Late pregnancy: The effects of intra-uterine life on production traits in offspring

Abstract

• Intra-uterine life has a major impact on production traits throughout post-natal life. • Low birth weight occurs in all mammalian livestock species, however it is most pronounced in the domestic pig. • There are few opportunities to remedy the detrimental effects of low birth weight post-natally. • Precisely targeted nutritional interventions during pregnancy could reduce the incidence of low birth weight.