Power of Variance Component Linkage Analysis to Identify Quantitative Trait Locus in Chickens

Abstract

ABSTRACT A crucial first step in the planning of any scientific experiment is to evaluate an appropriate sample size to permit sufficient statistical power to detect the desired effect. In this study, we investigated the optimal sample size of quantitative trait locus (QTL) linkage analysis for simple random sibship samples in pedigreed chicken populations, under the variance component framework implemented in the genetic power calculator program. Using the program, we could compute the statistical power required to achieve given sample sizes in variance component linkage analysis in random sibship data. For simplicity, an additive model was taken into account. Power calculations were performed to relate sample size to heritability attributable to a QTL. Under the various assumptions, comparative power curves indicated that the power to detect QTL with the variance component method is highly affected by a function of the effect size of QTL. Hence, more power can be achievable for QTL with a larger effect. In addition, a marked improvement in power could be obtained by increasing the sibship size. Thus, the use of chickens is advantageous regarding the sampling unit issue, since desirable sibship size can be easily obtained compared with other domestic species. (