Epigenetic Defects Related Reproductive Technologies: Large Offspring Syndrome (LOS)

Abstract

Assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) and in vitro fertilization (IVF), have been used to produce genetically superior livestock. Currently, embryos from IVF are commercially available from public or private corporations. However, calves derived by ART techniques frequently suffer with pathological changes in the fetal and placental phenotype, the so-called large offspring syndrome (LOS), and this has significant consequences for development both before and after birth (Behboodi et al., 1995; Constant et al., 2006; Wilmut et al., 2002; Young et al., 1998).