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Meesters M, Van Eetvelde M, Beci B, Opsomer G. The importance of developmental programming in the dairy industry. Anim Reprod Sci 2024; 262:107428. [PMID: 38340370 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2024.107428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The concept of developmental programming suggests that environmental influences during pre- and early postnatal life that can have long-term effects on future health and performance. In dairy cattle, maternal body growth, age, parity and milk yield, as well as environmental factors during gestation, have the potential to create a suboptimal environment for the developing fetus. As a result, the calf's phenotype may undergo adaptations. Moreover, developmental programming can have long-term effects on subsequent birth weight, immunity and metabolism, as well as on postnatal growth, body composition, fertility, milk yield and even longevity of dairy cows. This review provides an overview of the impact of developmental programming on later health and performance in dairy cows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Meesters
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Mieke Van Eetvelde
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Barbara Beci
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Geert Opsomer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Beci B, Van Eetvelde M, Vanlommel L, Opsomer G. The anogenital ratio as an indicator of reproductive performance in dairy heifers. Theriogenology 2023; 210:94-100. [PMID: 37481979 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The anogenital distance (AGD) is considered a marker for prenatal androgen exposure and fertility in multiple species including humans. In dairy cattle, it is described as the length between the center of the anus and the clitoral base (AGDc). However, in other species, the distance from the center of the anus to the dorsal commissure of the vulva (AGDv) is also considered to be a predictor for fertility traits, as well as the anogenital ratio (AGR, defined as [AGDv/AGDc]*100). The primary aim of the present study was to assess whether AGDv and AGR can be used as an indicator for reproductive performance in dairy heifers. Additionally, the relation between AGDv and AGDc and the correlation with other body measurements were explored. Data of 656 Holstein Friesian heifers at an age of 13.5 ± 1.08 months were analyzed. Respective means of 62.9 ± 8.20 mm (AGDv) and 107.6 ± 9.27 mm (AGDc) were recorded. The mean AGR ratio was calculated as 58.6 ± 6.75%, varying from 37.3 to 79.6%. The age of the heifers was not associated with any of the AGD measurements nor the ratio. Except for a very low correlation between heart girth and AGDc (r = 0.09, P < 0.05), both AGDs were largely uncorrelated with other body measurements. Linear regression models revealed that AGDc was not associated with any of the recorded fertility parameters. However, results revealed a negative association between AGDv and AGR and reproductive performance: heifers with a short AGDv and small AGR were younger at first AI (P ≤ 0.003) and at conception (P = 0.004). Based on ROC curve analyses, AGDv was the best indicator for pregnancy to first AI, with a threshold estimated at 65.3 mm. The pregnancy rate at first AI was 72.4% in heifers with a short AGDv (<65.3 mm, n = 413) compared to 61.7% in heifers with a long AGDv (≥65.3 mm, n = 243). Hence, short-AGDv heifers had 63% higher odds to conceive at first AI compared to their long-AGDv counterparts (P = 0.004). Additionally, an AGR threshold of 59,6% was determined: heifers with a small AGR (<59.6%) had 44% higher odds to be pregnant at first AI compared to heifers with an AGR ≥59.6%. Results of the present study suggest to consider AGDv and AGR as potential indicators for reproductive performance in dairy heifers. The latter implies that it is relevant to measure both AGDc and AGDv in future studies. The absence of correlation between body- and AGD-measurements furthermore suggests that AGD sizes are rather pre-than postnatally determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Beci
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Mieke Van Eetvelde
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Louise Vanlommel
