DETECTION AND MAPPING OF QUANTITATIVE TRAIT LOCI IN FARM-ANIMALS

Genetic maps of livestock based on molecular genetic markers provide t ools for the detection and mapping of genes of economic importance in farm animals. The experimental designs employed for such studies are p artly determined by the species characteristics or industry structure. Differences between designs include the number of generations studied , family structure e.g., half-sib or full-sib and the use of outbred l ines or line-breed crosses. The appropriate method of analysis will de pend on the design of the experiment. information required and assumpt ions which are valid on the underlying genetic model. An overview is g iven of the methods which are available for the detection of QTL. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.