Avlsværdier

Avlsværdier, often translated as breeding values, are an estimate of an animal's genetic merit for a specific trait. These values are calculated using a statistical method known as Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP). BLUP takes into account the animal's own performance, the performance of its relatives, and the genetic relationships between individuals within a population. The goal is to isolate the genetic contribution to a trait from environmental influences.

Avlsværdier are expressed in the same units as the trait itself. For example, a breeding value for milk production would be in kilograms, and for growth rate, it might be in grams per day. A positive avlsværdier indicates that the animal is expected to pass on genes that will result in a higher performance for that trait compared to the average of the population. Conversely, a negative avlsværdier suggests a lower expected performance.

These values are crucial in animal breeding programs as they allow breeders to make informed decisions about which animals to select for mating. By choosing animals with high avlsværdier for desired traits, breeders can systematically improve the genetic potential of their herds or flocks over generations. This leads to more efficient production, improved animal health, and enhanced product quality. The accuracy of avlsværdier is influenced by the amount and quality of data available for an individual and its relatives.