The importance of developmental programming in the beef industry

Abstract

The beef industry relies on multiple focused segments (e.g., cow-calf, stocker/feeder, and meat packing) to supply the world with beef. Thus, the potential impact of developmental programming on the beef industry needs to be evaluated with regards to the different production traits that drive profitability within each segment. For example, when nutrient restriction of dams occurred early in gestation embryo survival was decreased and the ovarian reserve of heifer progeny was negatively affected. Restriction during mid- to late gestation negatively impacted first service conception rates and pregnancy success of daughters. Even non-nutrient stress has been reported to impact transgenerational embryo development through the male progeny. Primary and secondary muscle fibers form during months two to eight (Days 60–240) of gestation. Therefore, external stimuli (nutrition or environmental) during this window have the potential to decrease the postnatal number of muscle fibers; which has an irreversible impact on animal growth and performance. Nutrient restriction during the last third of gestation resulted in decreased weaning weights, and in some instances decreased dry mater intake, hot carcass weight, and marbling scores. Protein supplementation during late gestation; however, increased weaning weight and ADG to weaning, but progeny of dams restricted in protein in late gestation had greater ribeye area. The importance of developmental programming is recognized; however, its precise application depends on comprehension of its integrated effects across the multiple-focused segments of the beef industry.