Cause
a. "Simple" goiter (known also as "colloid" goiter) of newborn lambs is due to iodine deficiency in the pregnant ewe's diet.

Signs
a. Defined, symmetrical enlargement of the thyroid gland.
b. The thyroid gland is located in the ventral part of the "throat latch" in the upper part of the trachea (wind-pipe).
c. Affected lambs have a swollen throat, are often born with little or no wool, act weak and often succumb to starvation.

Treatment
a. Does not improve chances of survival.

Prevention
a. Stabilized iodized salt in diet of gestating ewes.
b. Salt mix should contain at least 0.007% available iodine.

This article is used by permission and is part of:
Nutritional Effects on Sheep Health
by Helen A. Swartz
State Sheep, Goat and Livestock Specialist
Lincoln University Cooperative Extension