Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2026
09:35
A Protocol for Using Gene Set Enrichment Analysis to Identify the Appropriate Animal Model for Translational Research
Published on: August 16, 2017
Change in genetic correlation due to selection using animal model evaluation
I Strandén1, E A Mäntysaari, A Mäki-Tanila
1Department of Animal Breeding, Agricultural Research Centre, Jokioinen, Finland.
Summary
This study investigated how selection impacts genetic correlation between traits using simulation and analytical models. Results showed that while methods align initially, analytical predictions of genetic correlation change diverge from simulations over multiple selection rounds.
Area of Science:
- Quantitative Genetics
- Animal Breeding
- Statistical Genetics
Background:
- Understanding genetic correlation is crucial for multi-trait selection in breeding programs.
- Selection can alter the genetic architecture of traits, impacting breeding efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of selection on genetic correlation between two traits.
- To compare predictions from simulation and analytical models under different selection strategies.
Main Methods:
- Monte Carlo simulation of a nucleus breeding scheme with multi-trait animal model (AM) selection.
- Derivation of analytical formulae for predicting genetic (co)variance changes due to selection.
- Comparison of phenotypic selection and a recursive two-generation AM selection index.
Main Results:
- Simulation and analytical predictions of genetic correlation changes were similar initially.
- Phenotypic selection generally predicted greater changes in genetic correlation than the recursive AM method after one round.
- After multiple selection rounds, analytical formulae predicted more change than simulations.
Conclusions:
- Selection significantly impacts genetic correlation, with different methods yielding varying predictions.
- Analytical models provide valuable insights but may overestimate changes over extended selection periods compared to simulations.
- Accurate prediction of genetic correlation changes is vital for optimizing multi-trait breeding strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:06Heritability
Heritability is a statistical concept that measures the degree to which genetic differences among individuals contribute to trait variations within a population. It is a fundamental idea in genetics, often prone to misinterpretation. Heritability is expressed as a percentage, reflecting the proportion of variation in a specific trait across a population that can be linked to genetic differences. However, it's important to understand that heritability does not determine how "genetic" a trait is,...
01:21Frequency-dependent Selection
When the fitness of a trait is influenced by how common it is (i.e., its frequency) relative to different traits within a population, this is referred to as frequency-dependent selection. Frequency-dependent selection may occur between species or within a single species. This type of selection can either be positive—with more common phenotypes having higher fitness—or negative, with rarer phenotypes conferring increased fitness.Positive Frequency-Dependent SelectionIn positive...
01:25Genetic Variation
Genetic variation is the diversity in DNA sequences found among individuals of the same species. This diversity is crucial for a species' survival because it helps organisms adapt to environmental changes. Genetic variation begins with fertilization, where an egg and sperm cell merge. Each of these cells carries 23 chromosomes, up to 46 in the fertilized egg. Chromosomes are long DNA strands that contain genes, the basic units of heredity.
Genes exist in different versions called alleles, which...
Genes exist in different versions called alleles, which...
00:57Inclusive Fitness
Most altruistic behavior—in which one animal helps another at a cost to themselves—occurs between relatives. Scientists think these altruistic behaviors evolved because they increase the inclusive fitness of the animal providing help.
01:38Limits to Natural Selection
Organisms that are well-adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. However, natural selection does not lead to perfectly adapted organisms. Several factors constrain natural selection.For one, natural selection can only act upon existing genetic variation. Hypothetically, redtusks may enhance elephant survival by deterring ivory-seeking poachers. However, if there are no gene variants—or alleles—for redtusks, natural selection cannot increase the prevalence of...
02:16Genetics of Speciation
Speciation is the evolutionary process resulting in the formation of new, distinct species—groups of reproductively isolated populations.The genetics of speciation involves the different traits or isolating mechanisms preventing gene exchange, leading to reproductive isolation. Reproductive isolation can be due to reproductive barriers that have effects either before or after the formation of a zygote. Pre-zygotic mechanisms prevent fertilization from occurring, and post-zygotic mechanisms...