Phenotypic and genetic trends in American Angus associated with climate variability
Résumé
Climate change is expected to not only increase the frequency of extreme weather events, but to also increase the variability of climate conditions within geographical locations. Within the context of climate, livestock genetics research has mostly focused on GxE interactions and on selection for specific environments. This approach, however, does not address the sensitivity of animals to unstable environmental conditions, a likely scenario due to climate change. In this study, we explored the association between the variation in climate variables and the historical trends of growth traits in American Angus beef cattle. Analyses were performed using historical climate data, and phenotypic records of birth, weaning and post-weaning weights from American Angus beef cattle over the last three decades, from herds covering a wide area of the United States of America (USA). Results suggest a greater variation of both phenotypic and genetic trends in regions with high climate variability.
Domaines
Génétique animaleOrigine | Fichiers produits par l'(les) auteur(s) |
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