Prediction of genetic contributions and generation intervals in populations with overlapping generations under selection

A method to predict long-term genetic contributions of ancestors to future generations is studied in detail for a population with overlapping generati ons under mass or sib index selection. An existing method provides insight into the mechanisms determining the flow of genes through selected populati ons, and takes account of selection by modeling the long-term genetic contr ibution as a linear regression on breeding value. Total genetic contributio ns of age classes are modeled using a modified gene flow approach and long- term predictions are obtained assuming equilibrium genetic parameters. Gene ration interval was defined as the time in which genetic contributions sum to unity, which is equal to the turnover time of genes. Accurate prediction s of long-term genetic contributions of individual animals, as well as tota l contributions of age classes were obtained. Due to selection, offspring o f young parents had an above-average breeding value. Long-term genetic cont ributions of youngest age classes were therefore higher than expected from the age class distribution of parents, and generation interval was shorter than the average age of parents at birth of their offspring. Due to an incr eased selective advantage of offspring of young parents, generation interva l decreased with increasing heritability and selection intensity. The metho d was compared to conventional gene flow and showed more accurate predictio ns of long-term genetic contributions.