Science et technologie vétérinaires

Livestock Nutrigenomics Applications and Prospects

Abstract

Bruh Asmelash, Mahlet D and Haftom Brhane

Livestock performance is thought to be affected by genotype (heritable) and environment (non-heritable). Nutrition is among the greatest environmental determinants. Genes are turned on and off according to metabolic signals that the nucleus receives from internal factors like hormones and external factors like nutrients. Currently, Nutrigenomics which encompasses the three crucial -omics stages (Transcriptomics, Proteomics and Metabolomics), is emerging in the area of livestock to develop feeds that can be matched to genotypes of animals for a better production, productivity and health. It deciphers how food ingredients and nutrition affect gene expression, metabolic pathways and diet-related disease development. Hence, Nutrigenomics makes clear that how gene interacts with nutrients and how DNA and genetic code affect the needs for certain nutrients and quantities which suggests the possibility to change the way we feed and manage livestock and poultry. The tools of molecular genetics are expected to have much more impact in the future. The interaction between diets and genes could be evaluated through DNA microarray techniques and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). These profiling techniques are reported to allow examination of nutrient effects that was not possible in the past. Nutrigenomics is feasible to apply in livestock production but can only provide part of the solution in response to non genetic factors involved in livestock health and production. In this paper, the Principles, current status of its application in different areas, challenges and opportunities of livestock Nutrigenomics with emphasis to developing countries like Ethiopia has been thoroughly reviewed.