How Can a Genome Evaluation of Feed Efficiency Take Into Account Gene Interactions?

Matt Spangler (University of Nebraska - Lincoln): There might be two types of interactions that are of interest. One is the interaction between genes. From a selection standpoint, we are interested in the additive genetic effects, and thus gene x gene interactions might not be critical to capture. The other interaction is Genotype x Environment. This is important to quantify and the current project is evaluating potential Genotype x Environment interactions where Environment is defined as different diet types. If Genotype x Environment interactions do exist, we can accommodate those in the way we develop genomic prediction equations. (This question was originally posted as part of the National Program for Genetic Improvement of Feed Efficiency in Beef Cattle.)