The establishment of modern sheep production systems in Iraq, lead to presence of variousforms of hybridization between the native and Middle East breeds which have been utilized forgenetic improvement. This occur in consistence with the progressive destruction or deteriorationof sheep habitat. Together, these factors have accelerated the loss of genetic diversity or evenresulted in the extinction of some indigenous breeds. Therefore, it is important to developefficient strategies for surveillance, evaluation, conservation and utilization of the availablegenetic resources for this species. Seven random amplification polymorphism DNA (RAPD)marker used. The aim of this study was to assess genetic diversity for Awassi native breed inIraq. The higher polymorphism information contents at the seven markers (Seventy- three bandsobtained with 28.3% of polymorphism) indicate the retention of natural variation from sourcepopulations for the domestic breeds of different geographic regions in Iraq. Analysis of geneticdifferentiation revealed substantial divergence among these breeds as 16% diversity indicatingthat some evolutionary forces (e.g. selection and migration, uncontrolled selling across borders)had acted on these populations. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses displayed aremarkable degree of consistency between geographic origins, breeding histories and the patternof genetic differentiation.

A one hundred thirty two Awassi ewes aged between 1.5-4 years old suffering from dystocia, were brought by farmer to Veterinary Teaching Hospital related to College of Veterinary Medicine- University of Mosul-Mosul governorate- Iraq, treated during the lambing seasons for three years started from November 2010 to end of December 2012. Results of this study were recorded ring womb as main causes of dystocia, the maximum percentage was 81.8 %( 108,132). The other causes of dystocia were fetal mal-position 8.3% (11,132), narrow pelvic 5.3 %( 7,132), monster fetus %3.0(132,4), complicated cases (interfering more than one cause) 1.5%(2,132). although several methods of treatment have been tried, correction and manual treatment, hormonal treatment, cesarean section and fetotomy: Cesarean section had higher a positive response during treatment 61.2%, correction and manual traction recorded as second best treatment of dystocia 24.2%, hormonal treatment 12.8% and fetotomy 0.7%. It could be concluded that ringworm (maternal origin) was the major causes of dystocia in Iraqi Awassi ewes; cesarean section appears to be a safe and successful procedures for management of dystocia if performed as early as possible.