Wei Liu , Xinghao Li , Jia Xuan

Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
Author    Correspondence author
International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 2024, Vol. 14, No. 5   doi: 10.5376/ijmz.2024.14.0027
Received: 13 Aug., 2024    Accepted: 25 Sep., 2024    Published: 18 Oct., 2025

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Liu W., Li X.H., and Xuan J., 2024, Epigenetics in pet breeding: current insights and future perspectives, International Journal of Molecular Zoology, 14(5): 290-296 (doi: 10.5376/ijmz.2024.14.0027)

Epigenetics, the study of heritable changes in gene expression without alterations to the DNA sequence, has emerged as a critical field in animal breeding. Its relevance to pet breeding lies in its potential to influence breed characteristics, health, and genetic diversity. This study explores current insights into epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation and histone modification, and how they are shaped by environmental factors. The role of epigenetic regulation in selecting desirable traits and enhancing disease resistance in pets is examined, alongside a case study illustrating its application in a specific breed. Furthermore, this study addresses the challenges of integrating epigenetics into breeding practices, including technical hurdles, ethical considerations, and regulatory concerns. Future perspectives suggest that personalized breeding, informed by epigenetic data, could revolutionize the field. Ultimately, understanding and applying epigenetic knowledge in pet breeding will contribute to healthier, more resilient animals while maintaining genetic diversity.

Epigenetics; Pet breeding; Genetic diversity; Disease resistance; Personalized breeding