Developmental programming in equine species: Relevance for the horse industry

Abstract

• Broodmare nutrition, in particular the use of concentrated feed, could affect the foal's metabolic and joint health, inducing lameness and reducing sport performance. • Embryo biotechnologies are widely used in the horse industry. The choice and nutrition of the surrogate dam partly determines the adult size and health of the offspring. • Better broodmare nutrition may be an easy and cheap means of preventing joint diseases. • Equine obesity and metabolic diseases are raising concerns for veterinarians. There is a need for better nutrition of horses, in particular in mares during gestation.