Selection for cellulose content, specific gravity, and volume in young Populusdeltoides clones

1985 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 393-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
James R. Olson ◽  
Charles J. Jourdain ◽  
Randall J. Rousseau
Keyword(s):  
Specific Gravity ◽  
Mississippi River ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Wood Properties ◽  
Cellulose Content ◽  
Eastern Cottonwood ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Lower Mississippi River ◽  
Selection For

Seventy-five eastern Cottonwood (Populusdeltoides Bartr.) clones, selected from tests representing the top one-third of clones tested throughout the Lower Mississippi River Valley, were analyzed for alpha cellulose content, specific gravity, and volume after three growing seasons. All traits were found to differ significantly among clones. Mean clonal alpha cellulose content ranged from 48.2 to 55.8% of oven-dry, extractive-free wood with an average of 51.1%. Specific gravity averaged 0.33, with clones ranging from 0.27 to 0.39. Specific gravity was highly inherited, while alpha cellulose content was found to be moderately heritable. Negative genetic correlations between volume and both wood properties indicate that using a selection index to simultaneously improve all three traits is currently not possible. Two other selection methods were discussed. These selections showed substantial gain differentials in volume, but either a small loss or improvement in specific gravity and alpha cellulose content. This indicates that at age 3 years only volume should be considered in a selection program.

Geoclimatic Patterns in Specific Gravity and Tracheid Length in Wood of Pitch Pine

1975 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 318-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Thomas Ledig ◽  
Bruce J. Zobel ◽  
Martha F. Matthias
Keyword(s):  
Specific Gravity ◽  
Geographic Location ◽  
Wood Properties ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Tracheid Length ◽  
Northern Latitudes ◽  
Pitch Pine ◽  
Natural Range ◽  
Sources Of Variation ◽  
Selection For

Increment cores, 12 mm diameter, were taken from pitch pine throughout its natural range and analyzed for tracheid length, unextracted specific gravity, and extracted specific gravity. Tracheid length and specific gravity increased from north to south along topoclines. However, correlations with climatic variables such as mean annual snowfall, date in the spring when mean temperature reaches 6 °C (43 °F), or daylength on that date, were more closely related to tracheid length and specific gravity than geographic location perse, indicating the existence of ecoclines. It is hypothesized that the geoclimatic patterns are the pleiotrophic result of selection for shorter. growing seasons in northern latitudes. Variance components indicated substantial variation in specific gravity among trees within stands and among areas, but not among stands in areas. For tracheid length, all three sources of variation were significant. Correlations between wood properties were low when calculated among trees within stands.

Opportunities for genetic improvement of lamb survival

2010 ◽  
Vol 50 (12) ◽  
pp. 1017 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. D. Brien ◽  
M. L. Hebart ◽  
D. H. Smith ◽  
J. E. Hocking Edwards ◽  
J. C. Greeff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rectal Temperature ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Direct Selection ◽  
Reproduction Rate ◽  
Crown Rump Length ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Lamb Survival ◽  
Net Reproduction ◽  
Birth Time

Data on lamb survival and associated traits involving records from 15 192 lambs, 6308 dams and 284 sires from the Sheep CRC’s Information Nucleus were studied. Lamb survival to 3 days of age and to weaning was 85 and 80%, respectively, and heritability (±s.e.) was 0.014 ± 0.010 and 0.010 ± 0.010, respectively. Of the 14 traits recorded at birth, time taken for the lamb to bleat, rectal temperature and crown–rump length had the highest genetic correlations with lamb survival to weaning (–0.43 ± 0.32, 0.56 ± 0.33 and –0.38 ± 0.36, respectively). Under selection for a multi-trait objective including net reproduction rate (but not lamb survival), survival was predicted to decline genetically by 0.25 lambs weaned per 100 lambs born.year, although this was reversed to a gain of 0.20 lambs weaned per 100 lambs born.year by including the trait in the breeding objective and using 50 half-sib and 50 progeny records per selection candidate. Accuracy of selection for lamb survival was improved to 0.735 with a selection index of lamb survival to weaning, lamb ease, birth coat score, time taken to bleat, rectal temperature and crown–rump length, with the addition of 50 half-sibs and 50 progeny records per candidate. Our results suggest that unless actively incorporated into breeding objectives, lamb survival may genetically decline; however, gains are possible with direct selection using half-sib and progeny records. The addition of indirect selection criteria for lamb survival can further improve accuracy, up to 93.4%, but requires further investigation.

