Genotype by Environment Interactions in Hereford Cattle: I. Reproductive Traits

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Genotype by environment interactions involving the reproductive performance of different lines of Hereford cattle in the contrasting environments of Brooksville, FL and Miles City, MT, were studied in a cooperative, interregional project from 1961 through 1974. During phase 1 of the study, performance of two unrelated lines (M1 and F6), previously developed at the two stations, were compared at each of the two locations. Simultaneously, a derivative of M1 cattle (F4) was selected for performance in Florida. Reproductive performance of these related lines (M1 and F4) were compared at each of the two locations during phase 2 of the study. Line by location interaction effects were highly significant for pregnancy and weaning rates during both phases of the study. In phase 1, the advantage of the local over the introduced lines was 6.7 (P<.01) for pregnancy percentage and 6.1 (P<.01) for weaning percentage. Corresponding values for phase 2 were 11.6 (P<.01) and 12.5 (P<.01), respectively. These results suggest that genetic adapation to the local environment is important in beef cattle production and should be considered in designing commercial breeding programs. Copyright © 1979. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1979 by American Society of Animal Science.