Does chiropractic correction of atlas and pelvic asymmetry in twin-bearing ewes influence interventions and lamb birthweights

Lambing often requires intervention, creating welfare implications. Human research implicates C1 misalignment with compromised cerebral spinal fluid flow, disrupted cortical functioning and high blood pressure. C1 adjustment can reduce blood pressure for 8 weeks. This study aimed to investigate effects of atlas and pelvic asymmetry and chiropractic adjustment on twin-bearing ewes.
This research aims to investigate if the presence and correction of atlas and pelvic asymmetry in ewes lambing twins affects dystocia, intervention grade and birthweight

Highlights

• Chiropractic adjustment of atlas(C1) 8 weeks prior to lambing, significantly reduced birth weight disparity between twin lambs.
• Chiropractic adjustments during the third trimester may reduce intervention grade associated with dystocia during lambing.

Authors: Tarling L., Davidson V., Charlton S.

Presented at: British and Irish Society Animal Science (BISAS) Congress April 2026, and Animal Chiropractic and Rehabilitation (ACAR) Conference June 2026.

Abstract

Abstract published in Science Direct