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Geert Opsomer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Dewulf M, Van Eetvelde M, Wiczkowski W, Opsomer G. Dairy calves are exposed to isoflavones during the developmentally most sensitive period of their life. Theriogenology 2023; 201:53-58. [PMID: 36841122 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Isoflavones represent a class of phytoestrogens present in plants. In dairy cows, dietary isoflavones have been shown to negatively affect reproductive performance. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have yet been conducted to determine if calves are pre- or neonatally confronted with isoflavones and their metabolites. In the present study, we hypothesize that isoflavones are passed on from the dam to the offspring in utero. Twenty-three pregnant Holstein Friesian dams and their calves, originating from three commercial dairy farms in Belgium, were included. Heparin blood samples were collected during the first, second, and third trimester of gestation from all pregnant dams. Heparin blood and hair samples were obtained from the offspring within 24 h after parturition. Colostrum samples were collected from a subset of eight dams to determine the concentration of isoflavones and their metabolites. During the first and second trimester of gestation, the dams were fed either a youngstock (nulliparous dams) or a lactation (multiparous dams) diet. During the third trimester, both groups received a similar dry cow diet. Genistein and daidzein levels were unaffected by diet type, while their metabolite [equol, dihydrodaidzein (DHD), and o-desmethylangolensin (ODMA)] concentrations were significantly higher in the lactation group. Furthermore, metabolite concentrations decreased significantly during gestation. Isoflavones and their metabolites were detected in all colostrum samples. No correlation could be found between levels in colostrum and blood of pregnant dams or calves. Peripheral levels of isoflavones and their metabolites were significantly lower in newborn calves in comparison to their dams. Genistein and daidzein concentrations were found to be significantly higher in the calves' hair versus blood samples, suggesting prenatal exposure to isoflavones for an extended period of time. In contrast, no isoflavone metabolites were detected in the calves' hair samples. This is the first study to demonstrate that dairy calves are exposed to isoflavones during the developmentally most sensitive period of their lives. Results obtained pave the way for more extensive research to examine which effects isoflavones might have on developing organ systems like the reproductive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manon Dewulf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Mieke Van Eetvelde
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Wiesław Wiczkowski
- Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Olsztyn, Tuwima 10, 10-748, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Geert Opsomer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Meesters M, Van Eetvelde M, Martens DS, Nawrot TS, Dewulf M, Govaere J, Opsomer G. Prenatal environment impacts telomere length in newborn dairy heifers. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4672. [PMID: 36949104 PMCID: PMC10033676 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31943-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere length is associated with longevity and survival in multiple species. In human population-based studies, multiple prenatal factors have been described to be associated with a newborn's telomere length. In the present study, we measured relative leukocyte telomere length in 210 Holstein Friesian heifers, within the first ten days of life. The dam's age, parity, and milk production parameters, as well as environmental factors during gestation were assessed for their potential effect on telomere length. We found that for both primi- and multiparous dams, the telomere length was 1.16% shorter for each day increase in the calf's age at sampling (P = 0.017). The dam's age at parturition (P = 0.045), and the median temperature-humidity index (THI) during the third trimester of gestation (P = 0.006) were also negatively associated with the calves' TL. Investigating multiparous dams separately, only the calf's age at sampling was significantly and negatively associated with the calves' TL (P = 0.025). Results of the present study support the hypothesis that in cattle, early life telomere length is influenced by prenatal factors. Furthermore, the results suggest that selecting heifers born in winter out of young dams might contribute to increased longevity in dairy cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Meesters
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Mieke Van Eetvelde
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Dries S Martens
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Tim S Nawrot
- Centre for Environmental Sciences, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Research Unit Environment and Health, Department of Public Health & Primary Care, Leuven University, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Manon Dewulf
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Jan Govaere
