二棱大麦数量性状相关遗传力和选择指数的分析

以15个二棱大麦品种(系)材料,用相关遗传力研究大麦数量性状的相关遗传,并计算分析籽粒产量和产量构成性状所组合的各种选择指数。结果表明:各性状与单株粒重的相关遗传力均低于单株粒重的遗传力,故仅利用一个性状作间接选择的效率比对单株粒重作直接选择的效率低;在构成大麦产量的三要素中,着重提高单株穗数对产量的选择效率最大; 高产育种同时考虑与产量显著相关的性状比单纯对产量选择的效果好,其中以单株穗数、每穗粒数和籽粒产量结合起来选择的效果最佳。本文并对相关遗传力在相关遗传变异分析中的应用进行了讨论。     

约束选择问题的回归分析解法探讨

家畜有多种经济性状,选择方法有三：单 项选择法、独立水平法和综合指数法。一般以 综合指数法的效率最高。     

甘薯杂交F_1群体材料的遗传多样性研究

甘薯(Ipomoea batatas(L.)Lam.)作为世界上一种重要的粮食、饲料、工业原料及新型能源作物,从有性生殖F1选择优良实生系进行选择育种一直是甘薯育种的重要方式。为了优化甘薯杂交育种方法,合理选配杂交组合,提高育种效率,本试验利用SSR标记研究了甘薯杂交群体基于SSR标记及13个农艺性状的遗传多样性,得到了群体内的聚类图,并且筛选出了甘薯的高产株系。群体SSR标记的聚类分析结果显示,群体材料与各亲本遗传距离比较远,被聚为3类,而亲本单独聚在另外一类。13个农艺性状的聚类将亲本与部分群体材料聚在了一起,且将群体材料和亲本材料作为一个整体时,其遗传距离的变异高达30%以上,远远高于SSR标记所获得的遗传变异系数。     

银杏叶药物成分的数量遗传分析及多性状选择

收集国内银杏优良无性第87个,探讨叶内黄酮及内酯的遗传规律并筛选高药物成分的叶用品种。结果表明,银杏叶黄酮的遗传力（h^2),遗传变异系数（GCV）等遗传参数都是无性系＞性别＞种源。雄株叶内黄酮σg^2,h^2,GCV和△G‘大于雌株。雄株内有黄酮含量最高的无性系,而雌株内有内酯含量最高的无性系。含有结果性状的多性状选择指数,指数遗传力Hi^2,选择数与性状基因型值的相关riY^2,选择指数的效率E1及相关遗传进度的比较效率CGS‘均较单性状选择和不含结果性状的多性状选择高。银杏叶用品种更适于直接或指数选择。采用Wricke等方法对基因稳定性进行评价,筛选出4个高黄酮和高内酯无性系,黄酮含量大于2％,内酯大于0．3％。     

肉兔配套系的选育研究进展

配套系在动物育种中能最大程度地利用品系的杂种优势,以获得最大的经济效益,配套系的选育是今后肉兔遗传改良的发展趋势。肉兔父系以选择平均日增重和上市体重为主,断奶后生长性状一般与料肉比呈有利的负遗传相关,可作为料肉比的间接选择标准。而母系以选择断奶数和产仔数为主。大多数繁殖性状的遗传力较低,在进行遗传评估时应当尽可能全面地收集个体和相关亲缘关系个体的记录。重复观测值动物模型下的BLUP估计是进行肉兔专门化品系选育的主要方法。虽然窝内个体数性状的直接选择效率低于生长性状,但其杂种优势一般高于生长性状。通过计算杂交参数和比较同代杂种与纯种间的生产性能可以进行杂种优势的估计。文章对肉兔专门化品系的选育、杂种优势的利用和良种繁育体系的建立进行了综述,总结了肉兔专门化品系的培育方法,性状选择的标准以及杂种优势的估计结果。     

