13/05/2026
COPPER DEFICENY/ENZOOTIC ATAXIA
Copper deficiency is a nutritional disease in goats caused by low copper levels in the body. In young kids, severe deficiency can cause enzootic ataxia (also called swayback), a nervous disorder affecting movement and coordination.
Causes
Low copper in feed or soil
Excess molybdenum, sulfur, iron, or calcium interfering with copper absorption
Feeding only poor-quality roughage
Copper-deficient dams during pregnancy
Signs & Symptoms
In Adult Goats
Poor growth
Weight loss
Rough, faded coat (“rusty” black hair)
Hair loss around eyes
Anemia
Reduced fertility
Diarrhea
Weakness
In Kids (Enzootic Ataxia)
Weak or unable to stand
Wobbling gait / incoordination
Hind limb paralysis
Tremors
Difficulty suckling
Sometimes blindness
Types of Enzootic Ataxia
Congenital form
Kids born weak or paralyzed
Due to severe deficiency during pregnancy
Delayed form
Appears at 1–3 months of age
Progressive weakness and ataxia
Diagnosis
Clinical signs
Feed and mineral history
Low serum/liver copper levels
Response to copper treatment
Treatment
Copper supplementation:
Copper sulfate solution
Mineral mixtures containing copper
Copper oxide boluses (carefully dosed)
Supportive care:
Good nutrition
Physiotherapy for weak kids
⚠️ Excess copper can be toxic, especially in sheep, so proper dosing is important.
Prevention
Balanced mineral supplementation
Provide goat mineral mix with copper
Check feed and soil mineral status
Supplement pregnant does properly
