Alternative models for QTL detection in livestock. I. General introduction

Abstract

In a series of papers, alternative models for QTL detection in livestock are proposed and their properties evaluated using simulations. This first paper describes the basic model used, applied to independent half-sib families, with marker phenotypes measured for a two or three generation pedigree and quantitative trait phenotypes measured only for the last generation. Hypotheses are given and the formulae for calculating the likelihood are fully described. Different alternatives to this basic model were studied, including variation in the performance modelling and consideration of full-sib families. Their main features are discussed here and their influence on the result illustrated by means of a numerical example.