Selection Index When Genetic Gains of Individual Traits are of Primary Concern

Abstract

Since the method of selection index for improving multiple objectives was first introduced by Hazel in 1943 to animal breeding work, it has been shown by several authors, e.g. Hazel and Lush (1942), Young (1961), and Finney (1962), that the method is more efficient relative to independent culling levels and tandem selection. The ex-tension of the theory to cover the restriction of no change in some traits was made by Kempthorne and Nordskog (1959). Henderson (1963) and more recently Mallard (1972) have presented a thorough review of the subject. The selection index is now finding an increasing use in modern animal breeding practice due to the relative ease with complicated calculation by computers.