Epigenetics and Regenerative Grazing: The End Result By Allen R Williams, Ph.D.

STARKVILLE, Mississippi:

Epigenetics is defined as the “Influence of environmental factors on the degree of gene expression in an individual.” These environmental factors can include things such as toxins, synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, amendments, feed additives, extremes in weather and temperature, reproductive manipulation (embryo transfer, in vitro fertilization, embryo splitting, etc.). They also include how we graze, what time of year we calve, what age our calves are weaned at, and our herd health program. We have to also understand that epigenetics is transgenerational. Research has documented epigenetic effects out to the 16th generation.

UNDERSTANDING EPIGENETICS

To better understand the effect of epigenetics on our livestock, let’s consider this analogy: We all are familiar with a light switch. On a regular light switch, the lights are either all the way on or all the way off (100% on or off). Epigenetics is where we install a dimmer control on that same light switch. Now we have the option of turning the light 10% on, 30% on, 80% on, etc. In the same way epigenetic effects determine how much a pair of genes (or multiple gene pairs) can express themselves. Another example of this is eye color. I have the genetics for blue eyes. However, my epigenetics determine the shade of blue and even the degree of blue hue to my eyes. So, I can have pale blue eyes, moderate blue eyes, or deep blue eyes. That is all determined by what my mother was exposed to while I was in the womb and my exposure to environmental factors shortly after birth. Therefore, everything we do in the management of our livestock determines the epigenetics impact of the current generation and several generations to come. What we may not consider is that epigenetics affects everything with DNA. That means not only are we affecting our livestock, but also the epigenetics of our plant species that our livestock are grazing and the soil microbes beneath the soil surface.

Epigenetics effects can be either positive or negative, but they are never neutral. Therefore, the way we manage our farms and ranches is influencing ultimate epigenetics, whether we realize it or not. If you are a continuous grazer, a MiG grazer, or an adaptive grazer, you are influencing epigenetics for either the positive or negative. Whatever you routinely supplement your livestock with influences epigenetics. That starts at conception, carries through to the womb, and to the resultant offspring. The question is not whether you have epigenetic influences or not. You do. Period. Rather, the question is whether you are managing for positive, multi-generational epigenetics, or negative. In past articles I have talked about how the Three Rules of Adaptive Stewardship (July 2022) significantly influences the role of epigenetics in our livestock. In this article I will focus on the results of positive epigenetics combined with regenerative practices.

PHYTONUTRIENT RESEARCH

We have participated with Dr. Stephan Van Vliet and his team of researchers to do detailed phytonutrient analysis on pastured proteins. The research involved measuring key soil health parameters, plant phytonutrient content, fresh fecal material, and the end-product phytonutrient content. Human clinical trials are also being conducted to verify the benefits of regeneratively produced foods to our health.

Phytonutrients are naturally occurring bioactive compounds derived from plants that have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in both animals and humans. Studies have found that these phytochemicals play a key role in the prevention and management of many chronic diseases.

Some of the key benefits of phytonutrients include:

* Anti-inflammatory/antioxidant effects in our cells

* Scavenging reactive or toxic chemicals

* Enhancing the absorption and or stability of essential nutrients

* Acting as selective growth factors for beneficial gastrointestinal bacteria

* Selectively inhibiting deleterious intestinal bacteria

Key research findings (to date) include:

* Fresh forage contains between 5 to 20 times more antioxidants than a Total Mixed Ration (TMR).

* Phytonutrient profiles are significantly higher in grassfed beef from animals finished on diverse pastures compared to feedlot beef.

* Soil produced metabolites, Ergothioneine and Histidine Betaine, are significantly higher in grassfed beef vs feedlot beef (see Plant illustration - Healthy soils produce key metabolites.).

* Vitamins A and E are significantly higher in grassfed beef vs feedlot beef.

* There was significantly higher levels of oxidative stress in the feed-lot animals compared to the grassfed animals.

