Linear models for the prediction of animal breeding values

Abstract

Abstract This second edition presents the use of linear models, particularly Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP), for the genetic evaluation of domestic livestock. The 13 chapters discuss genetic evaluation with different sources of records, genetic covariance between relatives, BLUP of breeding value using univariate models with one random effect, BLUP of breeding value using models with random environmental effects, BLUP of breeding value using multivariate models, maternal trait models, analysis of longitudinal data, the use of genetic markers in predicting breeding values, non-additive animal models, analysis of ordered categorical traits, estimation of genetic parameters, the application of Gibbs sampling in variance component estimation and prediction of breeding value and solving linear equations. Appendices with additional information on introductory matrix algebra, fast algorithms for calculating inbreeding, methods for obtaining approximate reliability for genetic evaluations, procedure for computing de-regressed breeding values, calculating the φ matrix of legendre polynomials at different ages or time periods and computing the covariance matrix of additive genetic effect of marked quantitative trait loci (MQTL) are also included. This book will be of interest to advanced students and practitioners of animal breeding and genetics.