Biological Mechanisms of Fetal Development Relating to Postnatal Growth, Efficiency and Carcass Characteristics in Ruminants

Abstract

Over recent years there has been a lot of interest in the effects of prenatal environment on subsequent development of tissues and the postnatal consequences. In farm animal species this has particularly related to muscle and fat development and the later consequences in terms of body composition at slaughter. Studies have been carried out in a variety of species, including rats, guinea pigs, pigs, sheep and, more recently, cattle. This chapter will concentrate on the evidence for effects of prenatal environment on development of muscle and adipose cells in ruminant species, the possible mechanisms for these effects and the long-term consequences relating to postnatal growth and body composition.