Genetic heterogeneity of residual variance - estimation of variance components using double hierarchical generalized linear models

摘要

BackgroundThe sensitivity to microenvironmental changes varies among animals and may be under genetic control. It is essential to take this element into account when aiming at breeding robust farm animals. Here, linear mixed models with genetic effects in the residual variance part of the model can be used. Such models have previously been fitted using EM and MCMC algorithms.