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Genotype by Environment Interaction in Farm Animals

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Adaptation and Fitness in Animal Populations

Abstract

Interactions between genotype and environment are discussed in relation to genetic improvement of farm animals. Different types of classification are considered, with emphasis on their implications. A variety of statistical methods which can be used for the analysis of interactions between genotype and environment are discussed. The use of correlated response theory to predict responses in the selection environment and in other environments is described. Some examples are given in illustration, but no attempt has been made at an exhaustive compilation of experimental data. The comparison of different strategies such as development of a separate strain for each environment and improvement of a single strain for average performance over all environments is summarised. The effect of selection on sensitivity to environmental change is discussed. Adaptation to, or fitness in, specific environments is often an important part of such interactions.

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James, J.W. (2009). Genotype by Environment Interaction in Farm Animals. In: van der Werf, J., Graser, HU., Frankham, R., Gondro, C. (eds) Adaptation and Fitness in Animal Populations. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-9005-9_10

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