Selective advantage of implementing optimal contributions selection and timescales for the convergence of long-term genetic contributions

摘要

BackgroundOptimal contributions selection (OCS) provides animal breeders with a framework for maximising genetic gain for a predefined rate of inbreeding. Simulation studies have indicated that the source of the selective advantage of OCS is derived from breeding decisions being more closely aligned with estimates of Mendelian sampling terms (a^) of selection candidates, rather than estimated breeding values (EBV). This study represents the first attempt to assess the source of the selective advantage provided by OCS using a commercial pig population and by testing three hypotheses: (1) OCS places more emphasis on a^ compared to EBV for determining which animals were selected as parents, (2) OCS places more emphasis on a^ compared to EBV for determining which of those parents were selected to make a long-term genetic contribution (r), and (3) OCS places more emphasis on a^ compared to EBV for determining the magnitude of r. The population studied also provided an opportunity to investigate the convergence of r over time.