Abstract: Single or multiple etiological factors are usually considered to be involved in sheep alopecia. In this study, we conducted the diagnosis and treatment process of clinical cases of sheep alopecia in a sheep farm. After a preliminary diagnosis based on clinical symptoms in combination with an epidemiological investigation, a total of 22 suspected cases of sheep alopecia were found. Ten of them were randomly selected and 19 kinds of elements in sheep serum collected were determined. The results demonstrated that the serum levels of Zn and I were significantly lower and lower than the reference value, respectively, and there were 3 samples with slightly lower serum level of Cu compared with the reference value. According to the results of preliminary diagnosis, parasite detection as well as macroelements and microelements detection, the etiological factor of sheep alopecia in this farm was considered as the lack of Zn, I and Cu. After a 2-week-long supplementation of the corresponding elements, all of the 22 sheep with alopecia were cured with the cure rate of 100%.

Key words: sheep, microelements, alopecia, diagnosis, treatment