提高辐射诱变育种效果及辐射遗传效应的研究ⅡM_1代辐射效应与M_2代性状变异相

试验结果表明：根据水稻Ｍ＿１代性状表现与Ｍ＿２代变异频率的相关性,选择一定性状的Ｍ＿２代材料留种,有减少选择世代工作量,提高筛选效率的作用。     

约束和最宜指数对经济权重的独立性

综合指数法是家畜多种经济性状改良中最 常用的育种方法之一。一般情况下,不论在理 论上还是实践上,综合指数的选择效率均比单 项选择法和独立水平法要高。     

基于表型性状的玉米特异性测试近似品种筛选方法

特异性、一致性和稳定性是植物品种权授权、品种审定、登记的基本条件。近似品种选择是特异性测试的技术关键。本研究依据玉米DUS测试指南,对黄淮海地区3696份玉米品种进行了多年同一测试地点的性状观测,构建了黄淮海地区玉米品种测试性状数据库。通过对不同测试性状表达状态代码波动范围的研究,将玉米测试性状根据表达稳定性分为4级,确定了玉米品种27个测试性状表达状态代码的波动范围。在上述工作基础上,建立了基于测试性状表型数据库的近似品种筛选方法,提高了近似品种筛选的严谨性和效率。     

多个典范选择性状的综合优化研究

利用综合优化方法,研究了在育种目标约束下,选择性状表现型向量与目标性状基因型向量的典范相关,提出了综合典范性状对的数学模型。综合典范性状对是Ｓ个间撞遗传系数较在的典范选择－目标性状对,在育种目标约束下间接遗传系数极大化的线性组合。综合典范选择性状,作为间接选择的指标,有较好地满足多目标育种的要求。     

绿色性状的基因定位和基因组选择的多变量方法

绿色性状的遗传改良为绿色超级稻的培育奠定了坚实的基础。绿色性状,如高产、抗病、抗逆、氮磷高效利用等,大多是受多基因控制的复杂性状。关联分析和基因组选择是对植物复杂数量性状进行遗传解析和改良的重要方法。在绿色超级稻的育种实践中,需要同时改良多个绿色性状。然而,目前关联分析和基因组选择方法大多仍专注于对单个性状的分析,忽略了性状间的相关性。现分别提出关联分析和基因组选择的多性状方法,两者充分利用了性状之间的遗传相关和环境相关信息;而模拟研究和实证研究均表明,多性状方法能有效提高基因定位和表型预测的准确性,为绿色性状的遗传改良提供重要技术支撑。     

Efficiency of selection in layer-type chickens by using supplementary information on feed consumption

Summary The value of individual feed consumption records to improve net income through genetic gain was investigated in an egg-type breeding operation. Genetic and phenotype parameters were estimated for body weight, egg mass and feed consumption on 788 layers from two pure lines and 1120 reciprocal crosses. Individual feed records were obtained on all birds over an 8-week test period and on 303 birds over a 24-week period. From the parameter estimates, selection indexes with and without feed consumption records were compared. Also, in lieu of feed records, selection indexes were constructed, which included genetic correlations and phenotypic regressions involving feed records. Although the heritability estimate for the efficiency of feed consumption, independent of body size and egg size, could not be accurately estimated because of the limited amount of data, the results showed that the addition of feed consumption records increased the efficiency of the selection index by 9 % .Journal Paper No. J-8191 of the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, Project 1711.formerly geneticst DeKalb AgResearch Inc., DeKalb, Illinois     

Determining the economic value of daily dry matter intake and associated methane emissions in dairy cattle

Feed represents a substantial proportion of production costs in the dairy industry and is a useful target for improving overall system efficiency and sustainability. The objective of this study was to develop methodology to estimate the economic value for a feed efficiency trait and the associated methane production relevant to Canada. The approach quantifies the level of economic savings achieved by selecting animals that convert consumed feed into product while minimizing the feed energy used for inefficient metabolism, maintenance and digestion. We define a selection criterion trait called Feed Performance (FP) as a 1 kg increase in more efficiently used feed in a first parity lactating cow. The impact of a change in this trait on the total lifetime value of more efficiently used feed via correlated selection responses in other life stages is then quantified. The resulting improved conversion of feed was also applied to determine the resulting reduction in output of emissions (and their relative value based on a national emissions value) under an assumption of constant methane yield, where methane yield is defined as kg methane/kg dry matter intake (DMI). Overall, increasing the FP estimated breeding value by one unit (i.e. 1 kg of more efficiently converted DMI during the cow’s first lactation) translates to a total lifetime saving of 3.23 kg in DMI and 0.055 kg in methane with the economic values of CAD $0.82 and CAD $0.07, respectively. Therefore, the estimated total economic value for FP is CAD $0.89/unit. The proposed model is robust and could also be applied to determine the economic value for feed efficiency traits within a selection index in other production systems and countries.     

