A case study of dystocia and abortion in Angora goats

Susan Robertson; Allan Gunn; Bruce Allworth

doi:10.58292/CT.v17.12298

Susan Robertson Gulbali Institute and School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
Allan Gunn Gulbali Institute and School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
Bruce Allworth Gulbali Institute and School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58292/CT.v17.12298

Keywords: Dystocia, mortality, abortion, pregnancy, nutrition

Abstract

This observational study investigated the incidence of dystocia over 3 years in a commercial Angora goat herd and the occurrence of spontaneous abortion in 1 year. The does (n = 41-127) were grazed extensively and were shedded overnight during late pregnancy for shearing. Incidence of doe mortality (≤ 3%) and assisted dystocia delivery (≤ 9%) were lower in 2022 and 2023; in 2024, doe mortality (13.4%) was associated with a high rate of abortion and dystocia (19.7%) in the first week of the predicted kidding period. Abortion in very late pregnancy in 2024 increased doe mortality due to their inability to expel dead, decomposing full-term kids. Although the cause of abortion was not established, stakeholders should be aware of the high risk of abortion with Angora does from noninfectious causes.

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