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.