Genetic predispositions, nutritional and environmental factors that may affect parturition and dystocia in sheep

Abstract

The aim of the study is to dive into the various factors which may lead to dystocia in sheep whether they are nutritional or non-nutritional. Dystocia is defined as a difficult birth due to a long, unassisted parturition or prolonged delivery requiring assistance. These factors include genetic predispositions, i.e., the effect the dam and sire have on the dystocia based on their breed, nutritional needs (not only what nutrition the ewe requires to produce healthy lambs but what the farmer should not include, i.e., oestrogenic plants) and environmental factors, especially immediately prior to parturition.