Abba Mohammed
Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Kashim Ibrahim University, P.M.B. 1122, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
*Corresponding author’s Email: banayeyya@yahoo.com, doi.org/10.55639/607.020100135
ABSTRACT
Epigenetic regulation plays a central role in shaping how livestock genomes respond to environmental and developmental signals without altering the underlying DNA sequence. In recent years, growing evidence has demonstrated that epigenetic mechanisms contribute significantly to variation in economically important traits, including growth performance, reproduction, immunity, productivity, and environmental adaptability. Despite this expanding body of knowledge, the practical integration of epigenetic information into livestock breeding programs remains limited. This narrative review synthesizes current research on epigenetic mechanisms in livestock species and critically examines their emerging applications in animal breeding and production systems. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect, with emphasis on studies published between 2010 and 2024 that investigated epigenetic processes, environmental interactions, and breeding-related outcomes in farm animals. The evidence indicates that DNA methylation, histone modifications, chromatin remodeling, and non-coding RNAs function as dynamic regulatory interfaces linking the genome to external factors such as nutrition, thermal stress, and management. Environmental exposures during sensitive developmental periods can induce persistent epigenetic changes, some of which may be transmitted across generations and influence offspring phenotypes. Epigenome-wide association studies have identified epigenetic markers associated with production traits, disease resistance, and climate resilience, highlighting their potential value in complementing genomic selection. In parallel, advances in CRISPR-based epigenome editing technologies now enable targeted modulation of gene expression without permanent genetic modification, opening new avenues for precision livestock improvement. Although challenges related to cost, tissue specificity, and incomplete understanding of epigenetic heritability remain, rapid technological progress and declining sequencing costs are improving feasibility. Overall, integrating epigenetic information into breeding strategies holds considerable promise for enhancing selection accuracy, sustainability, and adaptive capacity in livestock production under changing environmental conditions.
KEYWORDS
Epigenetics,
Animal
Breeding,
Livestock,
CRISPR,
Environmental
interactions.