Multigenerational Effects

Authors: Roberts, Andrew; Hay, El Hamidi

Submitted to: Veterinary Clinics of North America
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/15/2019
Publication Date: 7/1/2019
Citation: Roberts, A.J., Hay, E.A. 2019. Multigenerational Effects. In: Funston, R.N., Mulliniks, J.T., editors. Developmental Programming in Livestock Production. Volume 35, Issue 2. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier. p. 355-364. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.02.009.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvfa.2019.02.009

Interpretive Summary: Environmental influences resulting in epigenetic mediation of gene expression can impact multiple generations via direct effect on the animal (1st generation); direct or maternal mediated effects on the fetus (2nd generation) or gonadal cell lines of the fetus (3rd generation) when pregnant animals are exposed; and through inheritance across generations beyond those exposed directly/indirectly to the stimuli. Because animals within a herd are all generally subjected to similar environmental stimuli throughout the production cycle, any stimuli resulting in epigenetic modification may result in herd wide changes. The cumulative effects of herd wide exposure and generational inheritance are rapid changes in phenotypic characteristics of the population when compared to rate of phenotypic change brought about by genetic selection. Large potential exists to propagate desired characteristics in the livestock industry through epigenetic pathways. Capturing benefits from epigenetic alterations in gene expression will require extensive data collection.

Technical Abstract: Environmental influences resulting in epigenetic mediation of gene expression can impact multiple generations via direct effect on the animal (1st generation); direct or maternal mediated effects on the fetus (2nd generation) or gonadal cell lines of the fetus (3rd generation) when pregnant animals are exposed; and through inheritance across generations beyond those exposed directly/indirectly to the stimuli. Because animals within a herd are all generally subjected to similar environmental stimuli throughout the production cycle, any stimuli resulting in epigenetic modification may result in herd wide changes. The cumulative effects of herd wide exposure and generational inheritance are rapid changes in phenotypic characteristics of the population when compared to rate of phenotypic change brought about by genetic selection. Large potential exists to propagate desired characteristics in the livestock industry through epigenetic pathways. Capturing benefits from epigenetic alterations in gene expression will require extensive data collection.