Epigenetics and the elaboration of phenotype in cattle

Abstract

In cattle breeding and farming, epigenetic mechanisms are regarded as a potential source of phenotypic variance unaccounted by genetic selection and could be used to better control the environmental impact on the genetic potential of animals. In this review, we briefly describe epigenetic processes, and address, from research studies mainly conducted at INRAE, the major role of epigenetic factors in the elaboration of phenotype in cattle. Focus is given to environmental factors shaping the epigenome, leading to variable effects on fertility, development, health and dairy production. The potential for using epigenetic markers in precision farming and as a complementary approach to genomic selection is also discussed.