Abstract
Genetic parameters in honeybees are commonly estimated using REML methodologies applied to animal models with maternal effects. These methodologies were adapted to the species’ peculiarities, including: phenotypes measured on colonies, haplo-diploïdy and polyandrous mating. However, estimations’ reliability is hindered by the small size of the breeding nuclei commonly used. We assessed the uncertainty of variance component estimates in small simulated honeybee populations by evaluating the impact of the breeding nucleus size, the mating strategy and the direct-maternal genetic correlation. The convergence of estimations was strongly hindered when considering a small breeding nucleus with less controlled mating and negatively correlated genetic values. Furthermore, biases could be observed in this scenario. Individual estimates deviated strongly from the real values in about 40% of the populations. When considering real breeding populations, these results highlight the caution to be taken with estimates from small populations with complex pedigree structures.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of 12th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production (WCGALP) |
Subtitle of host publication | Technical and species orientated innovations in animal breeding, and contribution of genetics to solving societal challenges |
Editors | R.F. Veerkamp, Y. de Haas |
Place of Publication | Wageningen |
Publisher | Wageningen Academic Publishers |
Pages | 2584-2587 |
Number of pages | 4 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9789086869404 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2022 |
Event | World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production: WCGALP 2022 - Rotterdam, Netherlands Duration: 3 Jul 2022 → 8 Jul 2022 |
Conference/symposium
Conference/symposium | World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production: WCGALP 2022 |
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Country/Territory | Netherlands |
City | Rotterdam |
Period | 3/07/22 → 8/07/22 |