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Epigenetics and transgenerational inheritance in domesticated farm animals
Amanda Feeney1, Eric Nilsson1, Michael K Skinner1
1Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, 99164-4236 Pullman, WA USA.
Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology
|March 27, 2015
Summary
Epigenetics influences inheritance beyond DNA sequence, impacting farm animal health and production traits. Research highlights environmental effects on animals and offspring, emphasizing the need for further study in domestic species.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Genetics
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Epigenetics offers a mechanism for inheritance independent of DNA sequence, explaining non-Mendelian inheritance.
- Epigenetic modifications are crucial in development and disease, but less studied in domestic animals compared to rodents.
- Farm animals like cattle, pigs, sheep, and chickens are vital for agriculture, and their health and productivity are influenced by epigenetic factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current epigenetic research in agriculturally important domestic animal species.
- To highlight the impact of environmental exposures on epigenetic modifications in farm animals and their progeny.
- To underscore the importance of epigenetics in understanding domestic animal health, production traits, and transgenerational effects.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on epigenetics in cattle, pigs, sheep, and chickens.
- Analysis of studies examining environmental exposures (toxicants, nutrients, infectious agents) and their epigenetic consequences.
- Inclusion of research on direct offspring and transgenerational epigenetic effects.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic research in farm animals primarily focuses on environmental exposures affecting the animals and their immediate offspring.
- A notable study in pigs demonstrated diet-induced epigenetic transgenerational effects on DNA methylation and muscle mass in F2 generation.
- Epigenetic variations are linked to important production traits in domestic animals.
Conclusions:
- Further epigenetic research in domestic animals is crucial for understanding health, production, and the impact of environmental factors across generations.
- Investigating epigenetic effects of toxicants and nutritional changes is imperative for the agricultural and husbandry industries.
- Epigenetics plays a significant role in farm animal well-being and productivity, necessitating continued investigation.
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