Imprinting of body functions by manipulation of incubation temperature and its longlasting effect on hatchability, performance and health in poultry

Barbara Tzschentke and Sabrina Tatge*

Humboldt-University of Berlin, Institute of Biology, Philippstr. 13, 10115 Berlin, Germany

‘Imprinting’ describes a fundamental process of life, which occurs during ‘critical periods’ of embryonic or early postnatal development and has effects that last into adult life and possibly over generations. It is probably realized by neuronal plasticity, as well as by a lasting, environment-induced (epigenetic) modification of the genome. A ‘critical period’ for the ‘imprinting’ of body functions is the development of feed back mechanisms, which occurs during the perinatal period. During this period the actual level at which physiological parameters are active may pre-determine a life-long ‘set point’ (or ‘set ranges’) for the respective regulatory system.

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