Estimating variances and covariances for bivariate animal models using scaling and transformation

Abstract

The estimation of genetic parameters in bivariate animal models is considered. It is shown that in a variety of models the computation can be reduced by introducing scaled and transformed independent traits. This allows maximization over smaller dimensions of parameter space. In 1 numerical example the procedure reduced the computation by a factor of 8. The advantages of transformed models are outlined. © 1995 Elsevier/INRA.