Dystocia — difficult or obstructed birth — is a leading cause of lamb mortality and maternal suffering in sheep, requiring skilled intervention and improved flock management.
Dystocia is an acutely painful emergency that causes genuine suffering to the ewe over extended periods when undetected or untreated. Ewes showing signs of prolonged labor need timely, skilled intervention — but over-intervention by untrained handlers can cause additional trauma. The welfare challenge is particularly acute during intensive lambing periods when shepherd:animal ratios are stretched. Breeding programs that select for easier lambing and smaller lamb birthweights in high-risk breeds directly improve welfare outcomes for millions of ewes annually. Good lambing welfare requires adequate supervision, trained staff, and breeding decisions that prioritize maternal welfare.