Causes of sheep dystocia in Djelfa area (Algeria)

The objective of this study was to clarify the most common causes of sheep dystocia in Djelfa area (Algeria). 87 ewes suffering from dystocia were investigated in this study. Dystocia was diagnosed after careful vaginal examination. Fetal causes of dystocia were more prevalent (75 %) than maternal causes (16 %). Materno-fetal causes represented 9 %. Several origins of dystocia were recorded. Malpresentation was the most important cause of dystocia, followed by emphysema, ringwomb and uterine-inertia. Others causes were less important. In regards to effect of dystocia type on the viability of lambs, we have recorded that the large number of dead lambs was observed in case of fetal emphysema.