Genotype × environment interaction for fertility and milk yield traits in Canadian, Mexican and US Holstein cattle

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate genotype × environment interaction (G×E) between Canada, the United States and Mexico for fertility and milk yield traits using genetic correlations between countries estimated from genetic evaluations of sires. Genetic correlation between Mexican and Canadian Holsteins for age at first calving was ≤ 0.48 and lower than the simulated value obtained accounting for data structure and selection effects. For calving interval, genetic correlation between Mexico and Canada ranged from 0.48 to 0.69. Genetic correlation between calving interval in Mexico (multiplied by -1) and daughter pregnancy rate in the United States ranged from 0.64 to 0.73, and was lower than simulated and actual Canada-United States values. Genetic correlations between Mexico and Canada and the United States for milk yield traits were ≥ 0.83, similar to simulated genetic correlations, but lower than Canada-United States values (≥ 0.93). Heritability estimates for age at first calving, calving interval, milk yield, fat yield, protein yield, fat content, and protein content for the Mexican Holstein population were 0.06, 0.03, 0.18, 0.20, 0.19, 0.46, and 0.49, respectively. G×E interaction effects between Canada and Mexico for age at first calving were high, whereas G×E interaction effects between Canada and Mexico for calving interval and between daughter pregnancy rate in the United States and calving interval in Mexico were moderate. G×E interaction effects for milk yield traits between Canada or the United States with Mexico in registered Holsteins were low.

Genotype by environment interaction for fat and protein yieldsviareaction norms in Holstein cattle of southern Brazil

“…In the genetic selection process, this trait could have slower genetics gain in the region with low heritability than in regions of moderate heritability. Similar values have been reported by Montaldo et al (2017) and Tullo et al (2014) for herds of Holstein cattle in Mexico and Italy, respectively. This indicates that temperature has a negative effect on PY heritability, which is consistent with that reported by Carabaño et al (2014) for herds in Spain.…”

“…Similar values have been reported by Montaldo et al . (2017) and Tullo et al . (2014) for herds of Holstein cattle in Mexico and Italy, respectively.…”

Invited review: Phenotyping strategies and quantitative-genetic background of resistance, tolerance and resilience associated traits in dairy cattle

“…König et al, 2005;Haile-Mariam et al, 2008), but also across country borders (e.g. Montaldo et al, 2017). König et al (2005) only identified indications for G × E interactions when considering several environmental descriptors simultaneously, for example, herd location and herd size.…”

Climate-Resilient Dairy Cattle Production: Applications of Genomic Tools and Statistical Models

“…There are reports which established uncertainty in the performance of genetically superior animals when subjected to a new environment ( 38 , 39 ). Genotype × environment interaction (G × E) studies help to evaluate the level of this uncertainty and can predict the extent to which an animal may perform in the new environment ( 38 ). This interaction arises when different environments unevenly influence the different genotypes ( 40 ).…”

“…This interaction arises when different environments unevenly influence the different genotypes ( 40 ). Therefore, it is necessary to understand the production environment before making a selection policy since the interactions between genetic and environment may hamper the performance efficiency of the animal ( 38 , 40 ). High-yielding dairy cows derived from temperate regions, for example, have failed to express their productive potential when imported to be raised under tropical conditions ( 41 ).…”