Abstract

A population of 100000 cows was simulated for 30 years in 6 scenarios. Genetic trend for total merit and 7 individual traits were compared when three different models for estimation of breeding values, in combination with either a narrow or a broad breeding goal, were used. Each scenario had 10 replicates. A univariate, an approximate multitrait and a multitrait model were compared. With a broad breeding goal the use of a multitrait model and an approximate multitrait model increased genetic gain by 16.3% and 12.9% respectively and gave less biased results compared to the univariate model. The approximate multitrait model is a good alternative when a true multitrait model cannot be applied.

J. Lassen, M. K Sorensen, P. Madsen, Vincent Ducrocq

Proceedings of the World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Volume , , 24.03, 2006