Abstract
Some 20 years ago, observations from human epidemiological research revolutionized the scientific view of the importance of fetal life development for body functions in postnatal life. Until then, it was believed that the genome received from the parents at conception in mammals would define the ability of an individual to respond to and cope with the postnatal environment.
Since then, it has been clearly demonstrated that malnourishment during fetal life can predispose to a wide range of developmental disorders and diseases later in life. This is due to a phenomenon termed fetal programming (FP), which alters the way the genome becomes phenotypically expressed. In experimental studies in sheep, we have convincingly demonstrated that FP has adverse impacts on growth and development of a wide range of metabolic/endocrine systems and other body functions, which are key to farm animal productivity
and economic efficiency. Furthermore, it is believed that FP traits can be passed on to the NeXT generations by epigenetic mechanisms. The economic consequences of FP in farm animal production have never been assessed, but the accumulating evidence suggest that the consequences of FP for farm animal productivity are so significant that we need to incorporate the fetal life history into future decision making tools and management strategies targeting
replacement stock and the reproducing female. The management strategies and tools needed to take FP into account could be relatively simple and easily incorporated into existing systems in both intensive and extensive animal production system.
Since then, it has been clearly demonstrated that malnourishment during fetal life can predispose to a wide range of developmental disorders and diseases later in life. This is due to a phenomenon termed fetal programming (FP), which alters the way the genome becomes phenotypically expressed. In experimental studies in sheep, we have convincingly demonstrated that FP has adverse impacts on growth and development of a wide range of metabolic/endocrine systems and other body functions, which are key to farm animal productivity
and economic efficiency. Furthermore, it is believed that FP traits can be passed on to the NeXT generations by epigenetic mechanisms. The economic consequences of FP in farm animal production have never been assessed, but the accumulating evidence suggest that the consequences of FP for farm animal productivity are so significant that we need to incorporate the fetal life history into future decision making tools and management strategies targeting
replacement stock and the reproducing female. The management strategies and tools needed to take FP into account could be relatively simple and easily incorporated into existing systems in both intensive and extensive animal production system.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 2014 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Publication status | Published - 2014 |
| Event | The VI International Conference on Agricultural Development and Sustainability - Villa Clara, Cuba Duration: 9 Apr 2014 → 11 Apr 2014 |
Conference
| Conference | The VI International Conference on Agricultural Development and Sustainability |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Cuba |
| City | Villa Clara |
| Period | 09/04/2014 → 11/04/2014 |
