UNDERNUTRITION DURING PREGNANCY IN GOATS AND SHEEP, THEIR REPERCUSSION ON MOTHER-YOUNG RELATIONSHIP AND BEHAVIOURAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE YOUNG

Abstract

Undernutrition during pregnancy dramatically affects physiology and behaviour of mother and offspring. In the mother, undernutrition causes low body condition, which deteriorates good milk production. Likewise, it affects metabolism endocrinology and learning processes controls on offspring. Effects on females can be observed if the animal is exposed to nutrient restriction, as well as by limiting consumption, which may induce to a state of frustration due to need for food. Once given birth, consequences in the mother are mainly reflected by a poor maternal performance, low milk production, loss of body condition and limited bonding with the neonate. In the offspring case, the effects of undernutrition in prenatal life are immediate and can be observed, such as low weight at birth, lack of vitality and viability, as well as cognitive processes deterioration. Therefore, this situation may have immediate and long-term repercussions, such as: postnatal death, and alterations in cognitive capacity and normal behaviour. Conversely, it has been shown in goats that supplemental nutrition at the end of pregnancy can be a strategy that can eliminate and revert the majority of physiological and behavioural abnormalities previously mentioned. The aim of the present work is to describe the findings of undernutrition effects, during pregnancy in goats and ewes, on mother-young relationship and behavioural development of kids in the first months of life.