Module 13 - Genetics: Prediction of Genetic Merit

genetic model

a statistical model used to describe the genetic and environmental components that interact to create a phenotype

qualitative trait OR simply inherited trait

a trait that is expressed in very few categorical phenotypes; typically controlled by a small number of genes

polygenic trait

a trait that can be expressed in a wide range of continuous phenotypes; typically controlled by a large number of genes

quantitative trait

a trait that can be expressed in a wide range of continuous phenotypes; typically controlled by a large number of genes

heritability

a measure that indicates how much of an observed phenotype is due to genetics

expected breeding value or EBV

a measure of the additive effect of an animal's genes; used to predict an animal's potential value as breeding stock

expected progeny differential OR EPD

a measure that predicts how potential progeny will perform in comparison to the population mean; used to predict an animal's potential value as breeding stock

estimated transmitting ability OR ETA

a measure that predicts an animal's ability to transmit its phenotypes onto the next generation; used to predict an animal's potential value as breeding stock

accuracy value

a measure that tells the producer how confident they should be in an EBV or EPD estimate