Reliability of trial designs for a proof of estimated breeding values analysis

Abstract

Selection of genetically superior pigs as parents should lead to improved progeny performance. Trials can be used to demonstrate that selection of superior sires based on estimated breeding values (EBVs) will result in an increase in the average performance of progeny. The expected regression coefficient from the regression of mean progeny performance on sire EBVs is 0.5, since sires pass half their genes to their progeny. The aim of this study was to assess various trial designs using the simulation program of Crump (2005) for back fat (BF) to illustrate key factors that influence the probability of obtaining a regression coefficient between 0.4 and 0.6 (0.4-0.6 probability).