Nutritional programming in early life stages to improve feed efficiency, reproductive rates and quality of sheep meat and milk (NUPROVI)
This study investigates the long-term effects of early post-natal methionine supplementation in ewe lambs on milk composition and feed efficiency in adult life. Results showed that polyunsaturated fatty acids were increased in the milk without affecting overall milk yield or feed efficiency. Epigenetic analysis revealed changes in DNA methylation patterns, particularly in genes related to fatty acid metabolism. In contrast, biochemical analysis of blood revealed increased levels of insulin, non-esterified fatty acids, and aspartate aminotransferase, suggesting long-lasting metabolic effects. These results highlight the potential of early-life nutritional interventions to induce long-term changes in the milk fatty acid profile.