The epigenome of male germ cells and the programming of phenotypes in cattle

Abstract

Bull semen is a commercial product widely used for artificial insemination. • During the differentiation of male germ cells into spermatozoa, there are several windows of epigenome sensitivity to environmental factors. • The epigenome of bull sperm exhibits both conserved features and interindividual variations, some of which are associated with fertility. • The paternal epigenome contributes to embryo development and to programming the phenotype of offspring.