A case study of dystocia and abortion in Angora goats

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.