Restricted selection index in mice designed to change body fat without changing body weight: correlated responses

Summary Correlated responses were studied in lines of mice selected for eight generations based on the criterion of a restricted selection index. Two replicate lines were selected in each treatment as follows: HE, high epididymal fat pad weight (EF) with zero change in body weight (BW) at 12 weeks of age; LE; low EF with zero change in BW; and RS, randomly. Correlated responses showed considerable variation between replicates, suggesting that genetic drift was important. Further, correlated responses for most traits were relatively small, probably because of low selection intensity. The HE line responded as expected in component traits of the restricted index. Associated compositional traits in HE responded as predicted since traits correlated with adiposity increased and hind carcass weight did not change significantly. Feed intake increased and feed efficiency (weight gain/feed intake) decreased in HE, as predicted. In contrast, the LE line did not respond in component traits as predicted since EF did not decrease and BW increased. Consequently, LE exhibited little change in traits associated with adiposity, but hind carcass weight, feed intake and feed efficiency increased. Of the correlated responses scored for fitness traits (littering rate, number of days from pairing of mate to littering, litter size and preweaning pup survival rate), significant effects were found for decreased littering rate in LE and increased prenatal survival rate in HE. In summary, correlated responses to restricted index selection generally agreed with expectation when responses in component traits of the index were considered.The research reported in this publication was funded by the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service (NCARS), Raleigh, NC 27695-7643, USA. The use of trade names in this publication does not imply endorsement by the NCARS, nor criticism of similar ones not mentioned     

Genetic parameters of sow feed efficiency during lactation and its underlying traits in a Duroc population

As a result of the genetic selection for prolificacy and the improvements in the environment and farms management, litter size has increased in the last few years so that energy requirements of the lactating sow are greater. In addition, selection for feed efficiency of growing pigs is also conducted in maternal lines, and this has led to a decrease in appetite and feed intake that is extended to the lactation period, so the females are not able to obtain the necessary energy and nutrients for milk production and they mobilize their energetic reserves. When this mobilization is excessive, reproductive and health problems occur which ends up in an early sow culling. In this context, it has been suggested to improve feed efficiency at lactation through genetic selection. The aim of this study is to know, in a Duroc population, the genetic determinism of sow feed efficiency during lactation and traits involved in its definition, as well as genetic and environmental associations between them. The studied traits are daily lactation feed intake (dLFI), daily sow weight balance (dSWB), backfat thickness balance (BFTB), daily litter weight gain (dLWG), sow residual feed intake (RFI) and sow restricted residual feed intake (RRFI) during lactation. Data corresponded to 851 parities from 581 Duroc sows. A Bayesian analysis was performed using Gibbs sampling. A four-trait repeatability animal model was implemented including the systematic factors of batch and parity order, the standardized covariates of sow weight (SW_f) and litter weight (LWs) at farrowing for all traits and lactation length for BFTB. The posterior mean (posterior SD) of heritabilities were: 0.09 (0.03) for dLFI, 0.37 (0.07) for dSWB, 0.09 (0.03) for BFTB, 0.22 (0.05) for dLWG, 0.04 (0.02) for RFI and null for RRFI. The genetic correlation between dLFI and dSWB was high and positive (0.74 (0.11)) and null between dLFI and BFTB. Genetic correlation was favourable between RFI and dLFI and BFTB (0.71 (0.16) and −0.69 (0.18)), respectively. The other genetic correlations were not statistically different from zero. The phenotypic correlations were low and positive between dLFI and dSWB (0.27 (0.03), dSWB and BFTB (0.25 (0.04)), and between dLFI and dLWG (0.16 (0.03)). Therefore, in the population under study, the improvement of the lactation feed efficiency would be possible either using RFI, which would not have unfavourable correlated effects, or through an index including its component traits.     

