Developmental Resiliency: In Utero Adaption to Environmental Stimuli

Adam F Summers; Eric J Scholljegerdes

doi:10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.02.010

Developmental Resiliency: In Utero Adaption to Environmental Stimuli

Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract. 2019 Jul;35(2):365-378. doi: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.02.010.

Authors

Adam F Summers¹, Eric J Scholljegerdes²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, P. O. Box 30003, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA. Electronic address: asummers@nmsu.edu.
² Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University, P. O. Box 30003, Las Cruces, NM 88003, USA.

PMID: 31103188
DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.02.010

Abstract

Stimuli experienced in utero can have a lasting impact on livestock growth, reproduction, and performance. Variations in environment, production system, and management strategies lead to discrepancies in the literature regarding how specific treatments influence animal performance. Studies comparing the influence of maternal undernutrition to well-fed counterparts typically result in decreased productivity of offspring. Via adaptation to nutritional or environmental stressors, dams may develop mechanisms to ensure proper nutrient supply to the fetus. It appears nutrient deprivation must be severe for consistent results. Potential mechanisms for altered performance in grazing systems and overnutrition settings are discussed.

Keywords: Environmental adaptation; Fetal programming; Livestock; Maternal nutrition.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Animal Husbandry / methods*
Animals
Cattle / physiology*
Environment
Female
Fetal Development / physiology*
Livestock / physiology
Pregnancy
Pregnancy, Animal / physiology*
Reproduction