Fetal programming: maternal-fetal interactions and postnatal performance

Abstract

CattlePlacental and fetal development is sensitive to direct and indirect effects of maternal environment. Environmental stimulus or insult during critical periods of development (e.g. fetal period) can program lifelong production characteristics of animal, irrespective of their genotype. Several environmental factors negatively impact placental development and blood flow during pregnancy and hinder offspring vigor. Timing of environmental insult or therapeutic intervention during pregnancy is critical, as developmental sensitivity of fetoplacental unit changes from early to late pregnancy. Association between poor growth performance of offspring and decreased blood flow to uterus and placenta during pregnancy was established. Nutrient restriction during early to midpregnancy decreased uterine artery blood flow, leading to compensatory growth of placental blood vessels during exponential fetal growth. Although many studies investigated offspring phenotypes following maternal nutrient restriction or overfeeding during pregnancy, fewer concentrated on enhancing postnatal performance in livestock based on offspring body weight. Survival rate of offspring born at average weight was higher than those with below-average birth weight. In this regard, dietary supplements promoting uterine blood flow increased postnatal growth and weaning weights. Elucidating consequences of specific supplements on continual plasticity of placental functional capacity will allow us to determine important mediators of offspring growth and development.