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Maternal Nutrition, Foetal Development & Post-natal Viability In Relation To Production Potential
Published: Wed, 12 Jan 2005
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Research Note Full Title
Maternal nutrition, foetal development and post-natal viability in relation to production potential
In cattle and sheep, 75% of foetal growth occurs during the last third of pregnancy. Development of the secretory tissue of the udder also occurs at this time and as a consequence, there is a significant increase in nutrient requirements. It is well known that failure to meet nutrient requirements during late pregnancy can lead to the birth of under-sized calves and lambs that have increased susceptibility to hypothermia and infectious disease. It is perhaps less widely appreciated that nutrition during early-mid pregnancy, and even before the egg is shed at ovulation, can also impact on the size of offspring at birth and (or) on post-natal development and viability.
Objectives
Establishment of developmental pathways in embryos and foetuses is critically dependent on complex signalling processes. Signalling molecules, which include hormones, nutrients and metabolites, must be present at the right time and in the right concentrations to unlock key features of the developing organism. Availability of these molecules depends on the maternal diet and ability to mobilise body reserves in the event of any shortfall.
Maternal genotype may influence nutrient partitioning between body tissues and pregnancy while reserves of some essential nutrients may be extremely limited. The impact of inappropriate nutrition on the developing embryo/foetus depends on the nature of any deficits and the stage of development at which they occur. Foetuses of high growth potential may be at greatest risk and subtle changes in important early signals may impart a legacy of altered development that persists into adult life.
Outcomes
Achievements
For cattle and sheep in the hills and uplands, home-grown forage forms the mainstay of the diet. Nutrient supply may vary depending on the plant species present, time of year and underlying soil type which influences the availability of essential minerals.
Recent initiatives to enhance the leanness and (or) reproductive potential of hill and upland breeds in line with market requirements may lead to a widening gap between the production potential of livestock and the ability of the hill and upland environment to meet their nutrient requirements.
Through improved understanding of the role of specific nutrients during critical periods of development, this research aims to assist livestock producers by helping to ensure that the benefits of genetic improvement are not compromised by marginal nutrient supply during mating and early pregnancy.