Assessment of uncertainty in direct and maternal genetic parameters estimates for honeybee colony phenotypes

T. Kistler, E.W. Brascamp, B. Basso, P. Bijma, F. Phocas

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference paperAcademic

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 languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of 12th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production (WCGALP)
Subtitle of host publicationTechnical and species orientated innovations in animal breeding, and contribution of genetics to solving societal challenges
EditorsR.F. Veerkamp, Y. de Haas
Place of PublicationWageningen
PublisherWageningen Academic Publishers
Pages2584-2587
Number of pages4
ISBN (Electronic)9789086869404
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2022
EventWorld Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production: WCGALP 2022 - Rotterdam, Netherlands
Duration: 3 Jul 20228 Jul 2022

Conference/symposium

Conference/symposiumWorld Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production: WCGALP 2022
Country/TerritoryNetherlands
CityRotterdam
Period3/07/228/07/22

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