What nutrient is critical for fetal development in pregnant livestock?

Folic acid plays a vital role in fetal development for pregnant livestock. It is a B-vitamin that is particularly important for DNA synthesis and cell division, which is crucial during the rapid growth periods of fetal development. Adequate levels of folic acid help prevent neural tube defects and support the overall health of both the mother and the developing fetus. In many species, including livestock, deficiencies in folic acid can lead to serious developmental issues and complications during pregnancy.

While other nutrients like calcium, iron, and vitamin C are important for the health of the mother and contribute to overall development, they do not specifically target fetal growth and neural development in the same way that folic acid does. Calcium is essential for bone development, iron is crucial for oxygen transport, and vitamin C supports immune function and skin health, but folic acid's unique role in DNA synthesis makes it particularly critical during the early stages of fetal development.