Technical note: Use of marker-based relationships with multiple-trait derivative-free restricted maximal likelihood

Authors

Z. Zhang, Cornell University
E. S. Buckler, Cornell UniversityFollow
L. Dale Van Vleck, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

3-2-2007

Comments

Published in J. Anim. Sci. 2007, 85:881–885. Copyright ©2007 American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Abstract

The widespread use of the set of multiple- trait derivative-free REML programs for prediction of breeding values and estimation of variance components has led to significant improvement in traits of economic importance. The initial version of this software package, however, was generally limited to pedigree- based relationships. With continued advances in genomic research and the increased availability of genotyping, relationships based on molecular markers are obtainable and desirable. The addition of a new program to the set of multiple-trait derivative-free REML programs is described that allows users the flexibility to calculate relationships using standard pedigree files or an arbitrary relationship matrix based on genetic marker information. The strategy behind this modification and its design is described. An application is illustrated in a QTL association study for canine hip dysplasia.