Iodine Deficiency in Goats

Iodine deficiency is a common problem among humans and livestock throughout the world. Prevalence is very high in goats due to less access to soils and browsing habits of goats. It is primarily due to deficiency of iodine in soil, feed, fodder, and water or secondarily due to the presence of goitrogens in diet of animals. Clinical deficiency is characterized by cardinal signs of goiter, whereas subclinical deficiency is difficult to diagnose because clinical signs are not evident. Clinical signs are more prevalent in kids as compared to adults. Diagnosis is on the basis of clinical sign of goiter and estimation of thyroid hormones, the plasma organic iodine level. Milk and urine iodine levels are good indicators of iodine deficiency. Deficiency can be prevented by daily supplementation of iodine and avoiding diets high in goitrogens.