The aim of the present study was to report the main dystocia causes in sheep in Agreste and semiarid region of Pernambuco and to evaluate some factors related to their occurrence, besides of determining the efficiency of the treatment choices. The higher incidence of dystocia occurred in rainy season corresponding to 61.7%. Results showed a major predominance of maternal dystocia (71.6%) over fetal dystocia (29.4%) with higher incidence in primiparous and gemelar pregnant Santa Inês ewes. The main maternal dystocia was ringwomb while fetal dystocia was maldisposition in anterior presentation. Maternal survival rate correspond to 100% and 88.6%, while lambs achieved 41.2% and 46.7% after obstetrical maneuver and caesarean section, respectively, with predominance of unviable lambs in both procedures. Obstetrical maneuver and left flank cesarean section remain as safe options for the treatment of sheep dystocia and are also important coadjutants in minimizing the economical impact that this disease causes in Pernambuco.
dystocia causes; ewe mortality; lamb mortality; obstetrical maneuver; sheep production
