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Perinatal mortality in lambs in southern Brazil
R D Hancock1, A J Coe, F C Silva
1Instituto De Pesquisas Veterinarias Desidero Finamor (IPVDF), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil.
Tropical Animal Health and Production
|November 1, 1996
Summary
Hypothermia and dystocia are leading causes of lamb mortality in Brazilian wool flocks. Low birth weight and poor maternal care in ewes, not weather, increase hypothermia risks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Sheep Production
Background:
- Perinatal mortality significantly impacts commercial wool flock productivity.
- Identifying primary causes of lamb loss is crucial for effective flock management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the main causes of perinatal mortality in southern Brazilian commercial wool flocks.
- To investigate factors contributing to hypothermia-related lamb losses.
Main Methods:
- Study conducted across 8 commercial wool flocks in southern Brazil.
- Analysis of perinatal mortality causes, focusing on hypothermia and dystocia.
- Evaluation of potential predisposing factors including birth weight and maternal behavior.
Main Results:
- Hypothermia and dystocia identified as the most frequent causes of perinatal mortality.
- Low birth weight and poor maternal instinct in ewes were associated with increased hypothermia losses.
- No significant association found between adverse weather conditions and hypothermia-related losses.
Conclusions:
- Targeting low birth weight and improving maternal care in ewes can mitigate hypothermia losses.
- Management strategies should focus on intrinsic factors rather than solely environmental conditions.
- Further research into other contributing factors for perinatal mortality is warranted.