By Rita Okoye

In the evolving landscape of livestock farming, where health, productivity, and sustainability are paramount, innovative approaches are continually being sought to enhance the welfare of animals.

One such approach gaining attention is the potential for nutritional interventions to influence epigenetic modifications in livestock. To shed light on this promising field, we spoke with Samuel Oluwale Olorunkoya, a renowned expert in Genetic and Nutrition Livestock Scientist, to discuss how these interventions could revolutionize livestock health and productivity, particularly in the Nigerian context.

Mr. Olorunkoya earned a Bachelor of Science from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta Nigeria and a Master of Science in Animal Science (Animal Nutrition) from North Dakota State University, North Dakota, United States where he researched on the “Influence of plasma-NMR, urea-Nitrogen, glucose and NEFA on dry matter intake in developing heifers and mature cows”. He has gained hands-on experience in Animal nutrition and genetics especially with his job at Dickinson Research Extension Center, Dickinson, North Dakota, USA.

“Nutritional interventions are more than just feeding strategies; they are powerful tools that can modulate gene expression without altering the DNA sequence,” explains Oluwale. “This process, known as epigenetics, involves changes in gene activity that can be passed down through generations. By carefully selecting and optimizing the nutritional intake of livestock, we can potentially trigger beneficial epigenetic modifications that improve health outcomes and enhance disease resistance.”

Oluwale emphasizes that the implications of these modifications are profound. “In practical terms, this means that by feeding livestock specific nutrients at critical stages of their development, we can potentially ‘program’ their genes to express traits that lead to better health and greater resilience against diseases. This could be a game-changer in improving the overall well-being of livestock.”

Beyond immediate health benefits, Oluwale highlights the long-term impact of epigenetic changes on animal productivity and welfare. “Epigenetic modifications can have lasting effects, influencing not just the current generation of livestock but also future ones. This could lead to sustained improvements in productivity, such as increased milk yield in dairy cattle or enhanced growth rates in poultry.”

Moreover, the welfare of animals could see significant advancements. “Healthier animals are naturally more productive, and they also experience less stress and discomfort, leading to better welfare outcomes. This is not just about increasing output; it’s about creating a more humane and sustainable farming system.”

In Nigeria, where agriculture remains a cornerstone of the economy, the potential application of these insights could be transformative. “Nigeria’s livestock sector is critical to food security and the livelihoods of millions. By integrating nutritional interventions that promote beneficial epigenetic modifications, we can enhance the resilience and productivity of our livestock, making our agricultural systems more robust and sustainable,” Oluwale asserts.

He also points out the broader implications for food security. “As we face challenges such as climate change and disease outbreaks, having livestock that are genetically primed for resilience could help ensure a stable food supply. This approach could be especially valuable in regions where resources are limited, and traditional farming methods are under strain.”

Oluwale concludes by emphasizing the need for continued research and collaboration. “While the potential is enormous, we need more research to fully understand the mechanisms at play and how best to implement these strategies on a large scale. Collaboration between scientists, farmers, and policymakers will be key to unlocking the full benefits of nutritional epigenetics for livestock.”

As Nigeria looks to the future, the integration of cutting-edge science like epigenetics into traditional farming practices could offer a new path to enhancing livestock health, productivity, and overall agricultural sustainability. With experts like Samuel Oluwale leading the charge, the possibilities are promising indeed.