Computer intensive calculation of reliability of predicted breeding values with animal model, as a means for decision making in practical breeding schemes

Abstract Text:

Connectedness is advantageous for Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP). Coefficients of determination (CD) for connectedess were estimated under an animal model (AM) using single and repeated records per animal with a computer intensive method for a real goat breeding case. The average CDs of animals using a repeatability animal model was 65%, higher than with single records, suggesting that although more complex, this model has improved the accuracy by close to 25%. Dependent on the decision problem, various CD-values can be calculated, e.g. on a flock level basis, for young bucks etc.

Keywords:

Breeding value estimation

Accuracy of estimate breeding values

Connectedness of flocks

Animal model