Effectiveness of Progeny Testing & Family Selection

Correct Answer: Low

From the notes: Progeny testing and family selection are effective when heritability of the trait is LOW.

Why Low Heritability?

When h² is low, individual phenotype is an unreliable predictor of genotype (large environmental component). Averaging performance across many progeny or family members reduces environmental noise and gives a better estimate of true breeding value.

Low h² Traits (from notes)

• Reproductive traits — fertility, litter size, hatchability, calving rate
• These traits show HIGH heterosis (governed by non-additive gene action)

Progeny Testing Notes (from notes)

• Used to select SIRES (bulls, rams)
• Sire = half of the herd
• Most effective and best basis of selection
• A 'two-way selection system'
• Increases generation interval → reduces genetic gain per year
• BLUP is the most recent and best method of sire evaluation