ARS | Publication request: Predictive Heterosis in Multibreed Evaluations Using Quantitative and Molecular Approaches

Submitted to: Beef Improvement Federation Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: March 30, 2009
Publication Date: April 13, 2009
Citation: Bennett, G.L., Snelling, W.M. 2009. Predictive Heterosis in Multibreed Evaluations Using Quantitative and Molecular Approaches. Proc., Beef Improvement Federation 9th Genetic Prediction Workshop, Kansas City, MO. December 8-10, 2008. pp. 61-65.

Technical Abstract: Heterosis is the extra genetic boost in performance obtained by crossing two cattle breeds. It is an important tool for increasing the efficiency of beef production. It is also important to adjust data used to calculate genetic evaluations for differences in heterosis. Good estimates of heterosis are needed for both accurate prediction of crossbred cattle performance and adjustment of data for selection. Statistical and molecular genetics approaches for increasing accuracy of heterosis estimates are reviewed. Molecular genetics seems to offer a powerful approach but its limitations need to be understood.