Computer simulation of reciprocal recurrent selection with overdominant gene action

Abstract

SUMMARYPrevious studies have shown that reciprocal recurrent selection (RRS) would be ineffective in the early cycles of selection if over-dominant loci were at equilibrium gene frequencies in both selected populations. It is shown in the present study that response to RRS may be reduced by this unstable equilibrium even when gene frequencies are as much as 30 % removed from the theoretical equilibrium frequency. Reducing one population to a bottleneck of two individuals for one generation or more before initiating RRS (RRSB) was very effective in overcoming the unstable equilibrium. RRS with recurrent inbreeding, then outcrossing in both populations each cycle of selection (RRSC) was not effective in overcoming the unstable equilibrium, but yielded greater response per cycle after selection response began. The effectiveness of RRSC was inversely proportional to the heritability of the trait. Use of these modifications to increase the effectiveness of RRS in poultry breeding is discussed.