Developmental Programming of Fetal Growth and Development

Lawrence P Reynolds; Pawel P Borowicz; Joel S Caton; Matthew S Crouse; Carl R Dahlen; Alison K Ward

doi:10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.02.006

Developmental Programming of Fetal Growth and Development

Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract. 2019 Jul;35(2):229-247. doi: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.02.006.

Authors

Lawrence P Reynolds¹, Pawel P Borowicz², Joel S Caton³, Matthew S Crouse³, Carl R Dahlen³, Alison K Ward³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, NDSU Department 7630, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA. Electronic address: larry.reynolds@ndsu.edu.
² Advanced Imaging and Microscopy Core Lab, Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, NDSU Department 7630, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA.
³ Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, NDSU Department 7630, Fargo, ND 58108-6050, USA.

PMID: 31103178
DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.02.006

Abstract

Maternal stressors that affect fetal development result in "developmental programming," which is associated with increased risk of various chronic pathologic conditions in the offspring, including metabolic syndrome; growth abnormalities; and reproductive, immune, behavioral, or cognitive dysfunction that can persist throughout their lifetime and even across subsequent generations. Developmental programming thus can lead to poor health, reduced longevity, and reduced productivity. Current research aims to develop management and therapeutic strategies to optimize fetal growth and development and thereby overcome the negative consequences of developmental programming, leading to improved health, longevity, and productivity of offspring.

Keywords: Development; Developmental programming; Fetus; Growth; Maternal stress; Placenta; Postnatal health.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Animal Husbandry / methods
Animal Husbandry / organization & administration*
Animals
Female
Fetal Development / physiology*
Livestock / embryology*
Livestock / genetics
Livestock / growth & development*
Pregnancy
Pregnancy, Animal / physiology*