A simple method for increasing the response to artificial selection

Abstract

SUMMARYSelection theory usually assumes an equally probable contribution of each selected individual to a large ‘gene pool’ from which the individuals to be measured in the next generation are sampled. With unequal contributions it is possible to find several sets of values for N (the number of selected individuals) and fi (probability of contribution of the ith individual) such that the same selection intensity is attained. It is suggested that the set of values producing minimum genetic drift should be chosen in order to increase the long-term response without any reduction in the short-term advance.