Advances in Statistical Methods for Genetic Improvement of Livestock

I: General.- 1 Statistical Methods in Animal Improvement: Historical Overview.- 2 Mixed Model Methodology and the Box-Cox Theory of Transformations: A Bayesian Approach.- 3 Models for Discrimination Between Alternative Modes of Inheritance.- Discussion Summary.- II: Design of Experiments and Breeding Programs.- 4 Considerations in the Design of Animal Breeding Experiments.- 5 Use of Mixed Model Methodology in Analysis of Designed Experiments.- 6 Statistical Aspects of Design of Animal Breeding Programs: A Comparison Among Various Selection Strategies.- 7 Optimum Designs for Sire Evaluation Schemes.- Discussion Summary.- III: Estimation of Genetic Parameters.- 8 Computational Aspects of Likelihood-Based Inference for Variance Components.- 9 Parameter Estimation in Variance Component Models for Binary Response Data.- 10 Estimation of Genetic Parameters in Non-Linear Models.- Discussion Summary.- IV: Prediction and Estimation of Genetic Merit.- 11 A Framework for Prediction of Breeding Value.- 12 BLUP (Best Linear Unbiased Prediction) and Beyond.- 13 Connectedness in Genetic Evaluation.- Discussion Summary.- V: Prediction and Estimation in Non-Linear Models.- 14 Generalized Linear Models and Applications to Animal Breeding.- 15 Analysis of Linear and Non-Linear Growth Models with Random Parameters.- 16 Survival, Endurance and Censored Observations in Animal Breeding.- 17 Genetic Evaluation for Discrete Polygenic Traits in Animal Breeding.- Discussion Summary.- VI: Selection and Non-Random Mating.- 18 Accounting for Selection and Mating Biases in Genetic Evaluation.- 19 Statistical Inferences in Populations Undergoing Selection or Non-Random Mating.- 20 Problems in the Use of the Relationship Matrix in Animal Breeding.- Discussion Summary.- VII: Statistics and New Genetic Technology.- 21 Identification of Genes with Large Effects.- 22 A General Linkage Method for the Detection of Major Genes.- 23 Reproductive Technology and Genetic Evaluation.- Discussion Summary.