Genetic parameters for terminal sires estimated using data of progeny from Border Leicester × Merino ewes

1995 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 703
Author(s):  
PA Kenney ◽  
ME Goddard ◽  
LP Thatcher
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Subcutaneous Fat ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Eye Muscle ◽  
Bone Length ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Omental Fat

Three and a half thousand lambs from Border Leicester x Merino ewes mated to 133 sires from five Poll Dorset, one White Suffolk, one Siromt, two Meridale and four Merino studs were slaughtered, their carcasses halved and one side divided into six primals. Subcutaneous fat was dissected from all six primals, and bone from only the three rear primals. There were four slaughter groups: average slaughter weights of 30 and 35 kg for ewes and 35 and 45 kg for cryptorchids. Heritabilities and phenotypic and genetic correlations for all traits measured (>50) are published in an appendix. Where comparisons were available, estimates were similar to those for purebred animals. Genetic parameters for various assessments of fat were similar except for channel and omental fat. The GR fat depth was the best predictor for total subcutaneous fat, cannon bone length for total bone, and eye muscle area for total soft tissue. Carcass weight and GR appear to be the most important measurements for use in selection for breeding of sires for the prime lamb industry. Slaughter weight and fat depth at the C site could be used as suitable alternatives on live animals. Production of lean meat is not likely to be increased greatly by including measurements other than liveweight and GR in a selection index. Of the other measurements bone length and eye muscle measurements showed most promise.

Multiple-trait selection in jack pine

1991 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 439-445 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. W. Adams ◽  
E. K. Morgenstern
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Relationships ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Jack Pine ◽  
Height Growth ◽  
Quality Traits ◽  
Multiple Trait ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Stem Straightness ◽  
Variance And Covariance Components

Open-pollinated jack pine (Pinusbanksiana Lamb.) families were evaluated at four sites in New Brunswick after seven growing seasons for height growth, crown quality, stem straightness, branch angle, and relative branch diameter. Variance and covariance components were estimated to determine heritability of traits and genetic correlations between traits. Results indicated that there is a negative genetic correlation between height growth and all other traits. Selection based on height growth alone would result in degradation of quality traits of secondary economic importance at this age. A restricted selection index approach was examined for family roguing in seedling seed orchards because of the adverse genetic relationships between traits. Such an approach may be used to hold secondary quality traits constant, although some loss in maximum potential genetic gain in height at 7 years is incurred.

scholarly journals Carbon Dioxide Emissions as Affected by Alternative Long-Term Irrigation and Tillage Management Practices in the Lower Mississippi River Valley

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
S. F. Smith ◽  
K. R. Brye
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Soil Respiration ◽  
Mississippi River ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
River Valley ◽  
Mississippi River Valley ◽  
Growing Seasons ◽  
Lower Mississippi River ◽  
Lower Mississippi River Valley

Ensuring the sustainability of cultivated soils is an ever-increasing priority for producers in the Lower Mississippi River Valley (LMRV). As groundwater sources become depleted and environmental regulations become more strict, producers will look to alternative management practices that will ensure the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of their production systems. This study was conducted to assess the long-term (>7 years) effects of irrigation (i.e., irrigated and dryland production) and tillage (conventional and no-tillage) on estimated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from soil respiration during two soybean (Glycine maxL.) growing seasons from a wheat- (Triticum aestivumL.-) soybean, double-cropped production system in the LMRV region of eastern Arkansas. Soil surface CO2fluxes were measured approximately every two weeks during two soybean growing seasons. Estimated season-long CO2emissions were unaffected by irrigation in 2011 (P>0.05); however, during the unusually dry 2012 growing season, season-long CO2emissions were 87.6% greater (P=0.044) under irrigated (21.9 Mg CO2ha−1) than under dryland management (11.7 Mg CO2ha−1). Contrary to what was expected, there was no interactive effect of irrigation and tillage on estimated season-long CO2emissions. Understanding how long-term agricultural management practices affect soil respiration can help improve policies for soil and environmental sustainability.

Can we breed Merino sheep with softer, whiter, more photostable wool?

