AN EFFICIENT ALGORITHM FOR SEGREGATION ANALYSIS IN LARGE POPULATIONS

A computationally tractable approach to complex segregation analysis f or large data sets is described. This is then used to extend the value of DNA tests for major locus genotype, by calculating probabilities o f belonging to each genotype class for all animals not DNA tested. Und er the conditions simulated, this approach led to an approximate doubl ing of the number of animals genotyped with 100% confidence, the abili ty to exclude many more animals from one genotype class, plus a high p robability (>90%) of belonging to a given genotype class for many othe r animals.