February 2020 Articles

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Kidding and Difficult Births (Dystocia)

Kidding and Difficult Births (Dystocia) Rodney Johnson, LSU AgCenter Associate Agent Dystocia, or difficult birth, is common in sheep or goats and causes the death of many lambs/kids and ewes/ does. Yearling mothers are much more susceptible to problems than mature animals that have given birth previously. Obesity and lack of exercise during late pregnancy increase the chances of dystocia. Stage 1: Some signs that may be seen include uneasiness, kicking, pawing the ground, lying down and getting up frequently, and sporadic urinating or attempts at urination. There may also be some vaginal discharge and obvious uterine contractions. Visible signs of early labor may or may not be seen in all animals. This stage lasts 1-8 hours and may be longer in first time mothers. Stage 1 ends with the fetal parts entering the birth canal. Stage 2: Visible signs of second stage labor include appearance of the water sac and evidence of a foot or leg exiting the birth canal. This stage lasts about 1-2 hours (15 to 30 minutes per lamb/kid). Stage 2 ends with birth of the lamb/kid. Stage 3: This stage is where the placenta or fetal membranes are passed. This occurs 15 to 20 minutes after the birth of the lamb/kid. Tradition states that it is not good for the ewe/doe to eat her placenta. In some cases, this is not true because it is a natural process that reduces predator attraction to the flock/herd or ewe/doe. The placenta is also rich in the hormone oxytocin, which aids in the milk let-down and the uterine involution processes. When to Give Assistance: A. If an animal is in stage 1 of labor for longer than 8 hours. B. If in stage 2, any of the following occurs: 1.The mother has been straining for 30 minutes with no progress. 2.The water sac is observed for longer than 1 hour and the animal is not trying to push. 3. The animal is showing signs of severe distress or fatigue, including bleeding from the rectum of the mother or a swollen tongue of the lamb or kid. 4. It can visually be determined that the lamb/kid is coming in an abnormal way. (For example, you see 3 or more feet, the tail, etc.) 5. If the fetal membranes have not passed within 12 hours after delivery