hair loss in old cow

louise · Post by **louise** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 5:23 pm

My old cow is 15 this year and although she seems healthy she has lost loads of hair on the back over the ribs and hips. The bare skin looks quite normal, not scabby or anything. I don't think I have ever seen her like this after the winter. She is a bit thinner than usual as well. She is out all the time with a dry shed to go in. The calf is still with her - I never wean them -she does. She has had ad-lib hay or haylage with a scoop of nuts.
Any comments anyone?
This is a BIG dexter -Beeches Della 11th. I have noticed a number of the line on the boards from time to time. What a grand breeding cow she is - has anyone else got any of the Dellas?

Duncan MacIntyre · Post by **Duncan MacIntyre** » Sun Apr 09, 2006 8:47 pm

Probably just due to a complete stop in hair growth in winter followed by start of growth now. One of my cows used to do it regularly from about 5yo though her mother and daughter never did. If you are in any doubt that parasites may be involved give her a dose of dectomax pour on or equivalent.

Duncan

moomin · Post by **moomin** » Mon Apr 10, 2006 8:28 am

Don't worry! She is just moulting and probably rubbing her old coat off. Dexters have a thick shaggy coat and they always look worse than other breeds with finer coats when they moult. Mine all look motheaten at the moment, they will all look beautiful again by the end of next month when they have their shiny summer coats on.