A retrospective study on dystocia and its management in goats

A retrospective study was conducted on causes and management of dystocia in 116 goats presented to the Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Tirunelveli during June to December, 2018. The incidence of dystocia was significantly (P<0.05) higher in Kanni Adu (41.38%) followed by Kodi Adu (33.62%) and Salem Black (25.00%) breed. The monthly incidence varied significantly (P<0.01) from 5.17% (August) to 30.17% (September). The principal causes of dystocia in goats were foetal malpresentation (31.03%) and twinning (20.68%). Maternal causes were narrow pelvis (10.34%), ring womb and uterine inertia (6.89% each) and uterine torsion (1.72%). Methods employed to relieve dystocia were mutation and manual traction (53.44%) followed by partial foetotomy (21.55%), medicinal management (13.80%) and caesarean section (11.21%). The success rate of different methods was >75.00% with maximum of 100% by caesarean section. It was inferred that dystocia was a major reproductive problem in goats and the timely management of the condition must be instituted to save the pregnant goats and reduce the kid losses.