Metabolic programming: background and potential impact for dairy cattle “Metabolic programming”: achtergrond en mogelijke impact bij melkvee

Metabolic programming is defined as a nutritional intrauterine and/or early postnatal stimulus or insult at a critical period of development with lasting or lifelong significance. Thus growth, milk yield and fertility as decisive parameters for the productivity of ruminants are influenced not only by genetic and environmental factors, but also by epigenetics. In the past decade, knowledge of the impact of metabolic programming in humans and rodents in their later lives has increased considerably. Despite striking differences between the metabolic systems of ruminants and those of monogastric species, metabolic programming has a marked impact on the ruminant species as well. Especially during the first weeks of life, an adequate supply of nutrients is pivotal. Recent studies have demonstrated the advantages of intensified feeding of the preweaning calf for achieving better performance in the resulting dairy cow. Further research will be needed to elucidate the potential of specific tools to manipulate metabolic programming for the purpose of improving the productivity and fertility of cattle.