Genotype by environment interaction in dairy cattle

Abstract

The aim of this literature review was to identify the existence and scope of genotype by environment interaction (G × E)from reports on dairy cattle populations in different management systems. Methods applied to deal with G × E (controlledexperiments and large data modeling) were discussed. A G × E was confirmed essentially when high differences betweenproduction environments and/or genotypes (genetically distant genotypes) were observed. Environmental effects wereaggregated in most studies and identification of the components of the environment was largely unresolved, with only a fewstudies based on more definite-descriptors of environment. The implications of G × E on breeding decisions are discussed.Breeders should select genotypes on production traits within environmental conditions comparable to where candidate animalsare intended to perform.

Keywords

• Genotype by environment interaction
• genetic correlation
• reaction norm
• dairy cattle
• breed
• selection