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Geert Opsomer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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De Clercq K, Vandaele L, Vanbinst T, Riou M, Deblauwe I, Wesselingh W, Pinard A, Van Eetvelde M, Boulesteix O, Leemans B, Gélineau R, Vercauteren G, Van der Heyden S, Beckers JF, Saegerman C, Sammin D, de Kruif A, De Leeuw I. Transmission of Bluetongue Virus Serotype 8 by Artificial Insemination with Frozen-Thawed Semen from Naturally Infected Bulls. Viruses 2021; 13:v13040652. [PMID: 33918924 PMCID: PMC8069090 DOI: 10.3390/v13040652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmission of bluetongue (BT) virus serotype 8 (BTV-8) via artificial insemination of contaminated frozen semen from naturally infected bulls was investigated in two independent experiments. Healthy, BT negative heifers were hormonally synchronized and artificially inseminated at oestrus. In total, six groups of three heifers received semen from four batches derived from three bulls naturally infected with BTV-8. Each experiment included one control heifer that was not inseminated and that remained BT negative throughout. BTV viraemia and seroconversion were determined in 8 out of 18 inseminated heifers, and BTV was isolated from five of these animals. These eight heifers only displayed mild clinical signs of BT, if any at all, but six of them experienced pregnancy loss between weeks four and eight of gestation, and five of them became BT PCR and antibody positive. The other two infected heifers gave birth at term to two healthy and BT negative calves. The BT viral load varied among the semen batches used and this had a significant impact on the infection rate, the time of onset of viraemia post artificial insemination, and the gestational stage at which pregnancy loss occurred. These results, which confirm unusual features of BTV-8 infection, should not be extrapolated to infection with other BTV strains without thorough evaluation. This study also adds weight to the hypothesis that the re-emergence of BTV-8 in France in 2015 may be attributable to the use of contaminated bovine semen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris De Clercq
- Unit of Exotic and Particular Diseases, Scientific Directorate Infectious Diseases in Animals, Sciensano, 1180 Brussels, Belgium; (I.D.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Leen Vandaele
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (L.V.); (W.W.); (M.V.E.); (B.L.); (A.d.K.)
| | - Tine Vanbinst
- Unit of Exotic and Particular Diseases, Scientific Directorate Infectious Diseases in Animals, Sciensano, 1180 Brussels, Belgium; (I.D.L.)
| | - Mickaël Riou
- UE-1277 Plateforme d’Infectiologie Expérimentale (PFIE), Centre de Recherche Val de Loire, Institut National de Recherche Pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), 37380 Nouzilly, France; (M.R.); (A.P.); (O.B.); (R.G.)
| | - Isra Deblauwe
- The Unit of Entomology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Tropical Medicine, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium;
| | - Wendy Wesselingh
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (L.V.); (W.W.); (M.V.E.); (B.L.); (A.d.K.)
| | - Anne Pinard
- UE-1277 Plateforme d’Infectiologie Expérimentale (PFIE), Centre de Recherche Val de Loire, Institut National de Recherche Pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), 37380 Nouzilly, France; (M.R.); (A.P.); (O.B.); (R.G.)
| | - Mieke Van Eetvelde
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (L.V.); (W.W.); (M.V.E.); (B.L.); (A.d.K.)
| | - Olivier Boulesteix
- UE-1277 Plateforme d’Infectiologie Expérimentale (PFIE), Centre de Recherche Val de Loire, Institut National de Recherche Pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), 37380 Nouzilly, France; (M.R.); (A.P.); (O.B.); (R.G.)
| | - Bart Leemans
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (L.V.); (W.W.); (M.V.E.); (B.L.); (A.d.K.)
| | - Robert Gélineau
- UE-1277 Plateforme d’Infectiologie Expérimentale (PFIE), Centre de Recherche Val de Loire, Institut National de Recherche Pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement (INRAE), 37380 Nouzilly, France; (M.R.); (A.P.); (O.B.); (R.G.)
| | - Griet Vercauteren
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (G.V.); (S.V.d.H.)
| | - Sara Van der Heyden
- Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (G.V.); (S.V.d.H.)
| | - Jean-François Beckers
- Département des Sciences Fonctionnelles (DSF), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, Quartier Vallée 2, 4000 Liège, Belgium;
| | - Claude Saegerman
- Research Unit in Epidemiology and Risk Analysis Applied to Veterinary Sciences (UREAR-ULg), Fundamental and Applied Research for Animal and Health (FARAH) Center, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4130 Liege, Belgium;
| | - Donal Sammin
- Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine Laboratories, Backweston, W23 X3PH Co. Kildare, Ireland;
| | - Aart de Kruif
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium; (L.V.); (W.W.); (M.V.E.); (B.L.); (A.d.K.)
| | - Ilse De Leeuw
- Unit of Exotic and Particular Diseases, Scientific Directorate Infectious Diseases in Animals, Sciensano, 1180 Brussels, Belgium; (I.D.L.)
