FETAL ANOMALIES AND THEIR EFFECT ON PARTURITION AND THE FUTURE OF FERTILITY IN SHEEP

Abstract

The study was designed to determine the effect of fetal anomalies on parturition and after that on the future of fertility in sheep in Al-Muthanna province. Twenty-five ewes were used, aged between 2-5 years, and all ewes at the lambing. Dealing with lambing was performed as a hormonally, fetotomy, or surgically (caesarian section). The results show that 15/25 (60%) cases suffered from dystocia because of a different fetal anomaly. (26.6%), 4/15 cases showing a head anomaly (head oversize, eyes and mouth anomalies). (26.6%), 4 cases showing a limb anomaly (very long limbs, twisted limbs). (46.6%), 7 cases show a monster fetus (anomaly of all the fetal parts). The study showed that the fetal fluids with monster fetuses are heavy with bad odder. Obstetrical operations to dealing with these cases depend on the fetal anomaly type and general health state of the ewe. Correct the fetal maldisposition was performed in 7 cases (46.6%). Fetotomy in 1 case (6.6%). Cesarean section in 7 cases (46.6%). The study showed a (40%) of study animals showed bad fertility and decreased fertility rate due to the ewes suffering from dystocia and fetal anomalies with excessive bad odder fetal fluids. The bad fertility future was observed through the anestrous, failure of fertilization, repeat breeder, poor fluid quality, and a percentage of metritis. The study showed a decrease in fertility rate (40%) when the animals suffering from dystocia are caused by fetal anomalies and excessive bad odder fetal fluids (neglected cases).