* In a 10-week human clinical trial with the subjects being fed either grassfed meats or commodity meats, there was a significant reduction in inflammation and a significant increase in red blood cell function.

ON-FARM RESULTS

Our farm was one of the farms participating in this research trial. The results are profound and meaningful. The numbers represent the difference between our grassfed beef and commodity feedlot beef. I will present by nutrient category.

KEY PHYTONUTRIENTS:

* Hippurate. Has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Associated with improved gut microbial diversity and improves metabolism. 57% Higher.

* Cinnamoylglycine. Powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Decreases risk of Parkinson’s disease and various cancers. 65% Higher.

* Ergothioneine. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Helps to protect against an array of diseases and disorders. 59% Higher.

* 4-Ethylphenylsulfate. Strong anti-fungal activity, so it confers fungal disease protection. 85% higher.

* Histidine Betaine. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory. Produced by soil fungi and microbes, so highly dependent on healthy soil. 67% higher

* Dimethyl Sulfone. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory. Found in native plant species. 71% higher

KEY VITAMINS:

* Alpha-Tocopherol (Vitamin E). Important for immune function, heart function, eye health and muscle function. 64% higher

* Vitamin A (Retinol). Essential nutrient that plays a key role in vision health, cell growth, cell division, reproduction and immunity. 34% higher

* Vitamin C. Anti-Viral and antioxidant properties. 33% higher

* Vitamin B3 (Niacin). Important for lipid and cholesterol metabolism. 25% higher

* Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine). Glucose metabolism, nerve function, immune function, brain function, and red blood cell function. 27% higher

KEY FATTY ACIDS:

* Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA). Helps lower the risk of heart disease, cancer, and liver disease. 50% higher

* Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA). Reduces risk of cardiovascular disease and improves healthy brain function.69% higher

* Arachidic Acid. Associated with decreased risk of diabetes and cardio-vascular disease. 52% higher

* Heptadecanoic Acid. Associated with lower risks of cardiometabolic diseases. 36% higher

* Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA). Anti-Cancer and Anti-Obesity properties. 75% higher

* Omega-6 to Omega-3 Ratio (O6:O3). A lower O6:O3 ratio is considered highly beneficial for our daily diet. Higher omega-6s in our diet leads to significant inflammation and an array of diseases and disorders. AMA and AHA recommend an omega 6 to omega-3 ratio in our diets of 4:1 or less. The typical American diet is a ratio of 20:1 or higher.** Grassfed Beef has a ratio of under 2:1 omega-6 to omega-3 com- pared to a ratio of 11:1 to over 50:1 in feedlot beef . The problem with feedlot beef is that the consumer has no idea whether they are consuming beef that is 11:1 or over 50:1.

KEY OXIDATIVE STRESS MARKERS:

* Homocysteine. Higher Homocysteine levels in the body are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Lower levels reduce this risk and improve metabolic health. 67% lower

* 4-hydroxyl-nonenal-glutothione (4-HNE). Higher levels of 4-HNE are an indicator of oxidative stress and increased risk of metabolic disease. Lower levels are desired. 28% lower.

* Malate. Higher levels indicate metabolic health benefits for the animal. 53% higher.

* Palmitoylcarnitine. Higher levelsvare associated with improved cardiovascular health. 46% higher.

* Linolenoylcarnitine. Higher levels are associated with improved cardiovascular health. 51% higher.

SUMMARY

Managing regeneratively and selecting for positive epigenetics in our livestock has profound impacts on the end-product nutritive value of the proteins we produce. This translates into improved human health and epigenetics. However, we cannot forget that livestock eating phytonutrient-rich plants also experience very positive epigenetic effects. The end results? Healthy soils, healthy plants, healthy livestock, healthy people, and healthy ecosystems. Health in all these organisms results in positive transgenerational Epigenetics.

Allen Williams is a founding partner of Understanding Ag, LLC, Soil Health Academy, and Regenified, LLC. He is also a 6th generation family farmer. He can be reached at allen at understandingag.com or 662-312-6826.