Linear Models for the Prediction of the Genetic Merit of Animals

The prediction of genetic merit in livestock offspring generation is essential for animal scientists. This new edition of the textbook covers linear models, genomic prediction approaches, multi-breed and crossbred performance, dominance and epistasis, and functional traits. It includes R codes for key examples and is suitable for graduate and postgraduate students, researchers, and lecturers in animal breeding, genetics, and genomics.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 412 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2023
Publisher: CABI Publishing

The prediction of genetic merit in the offspring generation is a fundamental aspect of any livestock improvement program conducted by animal scientists. This involves the estimation of genetic parameters that contribute to desirable production traits such as increased growth rate, superior meat, milk, and wool production. This new edition of the textbook, "Linear Models for the Prediction of Genetic Merit in Livestock," is fully updated to incorporate recent advancements in genomic prediction approaches, genomic models for multi-breed and crossbred performance, dominance and epistasis.

The book covers various topics, including the relationship between the genome and the phenotype, BLUP models for various livestock data and structure, incorporation of related ancestral parents and metafounders in prediction models, models for survival analysis and social interaction, advancements in genomic prediction approaches and selection, genomic models for multi-breed and crossbred performance, models for non-additive genetic effects including dominance and epistasis, estimation of genetic parameters including Gibbs sampling approaches, and computation methods for solving linear mixed model equations.

Suitable for graduate and postgraduate students, researchers, and lecturers in animal breeding, genetics, and genomics, this established textbook provides a thorough grounding in both the basics and in new developments of linear models and animal genetics. The book is organized into nine chapters, each covering a specific topic related to the prediction of genetic merit.

Chapter 1 provides an introduction to the topic, covering the importance of genetic merit in livestock improvement, the challenges faced in predicting genetic merit, and the basic principles of linear models. Chapter 2 discusses the relationship between the genome and the phenotype, including the concept of genetic variance, heritability, and genetic correlation. Chapter 3 covers BLUP models for various livestock data and structure, including the use of pedigree information, marker data, and environmental variables in prediction models. Chapter 4 explores the incorporation of related ancestral parents and metafounders in prediction models, including the use of multi-trait models and genomic selection. Chapter 5 focuses on models for survival analysis and social interaction, including the development of survival models and the analysis of social networks. Chapter 6 discusses advancements in genomic prediction approaches and selection, including the use of machine learning algorithms, deep learning, and Bayesian methods. Chapter 7 explores genomic models for multi-breed and crossbred performance, including the development of multi-trait models and the estimation of genetic parameters for crossbred populations. Chapter 8 discusses models for non-additive genetic effects including dominance and epistasis, including the use of dominance models, epistasis models, and mixed models. Chapter 9 covers estimation of genetic parameters including Gibbs sampling approaches, including the use of Markov chain Monte Carlo methods and Bayesian inference.

Each chapter includes numerous worked examples and exercises to help readers understand the concepts and apply the methods discussed. Additionally, the book includes R codes for key examples in the textbook, which are provided online for easy access.

In conclusion, "Linear Models for the Prediction of Genetic Merit in Livestock" is a comprehensive and up-to-date textbook that provides a thorough grounding in both the basics and in new developments of linear models and animal genetics. The book is suitable for graduate and postgraduate students, researchers, and lecturers in animal breeding, genetics, and genomics and will be valuable for anyone interested in improving livestock production through genetic selection.

Dimension: 229 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800620483
Edition number: 4th ed.