The Effects of Developmental Programming upon Neonatal Mortality

Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract. 2019 Jul;35(2):289-302. doi: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.02.002.

Abstract

The greatest loss in ruminant production systems occurs during the neonatal period. The maternal environment (nutrition and physiologic status) influences neonatal mortality and morbidity as it reportedly affects (a) Dystocia, both via increasing birth weight and placental dysfunction; (b) Neonatal thermoregulation, both via altering the amount of brown adipose tissue and its ability to function via effects upon the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis; (c) Modification of the developing immune system and its symbiotic nutrient sources; (d) Modification of maternal and neonatal behavior.

Keywords: Calf; Fetal programming; Neonatal mortality; Neonate.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animal Husbandry / methods*
  • Animals
  • Animals, Newborn
  • Birth Weight
  • Cattle / embryology
  • Cattle / growth & development
  • Cattle / physiology*
  • Cattle Diseases
  • Diet / veterinary
  • Dystocia / veterinary
  • Female
  • Fetal Development / physiology
  • Nutritional Status
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy, Animal / physiology*
  • Stillbirth / veterinary