2010 ◽  
Vol 50 (12) ◽  
pp. 1089 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Hatcher ◽  
P. I. Hynd ◽  
K. J. Thornberry ◽  
S. Gabb
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Genetic Selection ◽  
Phenotypic Selection ◽  
Quality Traits ◽  
Current Generation ◽  
Merino Sheep ◽  
Initial Cohort ◽  
Selection For

Genetic parameters (heritability, phenotypic and genetic correlations) were estimated for a range of visual and measured wool traits recorded from the 2008 shearing of the initial cohort of Merino progeny born into the Sheep CRC’s Information Nucleus Flock. The aim of this initial analysis was to determine the feasibility of selectively breeding Merino sheep for softer, whiter, more photostable wool and to quantify the likely impact on other wool production and quality traits. The estimates of heritability were high for handle and clean colour (0.86 and 0.70, respectively) and moderate for photostability (0.18), with some evidence of maternal effects for both handle and photostability. The phenotypic correlations between handle and clean colour and between handle and photostability were close to zero, indicating that achieving the ‘triple’ objective of softer, whiter, more photostable wool in the current generation through phenotypic selection alone would be difficult. There was evidence of an antagonistic relationship between handle and photostability (–0.36), such that genetic selection for softer wool will produce less photostable wool that will yellow on exposure to UV irradiation. However genetic selection for whiter wool is complementary to photostability and will result in whiter wool that is less likely to yellow. Genetic selection to improve handle, colour and photostability can be achieved with few detrimental effects on other visual and measured wool traits, particularly if they are included in an appropriate selection index.

Genetic improvement for pulpwood and peeled veneer in Eucalyptus nitens

2012 ◽  
Vol 42 (9) ◽  
pp. 1724-1732 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Blackburn ◽  
Ross Farrell ◽  
Matthew Hamilton ◽  
Peter Volker ◽  
Chris Harwood ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Improvement ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Basic Density ◽  
Wood Properties ◽  
General Interest ◽  
Cellulose Content ◽  
Standing Tree ◽  
Eucalyptus Nitens ◽  
Stem Straightness ◽  
Veneer Sheet

Genetic improvement of wood properties affecting the quality of pulpwood and peeled veneer products is of general interest to tree breeders worldwide. If the wood properties of Eucalyptus nitens (H. Deane & Maiden) Maiden are under genetic control and the correlations between them are favourable, it may be possible to breed to simultaneously improve the plantation resource for both products. Acoustic wave velocity (AWV) measured in standing trees can predict wood stiffness, basic density, and kraft pulp yield (KPY) and therefore has the potential for use in tree breeding programs. From an E. nitens progeny trial in Tasmania, 540 trees were selected for rotary peeling. Of the wood properties assessed, there were significant differences among races in diameter, stem straightness, standing-tree, log, and billet AWV, and near infrared predicted cellulose content (CC). All traits displayed significant within-race genetic variation, and genetic correlations between AWV and veneer sheet modulus of elasticity (MOE) and between AWV and KPY and CC were strongly positive and highly significant. A similar relationship was found between veneer sheet MOE and KPY and between diameter at breast height and veneer sheet MOE. Basic density was genetically correlated with AWV and veneer sheet MOE. Results indicate that it should be possible for breeders to simultaneously improve properties in pulpwood and peeled veneer products and that AWV measured in the standing tree shows promise as a breeding selection criterion for both pulpwood and peeled veneer products.

Genetic relations and indirect response to selection based on indices for scrotal circumference, visual scores and weight gain in beef cattle

2018 ◽  
Vol 58 (7) ◽  
pp. 1210 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. A. Boligon ◽  
P. P. Farias ◽  
V. M. Roso ◽  
M. L. Santana ◽  
A. B. Bignardi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Correlated Response ◽  
Indirect Response ◽  
Genetic Gains ◽  
Scrotal Circumference ◽  
Selection For

Genetic improvement in beef cattle involves evaluation for fertility, growth, carcass and visual scores traits. In general, genetic and economic parameters of these traits are considered for selection index construction. The present study was conducted to establish the magnitude of genetic and phenotypic correlations between visual scores of conformation, precocity and muscling at weaning and at yearling, birth to weaning weight gain, weaning to yearling weight gain and yearling scrotal circumference, and between these traits with selection indices applied in this population. In addition, the expected gains were obtained in such traits by taking under consideration the adopted selection criteria based on indices. Positive and high genetic correlations were estimated between weaning traits (visual scores and weight gain), ranging from 0.70 ± 0.02 to 0.97 ± 0.01. In genetic terms, the same visual scores, but evaluated in two ages (weaning and yearling) showed positive and high associations, with values of 0.90 ± 0.01 (conformation), 0.88 ± 0.01 (precocity) and 0.84 ± 0.02 (muscling). Genetic associations between yearling visual scores with scrotal circumference and weaning to yearling weight gain ranging from 0.36 ± 0.02 to 0.53 ± 0.01. Using the weaning index, are expected genetic gains ranging from 0.26% to 0.70%/year of the phenotypic mean of each weaning trait. Using the yearling index, annual genetic gains estimated for weaning traits (ranging from 0.25% to 0.63% of the phenotypic mean of the trait) were lower than that obtained at yearling (ranging from 0.27% to 0.98% of the phenotypic mean of the trait). Selection for one of traits obtained at weaning should result, by correlated response, in gain for the others. Also, the choice of animals with higher breeding values for weaning visual scores, beyond anticipate the selection process, should lead to favourable changes in these traits at yearling. Selection for better body composition at yearling (higher scores) should provide increase in scrotal circumference and weight gain. The use of higher values of the indices should result in positively correlated response, but in different magnitudes for each trait used in these indices. However, in both weaning and yearling, higher genetic gains to visual scores are expected in the same period, when the selection is based on the values of these indices.

