Epigenomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal early activation of the HPG axis in in vitro‐produced male dairy calves

In cattle, several calves born after IVP (“in vitro” embryo production) present similar birthweight to those generated after MOET (multiple ovulation and embryo transfer). However, the underlying molecular patterns in organs involved in the developmental process are unknown and could indicate physiological programming. The objectives of this study were: (1) to compare epigenomic and transcriptomic modifications in the hypothalamus, pituitary, gonadal and adrenal organs between 3 months old ovum pick‐up‐IVP and MOET male calves (n = 4 per group) and (2) to use blood epigenomic data to proxy methylation of the inner organs. Extracted gDNA and RNA were sequenced through whole‐genome bisulfite sequencing and RNA sequencing, respectively. Next, bioinformatic analyses determined differentially methylated cytosines (DMC) and differentially expressed genes (DEG) (FDR