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The Role of Maternal Effects in Animal Breeding: IV. Maternal Effects in Laboratory Species^{1, 2,}

North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27607

Abstract

THE influence of the mother on her offspring has been a major concern since the beginning of animal husbandry. Many erroneous ideas have been handed down over the years, particularly with regard to maternal impressions. In Genesis, one of the earliest recorded statements is given regarding the belief that influences due to events which the mother was subjected during mating or pregnancy are transmitted to the fetus.

During embryonic development in the uterus and during the suckling period the mother can have a unique influence on her young. The growth rate of the nursing young can be influenced considerably by the lactational output of the mother. When a trait such as early growth has a major maternal component, additional complexity is added to the characterization of genetic variability and response to selection. Growth of mammals during the suckling period is influenced by their own genes, as well as by environmental influences, and a portion of these may be attributable to the genotype of the mother.

¹ Presented at a symposium on The Role of Maternal Effects in Animal Breeding sponsored by the American Society of Animal Science, August 3, 1971, University of California, Davis.

² Paper No. 3659 of the Journal Series of the North Carolina State University Agricultural Experiment Station, Raleigh.

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