Corrigendum - Genetic parameters for terminal sires estimated using data of progeny from Border Leicester × Merino ewes

1995 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 703
Author(s):  
PA Kenney ◽  
ME Goddard ◽  
LP Thatcher
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Parameters ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Subcutaneous Fat ◽  
Muscle Area ◽  
Eye Muscle ◽  
Bone Length ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Omental Fat

Three and a half thousand lambs from Border Leicester x Merino ewes mated to 133 sires from five Poll Dorset, one White Suffolk, one Siromt, two Meridale and four Merino studs were slaughtered, their carcasses halved and one side divided into six primals. Subcutaneous fat was dissected from all six primals, and bone from only the three rear primals. There were four slaughter groups: average slaughter weights of 30 and 35 kg for ewes and 35 and 45 kg for cryptorchids. Heritabilities and phenotypic and genetic correlations for all traits measured (>50) are published in an appendix. Where comparisons were available, estimates were similar to those for purebred animals. Genetic parameters for various assessments of fat were similar except for channel and omental fat. The GR fat depth was the best predictor for total subcutaneous fat, cannon bone length for total bone, and eye muscle area for total soft tissue. Carcass weight and GR appear to be the most important measurements for use in selection for breeding of sires for the prime lamb industry. Slaughter weight and fat depth at the C site could be used as suitable alternatives on live animals. Production of lean meat is not likely to be increased greatly by including measurements other than liveweight and GR in a selection index. Of the other measurements bone length and eye muscle measurements showed most promise.

SELECTION FOR NURSING ABILITY AND ADULT WEIGHT IN MICE

Genetics ◽  
1978 ◽  
Vol 88 (4) ◽  
pp. 761-780
Author(s):  
J Nagai ◽  
E J Eisen ◽  
J A B Emsley ◽  
A J McAllister
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Selection Index ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Regression Coefficients ◽  
Index Selection ◽  
Single Pair ◽  
Adult Weight ◽  
Selection For ◽  
Possible Cause ◽  
Line Generation

ABSTRACT Three selection treatments were conducted for 12 generations in each of two base populations (P and Q): (1) increased nursing ability of the mother (n12), as measured by mean 12-day weight of eight young within a crossfostering set (MP and MQ lines), (2) increased adult (42-day) body weight of the offspring (w42) (WP and WQ lines), and (3) performance combining the two traits (n12 and w42) into a selection index (BP and BQ lines). Lines CP and CQ were maintained as unselected controls in each population. In each line-generation subclass, 92 single-pair matings were made and the offspring assigned to balanced crossfostering sets of four dams each. Regression coefficients of mean performance (in grams) on generations were 0.080 ±0.029 and 0.054 ± 0.031 for n12 in MP and MQ, and 0.680 ± 0.039 and 0.868 ± 0.051 for w42 in WP and WQ, respectively. The BP and BQ lines showed genetic gains in n12 (0.090 and 0.053, respectively) and w42 (0.576 and 0.696) intermediate between the performance of MP and WP, and MQ and WQ, respectively, except for n12 of BQ. Realized heritabilities for n12 were 0.16 ± 0.05 and 0.11 ± 0.06 and those for w42 were 0.40 ± 0.02 and 0.43 ± 0.03 for P and Q, respectively. The realized genetic correlations between n12 and w42 were 0.70 ± 0.07 and 0.73 ± 0.08 in P and Q, respectively. The ratios of the predicted to observed responses in MP, BP and BQ were 0.99, 1.03 and 0.89, respectively. However, the predicted and observed responses differed in MQ, WP and WQ; the ratios were 1.29, 0.65 and 0.65, respectively. The observed combined responses for n12 and w42 in the index lines (BP and BQ) were smaller than the optimum expected from index selection. A possible cause was that the estimated genetic correlations (0.22 ± 0.16 and -0.17 ± 0.16 for BP and BQ, respectively) and heritabilities (0.39 ± 0.03 and 0.28 ± 0.02, respectively) for w42 that were used to construct the selection index were smaller than the respective realized parameters.

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