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A comparison of alternative nucleus breeding systems and a sire referencing scheme for sheep improvement

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

J. A. Roden
J. A. Roden
Affiliation:
Department of Agriculture, University of Aberdeen, 581 King Street, Aberdeen AB24 5UA
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Abstract

Stochastic simulation was used to compare selection response and rate of inbreeding in four nucleus breeding systems and a sire referencing scheme for sheep: an open nucleus system (ONS), an open nucleus system with sequential selection of the nucleus (ONS-S), a sire referencing scheme (SRS) and a dispersed open nucleus system (DONS). Selection was based on best linear unbiased prediction of breeding values for a single trait measurable on all individuals prior to selection. Selection in a population of 1200 ewes equally divided into 10 flocks was simulated over a 15-year period. The mean rate of genetic gain was proportionately about 0-15 higher in ONS-S and DONS compared with ONS and SRS. The rate of inbreeding in SRS was considerably lower and in ONS-S, considerably higher, than in the other systems. The level of prolificacy in the population did not influence the relative ranking of the breeding systems but may have implications for their optimal structure.

Keywords

breeding programmessheepsire evaluation
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Science , Volume 62 , Issue 2 , April 1996 , pp. 265 - 270
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1996

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