Review: Epigenetics, developmental programming and nutrition in herbivores

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Epigenetics
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Nutrition significantly impacts offspring development and performance.
• Nutritional programming, influenced by parental diet, can affect multiple generations.
• Epigenetic alterations are hypothesized to mediate these developmental programming effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review epigenetic mechanisms involved in developmental programming.
• To discuss the impact of nutrition on epigenetic marks and phenotype in livestock herbivores.
• To highlight the need for research into nutritional strategies for livestock.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of epigenetic mechanisms in mammals.
• Analysis of studies on nutrition, epigenetics, and phenotype in herbivores.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on nutritional programming.

Main Results:

• Epigenetic modifications are associated with developmental programming.
• Nutritional interventions can alter epigenetic marks in livestock.
• Evidence suggests a link between epigenetics, nutrition, and offspring phenotype in herbivores.

Conclusions:

• Further research is needed to develop nutritional strategies that positively influence livestock phenotype via epigenetic modulation.
• Optimizing nutritional programming can address challenges in the livestock industry, such as fertility issues.
• This approach can enhance animal welfare and overall productivity in livestock enterprises.