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Hermans K, Opsomer G, Waegeman W, Moerman S, De Koster J, Van Eetvelde M, Van Ranst B, Hostens M. Interpretation and visualisation of data from dairy herds. IN PRACTICE 2018. [DOI: 10.1136/inp.k2166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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Depreester E, Meyer E, Demeyere K, Van Eetvelde M, Hostens M, Opsomer G. Flow cytometric assessment of myeloperoxidase in bovine blood neutrophils and monocytes. J Dairy Sci 2017; 100:7638-7647. [PMID: 28690058 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2016-12186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Myeloperoxidase (MPO) is a lysosomal peroxidase enzyme mainly stored in the azurophilic granules of neutrophils playing an important role in innate immunity for first-line protection against microorganisms in many species including cattle. As such, determination of MPO has become of great interest for the diagnosis of infectious and inflammatory diseases in multiple species such as humans. In cattle, MPO determination is rarely done because methods to assess MPO in this species are limited: functional assays have been described earlier, but so far, the quantification of MPO at the single cell level has not been done yet. In the present paper, an innovative flow cytometric method to assess MPO in blood leukocytes of dairy cattle is described. A commercial anti-bovine MPO was used following density gradient separation to isolate polymorphonuclear (PMN) and mononuclear (MN) leukocytes from blood. Identification of PMN and MN, subdivided in monocytes and lymphocytes, was based on the expression of the surface markers CH138A and CD172A. The optimized protocol was subsequently evaluated on blood samples of 17 Holstein Friesian heifers. Myeloperoxidase expression was measured flow cytometrically and visualized by fluorescence microscopic imaging of sorted PMN and MN populations. We suggest this innovative method to be useful in the field for early detection of cows at higher risk for inflammatory diseases such as mastitis and metritis during the transition period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Depreester
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Evelyne Meyer
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Kristel Demeyere
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Mieke Van Eetvelde
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Miel Hostens
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Geert Opsomer
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium.
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Van Eetvelde M, Heras S, Leroy JLMR, Van Soom A, Opsomer G. The Importance of the Periconception Period: Immediate Effects in Cattle Breeding and in Assisted Reproduction Such as Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer. Adv Exp Med Biol 2017; 1014:41-68. [PMID: 28864984 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-62414-3_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In livestock breeding, the successful outcome is largely depending on the "periconception environment" which, in a narrow sense, refers to the genital tract, where gametogenesis and embryogenesis occur. During these early stages of development, gametes and embryos are known to be particularly sensitive to alterations in their microenvironment. However, as the microenvironment somehow reflects what is going on in the external world, we must widen our definition of "periconception environment" and refer to all events taking place around the time of conception, including metabolic state and health and nutrition of the dam. In modern dairy cows that have to manage an optimal reproductive performance with continued growth and high milk yield, the periconception period is particularly challenging. The metabolic priority for growth and lactation is known to generate adverse conditions hampering optimal ovarian function, oocyte maturation, and development of embryo/fetus. In addition, by using artificial reproductive technologies (ARTs), gametes and/or embryos of livestock are exposed to unnatural conditions outside the male and female genital tract. Artificial insemination, the most widely used technique, is currently yielding pregnancy rates similar to natural mating, and calves produced by AI are equally viable after natural mating. In contrast, other ART, such as multiple ovulation and embryo transfer, have been reported to induce changes in gene expression and DNA methylation patterns with potential consequences for development.Finally, the "periconceptional" environment has been shown to not only influence the successful establishment of pregnancy but also the long-term health and productivity of the offspring. Hence, the optimization of management around the time of conception might open doors to improve animal production and product quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieke Van Eetvelde
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Sonia Heras
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - J L M R Leroy
- University of Antwerp, Campus Drie Eiken, Universiteitsplein 1 D.U.010, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Geert Opsomer
- Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
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