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Review
Epigenetics and transgenerational inheritance in domesticated farm animals
Journal of animal science and biotechnology, Vol.5(1), pp.123-129
10/23/2014
PMCID: PMC4373098
PMID: 25810901
Abstract
Epigenetics provides a molecular mechanism of inheritance that is not solely dependent on DNA sequence and that can account for non-Mendelian inheritance patterns. Epigenetic changes underlie many normal developmental processes, and can lead to disease development as well. While epigenetic effects have been studied in well-characterized rodent models, less research has been done using agriculturally important domestic animal species. This review will present the results of current epigenetic research using farm animal models (cattle, pigs, sheep and chickens). Much of the work has focused on the epigenetic effects that environmental exposures to toxicants, nutrients and infectious agents has on either the exposed animals themselves or on their direct offspring. Only one porcine study examined epigenetic transgenerational effects; namely the effect diet micronutrients fed to male pigs has on liver DNA methylation and muscle mass in grand-offspring (F2 generation). Healthy viable offspring are very important in the farm and husbandry industry and epigenetic differences can be associated with production traits. Therefore further epigenetic research into domestic animal health and how exposure to toxicants or nutritional changes affects future generations is imperative.
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Details
- Title
- Epigenetics and transgenerational inheritance in domesticated farm animals
- Creators
- Amanda Feeney - Washington State UniversityEric Nilsson - Washington State UniversityMichael K Skinner - Washington State University
- Publication Details
- Journal of animal science and biotechnology, Vol.5(1), pp.123-129
- Academic Unit
- Biological Sciences, School of
- Publisher
- BioMed Central
- Identifiers
- 99901080813901842
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Review