Abstract

In New Zealand, breeding values have been predicted using the method of selection index (Sheeplan, Beefplan, Animalplan) or variants such as a modified contemporary comparison (Dairy Cattle). Over the last decade, research systems for evaluating beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep and pigs in New Zealand have increasingly made use of Henderson's mixed model equations. In appropriate circumstances, these equations give rise to evaluations which are best, linear and unbiased predictions (BLUP). This review compares and contrasts theoretical and applied aspects of evaluation using selection index and BLUP. An example is used to demonstrate the rationale of BLUP for evaluating animals with records in different contemporary groups such as across flocks or years.

AL, Parry, AJ Pearson, R Morris, and L-A Still

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production, Volume 51, , 365-370, 1991