The aim of this paper was to develop a national singlestep genomic BLUP that integrates multi-national genomic estimated breeding values (EBV) and associated reliabilities without double counting dependent data contributions from the different evaluations. Simultaneous use of all data, including phenotypes, pedigree, and genotypes, is a condition to obtain unbiased EBV. However, this condition is not always fully met, mainly due to unavailability of foreign raw data for imported animals. In dairy cattle genetic evaluations, this issue is traditionally tackled through the multiple across-country evaluation (MACE) of sires, performed by Interbull Centre (Uppsala, Sweden). Multiple across-country evaluation regresses all the available national information onto a joint pedigree to obtain country-specific rankings of all sires without sharing the raw data. In the context of genomic selection, the issue is handled by exchanging sire genotypes and by using MACE information (i.e., MACE EBV and reliabilities), as a valuable source of "phenotypic" data. Although all the available data are considered, these "multi-national" genomic evaluations use multi-step methods assuming independence of various sources of information, which is not met in all situations. We developed a method that handles this by single-step genomic evaluation that jointly (1) uses national phenotypic, genomic, and pedigree data; (2) uses multi-national genomic information; and (3) avoids double counting dependent data contributions from an animal's own records and relatives' records. The method was demonstrated by integrating multi-national genomic EBV and reliabilities of Brown Swiss sires, included in the InterGenomics consortium at Interbull Centre, into the national evaluation in Slovenia. The results showed that the method could (1) increase reliability of a national (genomic) evaluation; (2) provide consistent ranking of all animals: bulls, cows, and young animals; and (3) increase the size of a genomic training population. These features provide more efficient and transparent selection throughout a breeding program.

SummaryThe objective of this study was to compare the colony development cycle (unsealed and sealed worker brood, drone brood, pollen and colony strength) of two Apis mellifera carnica subpopulations in two distinct environments (alpine and continental). At each test location were two sub groups of 12 colonies headed by naturally mated sister queens from either the Institute of Apiculture Lunz am See, Austria (AT) or from the Faculty of Agriculture University of Zagreb, Croatia (HR). Colony development was monitored every 14 days. The HR genotype, adapted to a continental climate, had faster spring brood development in both environments. During spring and early summer the AT genotype maintained the number of sealed brood cells at a constant level in the more favourable conditions, although the amount of unsealed brood reached its maximum in early June. The environment influenced colony development, food stores and colony strength. Interaction between genotype and environment did not affect the number of unsealed brood cells, but the difference was statistically significant for the number of sealed brood cells. The study indicated the presence of a number of genotype and environment interactions between the two honey bee genotypes and their colony traits. Desarrollo de colonias de dos genotipos Carniola (Apis mellifera carnica) en relación con el medio ambiente ResumenEl objetivo de este estudio fue comparar el ciclo de desarrollo de la colonia (cría de obreras operculada y no operculada, cría de zánganos, el polen y la fuerza de colonias) de dos subpoblaciones de Apis mellifera carnica en dos ambientes distintos (alpino y continental). En cada lugar de prueba se pusieron dos subgrupos de 12 colonias encabezadas por reinas hermanas fecundadas naturalmente, ya sea del Instituto de Apicultura Lunz am See, Austria (AT) o de la Facultad de Agricultura de la Universidad de Zagreb, Croacia (HR). El desarrollo de las colonias se controló cada 14 días. El genotipo HR, adaptado a un clima continental, tuvo un desarrollo más rápido de la cría en primavera en ambos ambientes. Durante la primavera y principios del verano el genotipo AT mantuvo el número de celdas de cría operculadas a un nivel constante en las condiciones más favorables, aunque la cantidad de cría abierta alcanzó su máximo a principios de junio. El ambiente influyó en el desarrollo de las colonias, la reserva de alimentos y la fuerza de la colonia. La interacción entre el genotipo y el medio ambiente no afectó el número de celdas de cría sin opercular, pero la diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa para el número de celdas de cría operculada. El estudio indicó la presencia de una serie de interacciones del genotipo con el medio ambiente entre los dos genotipos de abejas y los caracteres de sus colonias.Keywords: Apis mellifera carnica, genotype x environment interactions, colony development, local adaptation 262 Drazic et al.

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