffer from hairlessness, along with a rough coat, blindness, an enlarged thyroid and stunted growth.

    Photosensitization

    • Photosensitization is a condition which causes skin to "overreact" to sunlight exposure due to the presence of offending elements, typically phylloerythrin, being produced by the cattle. The cattle will proceed to scratch at the affected areas, causing skin lesions and hair loss.

    Ringworm

    • Ringworm is a contagious skin disease spread by spore-bearing fungi. It attacks the hair shafts and skin of the cattle, causing skin lesions, scabs and hair loss.

    Mites

    • A mite infestation in cattle is called mange, and can range from the very contagious sarcoptic mange to a more easily treated form like demodex or chorioptic mange. If not treated, any form of mange can cause hair loss, thickening of the skin and immune system weakness.

    Lice

    • Biting and sucking lice can infest cattle, causing severe skin itching and irritation. If the lice are not treated, the cattle may experience loss of hair and appetite.