Using Genomic Information to Estimate Genotype by Environment Interactions

Abstract

Genotype by environment (GxE) interaction can reduce genetic gain because there is often insufficient information for accurate selection in each environment. Traditionally the estimation of GxE effects has been based on the performance of half siblings across environments. This limits the estimation of GxE to specifically designed datasets with close relatives where all realized relationships may not be utilized. Genomic information can also be used to link animals and presents an opportunity to compare genotypes across different environments using realized relationship information. This study examines the use of genomic information to estimate GxE interaction. The genetic correlation between animal phenotypic performance in two different environments was estimated using pedigree or genomic information. A higher genetic correlation between environments was observed when using genomic information (0.9) than when using pedigree information (0.71). This study suggests that genomic information may be a useful alternative to pedigree information in understanding GxE in livestock populations.