WEEK-9-Multiple Trait Selection and Selection Indices
More than one trait can be selected for simultaneously. The best way to accomplish multiple trait selection is through selection indices. A selection index can also be used to more efficiently select for a single trait.
In a selection index, each trait is weighted. This weighting factor is a regression coefficient. To calculate the regression coefficient for a multiple-trait selection index, four items are needed.
1. The economic value of each trait. The economic component will reflect how much influence a trait has on profit margins; some genes are more important than others due to their economic value.
2. The heritability for each trait.
3. The genetic correlations among the traits.
4. The phenotypic correlation of the traits.