Genomic selection for feed efficiency in dairy cattle

Feed is a major component of variable costs associated with dairy systems and is therefore an important consideration for breeding objectives. As a result, measures of feed efficiency are becoming popular traits for genetic analyses. Already, several countries account for feed efficiency in their breeding objectives by approximating the amount of energy required for milk production, maintenance, etc. However, variation in actual feed intake is currently not captured in dairy selection objectives, although this could be possible by evaluating traits such as residual feed intake (RFI), defined as the difference between actual and predicted feed (or energy) intake. As feed intake is expensive to accurately measure on large numbers of cows, phenotypes derived from it are obvious candidates for genomic selection provided that: (1) the trait is heritable; (2) the reliability of genomic predictions are acceptable to those using the breeding values; and (3) if breeding values are estimated for heifers, rather than cows then the heifer and cow traits need to be correlated. The accuracy of genomic prediction of dry matter intake (DMI) and RFI has been estimated to be around 0.4 in beef and dairy cattle studies. There are opportunities to increase the accuracy of prediction, for example, pooling data from three research herds (in Australia and Europe) has been shown to increase the accuracy of genomic prediction of DMI from 0.33 within country to 0.35 using a three-country reference population. Before including RFI as a selection objective, genetic correlations with other traits need to be estimated. Weak unfavourable genetic correlations between RFI and fertility have been published. This could be because RFI is mathematically similar to the calculation of energy balance and failure to account for mobilisation of body reserves correctly may result in selection for a trait that is similar to selecting for reduced (or negative) energy balance. So, if RFI is to become a selection objective, then including it in an overall multi-trait selection index where the breeding objective is net profit is sensible, as this would allow genetic correlations with other traits to be properly accounted for. If genetic parameters are accurately estimated then RFI is a logical breeding objective. If there is uncertainty in these, then DMI may be preferable.     

Invited review: Improving feed efficiency of beef cattle – the current state of the art and future challenges

Improvements in feed efficiency of beef cattle have the potential to increase producer profitability and simultaneously lower the environmental footprint of beef production. Although there are many different approaches to measuring feed efficiency, residual feed intake (RFI) has increasingly become the measure of choice. Defined as the difference between an animal’s actual and predicted feed intake (based on weight and growth), RFI is conceptually independent of growth and body size. In addition, other measurable traits related to energy expenditure such as estimates of body composition can be included in the calculation of RFI to also force independence from these traits. Feed efficiency is a multifactorial and complex trait in beef cattle and inter-animal variation stems from the interaction of many biological processes influenced, in turn, by physiological status and management regimen. Thus, the purpose of this review was to summarise and interpret current published knowledge and provide insight into research areas worthy of further investigation. Indeed, where sufficient suitable reports exist, meta-analyses were conducted in order to mitigate ambiguity between studies in particular. We have identified a paucity of information on the contribution of key biological processes, including appetite regulation, post-ruminal nutrient absorption, and cellular energetics and metabolism to the efficiency of feed utilisation in cattle. In addition, insufficient information exists on the relationship between RFI status and productivity-related traits at pasture, a concept critical to the overall lifecycle of beef production systems. Overall, published data on the effect of RFI status on both terminal and maternal traits, coupled with the moderate repeatability and heritability of the trait, suggest that breeding for improved RFI, as part of a multi-trait selection index, is both possible and cumulative, with benefits evident throughout the production cycle. Although the advent of genomic selection, with associated improved prediction accuracy, will expedite the introgression of elite genetics for feed efficiency within beef cattle populations, there are challenges associated with this approach which may, in the long-term, be overcome by increased international collaborative effort but, in the short term, will not obviate the on-going requirement for accurate measurement of the primary phenotype.     

Genetic aspects of feed efficiency and reduction of environmental footprint in broilers: a review

Currently, optimization of feed efficiency is one of the main challenges in improvement programs of livestock and poultry genetics. The objective of this review is to present the genetic aspects of feed efficiency related traits in meat-type chicken and possible ways to reduce the environmental impact of poultry meat production with effective breeding. Basic measures of feed efficiency are defined and the genetic background of these traits, including a review of heritabilities is described. Moreover, a number of genomic regions and candidate genes determining feed efficiency traits of broilers that were detected over the past decades are described. Classical and genomic selection strategies for feed efficiency in the context of its relationships with other performance traits are discussed as well. Finally, future strategies to improve feed digestibility are described as it is expected that they will decrease wastes and greenhouse gas emission. Further genetic improvement of feed efficiency, should be examined jointly with appropriate feeding strategies in broilers.     

Identification of polymorphisms influencing feed intake and efficiency in beef cattle

Feed efficiency is an economically important trait in beef cattle. Net feed efficiency, measured as residual feed intake (RFI), is the difference between actual feed intake and the predicted feed intake required for maintenance and gain of the animal. SNPs that show associations with RFI may be useful quantitative trait nucleotides for marker-assisted selection. This study identified associations between SNPs underlying five RFI QTL on five bovine chromosomes (BTA2, 5, 10, 20 and 29) with measures of dry matter intake (DMI), RFI and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in beef cattle. Six SNPs were found to have effects on RFI (P < 0.05). The largest single SNP allele substitution effect for RFI was -0.25 kg/day located on BTA2. The combined effects of the SNPs found significant in this experiment explained 6.9% of the phenotypic variation of RFI. Not all the RFI SNPs showed associations with DMI and FCR even though these traits are highly correlated with RFI (r = 0.77 and r = 0.62 respectively). This shows that these SNPs may be affecting the underlying biological mechanisms of feed efficiency beyond feed intake control and weight gain efficiency. These SNPs can be used in marker-assisted selection but first it will be important to verify these effects in independent populations of cattle.     

