Maximizing genetic gain for the sire line of a crossbreeding scheme utilizing both purebred and crossbred information

Abstract

A selection index procedure which utilizes both, purebred and crossbred information was developed for the sire line of a three-path crossbreeding scheme in pigs, to predict response to best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) selection with an animal model. Purebred and crossbred performance were treated as correlated traits. The breeding goal was crossbred performance but methods can be applied to other goals. A hierarchical mating structure was used. Sires were mated to purebred dams to generate replacements and to F^ from the dam line to generate fattening pigs. Generations were discrete, inbreeding was ignored. The selection index included purebred and crossbred phenotypic information of the current generation and estimated breeding values for purebred and crossbred performance of parents and mates of parents from the previous generation. Reduction of genetic variance due to linkage disequilibrium and reduction of selection intensity due to finite population size and due to correlated index values was accounted for. Selection was undertaken until asymptotic responses were reached. The index was used to optimize the number of selected parents per generation and the number of offspring tested per litter, and to make inferences on the value of crossbred information when the breeding goal was crossbred performance. It was optimal to test a maximum number of offspring per litter, mainly due to increased female selection intensities. Maximum response reductions due to linkage disequilibrium and correlated index values were 32% and 29% respectively. Correcting for correlated index values changed ranking of breeding schemes. Benefit of crossbred information was largest when the genetic correlation between purebred and crossbred performance was low. Due to high correlations between index values in that case, the optimum number of selected sires increased considerably when crossbred information was included.