The aim of this study was to compare alternative designs for implementation of genomic selection to improve maternal traits in pigs, with a conventional breeding scheme and a progeny testing scheme. The comparison was done through stochastic simulation of a pig population. It was assumed that selection was performed based on a trait that could be measured on females after the first litter, with...

introduction kurdish sheep breed is one of the most important native breeds of iran. they are fat-tailed, large-sized, well adapted to the mountainous regions in northern khorasan province and mainly raising for meat production under pastoral production system (28). feed efficiency is a major component in the profitability of the small ruminant enterprise, because quality of range and pasture i...

Diameter at breast height (DBH), wood density (DEN) and predicted modulus of elasticity (PME) are considered as 'key traits' (KT) in the improvement in radiata pine breeding programmes in New Zealand. Any other traits which are also of interest to radiata pine breeders and forest growers are called 'non-key traits' (NKTs). External resin bleeding (ERB), internal checking (IC), number of heartwo...

Rates of genetic gain in New Zealand sheep doubled in 140 Dual Purpose flocks, from 30 to 60 cents/yr, and 62 Terminal Sire flocks, from 35 to 60 cents/yr, after establishment of the Sheep Improvement Ltd (SIL) genetic evaluation system in 1999. Further incremental gains of a similar magnitude led to triple the rates of gain pre-SIL after establishment of the Meat & Wool New Zealand Central Pro...