Innovative look at dairy heifer rearing: Effect of prenatal and post-natal environment on later performance.

摘要: As heifer rearing is a costly investment, dairy farmers have been stimulated to maximize early growth of their calves, mainly by enhanced liquid feeding. However, the long-term effects this "accelerated growth" are largely unknown. Studies recently performed at Ghent University indicate that in cattle, certain maternal factors (such as young age and high milk yield) environmental ambient temperatures) create suboptimal environment for developing foetus, altering phenotype newborn calf. According "thrifty hypothesis," these metabolic alterations prepare similar ("matching") conditions after birth, enhancing its survival during periods limited Yet, when an abundance nutrients available post-natal life (e.g., feeding), "mismatch" between pre- results catch-up growth, with potential negative consequences. The aim article was discuss mismatch calves. Previous studies, especially human medicine, shown be associated obesity, fertility problems, diseases reduced lifespan. Hence, we hypothesize that, applying programs accelerated our current management system accentuates We can conclude although more research necessary, findings point towards individual approach heifers.