Combined analysis of group recorded feed intake and individually recorded body weight and litter size in mink

In the mink industry, feed costs are the largest variable expense and breeding for feed efficient animals is warranted. Implementation of selection for feed efficiency must consider the relationships between feed efficiency and the current selection traits BW and litter size. Often, feed intake (FI) is recorded on a cage with a male and a female and there is sexual dimorphism that needs to be accounted for. Study aims were to (1) model group recorded FI accounting for sexual dimorphism, (2) derive genetic residual feed intake (RFI) as a measure of feed efficiency, (3) examine the relationship between feed efficiency and BW in males (BWM) and females (BWF) and litter size at day 21 after whelping (LS21) in Danish brown mink and (4) investigate direct and correlated response to selection on each trait of interest. Feed intake records from 9574 cages, BW records on 16 782 males and 16 875 females and LS21 records on 6446 yearling females were used for analysis. Genetic parameters for FI, BWM, BWF and LS21 were obtained using a multivariate animal model, yielding sex-specific additive genetic variances for FI and BW to account for sexual dimorphism. The analysis was performed in a Bayesian setting using Gibbs sampling, and genetic RFI was obtained from the conditional distribution of FI given BW using genetic regression coefficients. Responses to single trait selection were defined as the posterior distribution of genetic superiority of the top 10% of animals after conditioning on the genetic trends. The heritabilities ranged from 0.13 for RFI in females and LS21 to 0.59 for BWF. Genetic correlations between BW in both sexes and LS21 and FI in both sexes were unfavorable, and single trait selection on BW in either sex showed increased FI in both sexes and reduced litter size. Due to the definition of RFI and high genetic correlation between BWM and BWF, selection on RFI did not significantly alter BW. In addition, selection on RFI in either sex did not affect LS21. Genetic correlation between sexes for FI and BW was high but significantly lower than unity. The high correlations across sex allowed for selection on standardized averages of animals’ breeding values (BVs) for RFI, FI and BW, which yielded selection responses approximately equal to the responses obtained using the sex-specific BVs. The results illustrate the possibility of selecting against RFI in mink with no negative effects on BW and litter size.     

Genetic properties of feed efficiency parameters in meat-type chickens

Background

Feed cost constitutes about 70% of the cost of raising broilers, but the efficiency of feed utilization has not kept up the growth potential of today''s broilers. Improvement in feed efficiency would reduce the amount of feed required for growth, the production cost and the amount of nitrogenous waste. We studied residual feed intake (RFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) over two age periods to delineate their genetic inter-relationships.

Methods

We used an animal model combined with Gibb sampling to estimate genetic parameters in a pedigreed random mating broiler control population.

Results

Heritability of RFI and FCR was 0.42-0.45. Thus selection on RFI was expected to improve feed efficiency and subsequently reduce feed intake (FI). Whereas the genetic correlation between RFI and body weight gain (BWG) at days 28-35 was moderately positive, it was negligible at days 35-42. Therefore, the timing of selection for RFI will influence the expected response. Selection for improved RFI at days 28-35 will reduce FI, but also increase growth rate. However, selection for improved RFI at days 35-42 will reduce FI without any significant change in growth rate. The nature of the pleiotropic relationship between RFI and FCR may be dependent on age, and consequently the molecular factors that govern RFI and FCR may also depend on stage of development, or on the nature of resource allocation of FI above maintenance directed towards protein accretion and fat deposition. The insignificant genetic correlation between RFI and BWG at days 35-42 demonstrates the independence of RFI on the level of production, thereby making it possible to study the molecular, physiological and nutrient digestibility mechanisms underlying RFI without the confounding effects of growth. The heritability estimate of FCR was 0.49 and 0.41 for days 28-35 and days 35-42, respectively.

Conclusion

Selection for FCR will improve efficiency of feed utilization but because of the genetic dependence of FCR and its components, selection based on FCR will reduce FI and increase growth rate. However, the correlated responses in both FI and BWG cannot be predicted accurately because of the inherent problem of FCR being a ratio trait.