Conditions of embryo culture from days 5 to 7 of development alter the DNA methylome of the bovine fetus at day 86 of gestation.

Results are consistent with alterations in the methylome being one of the mechanisms by which IVP can result in altered fetal development and postnatal function in the resultant offspring. In addition, results indicate that maternally derived cell-signaling molecules can regulate the pattern of DNA methylation.