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REVIEW
Contents Vol 46(7)

Prenatal programming of postnatal productivity and health of livestock: a brief review

A. W. Bell
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Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-4801, USA. Email: awb6@cornell.edu

Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 46(7) 725-732 https://doi.org/10.1071/EA06006
Submitted: 30 December 2005  Accepted: 15 March 2006   Published: 8 June 2006

Abstract

Human epidemiological evidence has suggested that metabolic perturbations during fetal life may increase predisposition to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity in later life. A growing number of controlled experiments on sheep and other large animal species are adding to the already large body of experimental evidence from rat studies in supporting the ‘fetal origins’ hypothesis. Of particular practical relevance are findings that maternal undernutrition in late pregnancy can predispose lambs to glucose intolerance and increased adiposity in early adulthood. This effect may be exacerbated by high energy intakes and limited capacity for muscle growth in undernourished or growth-retarded lambs during early postnatal life. Recent Australian studies have demonstrated the effects of prenatal nutrition on postnatal growth and meat production in beef cattle, and on quantity and quality of wool production in sheep.


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