Epigenetics in Sows: The Role of Trace Elements in the Offspring’s Development

The saying goes, “You are what you eat.” It’s the same for animals. But where maternal nutrition/epigenetics (the study of hereditary changes in gene expression) is concerned, what the sow eats doesn’t only affect the sow. Research shows trace minerals have an impact on piglet fetal and postnatal development. The significance of that impact is dependent on the type of trace minerals fed to the sow. In this article, NOVUS Technical Service Manager for Swine in Europe Dr. Roberto Barea, and Executive Manager for Regional Technical Services in Europe, the Middle East and Africa Dr. Silvia Peris explain how to better support young pigs’ lifetime performance before their even born through certain organic trace minerals.