Causes of Goats Losing Their Hair

Goats are domesticated animals related closely to sheep and are raised for their milk, hair and meat--called mutton or chevron. They are also raised as pets. Most goats' hair consists of two coats: a coarse, wiry coat and a soft undercoat (cashmere). Goats are susceptible to a variety of diseases that may result in hair loss, but most are treatable by a veterinarian.

  1. Parasites and fungus

    • Both internal and external parasite are known to cause hair loss in goats. The barber pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) is an example of an internal parasite. It lives in grassy areas, and goats may ingest them while feeding. Mange (sarcoptes scabiei) and lice are external parasites living on the skin of the animal. Ringworm is a fungus which causes hair to break off at the skin level.

    Hormones

    • Female goats, or does, can sometimes lose hair before, during or after giving birth to a kid or baby goat. This is due to the fluctuation of hormones, including estrogen. Male goats, or wethers, can also lose hair when castrated from loss of hormones.

    Trauma and Stress

    • Stress-induced hair loss caused by a physical injury or isolation of a sociable animal usually occurs on a goat's back. Stressed goats rub obsessively on objects in their surroundings until hair is worn off in an area.

    Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency

    • A zinc, vitamin A, iodine or selenium deficiency can cause hair loss and is treated with supplements to the diet.