Epigenetics: What Is It?
By: Paul Walker Thompson
February 07, 2014
I recently read a very interesting article by Pig Progress Magazine called “Epigenetics: The art of programming DNA”. I found it both: filled with a new concept to me, and very, very interesting.
I wanted to simply state what are Epigenetic effects. There is an effect on the genetic code of piglets that happens due to environment (climate conditions, management, and selection for uterine capacity of the sow) and nutrition (especially in the uterus during gestation, and when there are additional nutrients added, like organic selenium) (1). These effects manifest themselves as mechanisms that attach themselves to the DNA, thereby slightly changing the structure of the DNA.
These mechanisms “add additional information to the piglets DNA during early development”(1). This additional information is what is known as “Epigenetic Effects” (1). This is why early care and early nutrition have such a great effect on the quality of the piglet, that will last throughout its life.
References:
(1) Pig Progress Magazine Vol. 29 nr 7 “Epigenetics: the art of programming DNA”
