Indexed Forward Breeding

Tip

You can run this analysis as a Batch Analysis across multiple data sets (or views) at once.

This analysis calculates breeding value and weighted breeding value (indexed) along with named QTL/gene genotypes from the provided genotypic data.

In addition to genotype data, you must provide additional input parameters formatted as a GOBii QTL Format input file. A map file is optional for this analysis.

Once genotypic and QTL data has been loaded, launch the analysis by selecting Analysis->Indexed Forward Breeding from the menu bar.

Outside of the usual data set and chromosome selection settings, there is only a single option for this analysis - Include stats on markers not under a QTL - which if selected, will display results for all markers being processed, not just those under QTLs. Selecting this option is not recommended if you have a lot of markers outwith QTL regions, as each marker will generate an extra column in the results table.

Output statistics

Once an anlysis has run, you will be presented with a table of output results, linked to a new visualization view that will default to the Favourable Alleles colour scheme that is used in the standar Forward Breeding analysis.

The table’s columns are dynamic, and will change based on your input data:

  • Line - the name of the line this row’s results relate to
  • QTL / Gene marker - one column is provided for each marker group listed in the QTL input file marker_group_name column. Genotypes (eg A/A, A/T, G/G, G/C, +/-) are translated to QTL / gene allele genotypes (eg Lr31+/Lr31-, allele1/allele2) as defined by the fav_allele_trait_name and unfav_allele_trait_name columns

Note

If fav_allele_trait_name and unfav_allele_trait_name are undefined, Flapjack will use the genotype allele calls.

Note

When multiple markers are present in each marker group, Flapjack will build a consensus to determine a QTL’s genotype. When no consensus is possible (for example two homozygous markers for the favorable allele and two homozygous markers for the unfavorable allele), the tie breaker would be the first marker for the marker group listed in the QTL file.

  • Molecular breeding value - the molecular breeding value (MBV) is calculated using the following formula:

MBV = |S1|*D1 + |S2|*D2 + |S3|*D3 + ..................+ |Sl|*Dl

where:

  • l = number of QTL / Genes in the model
  • S is favorable substitution effect at loci l, |Sl| is absolute value for substitution effect at l loci
  • D is favorable allele status at loci l
  • D is equal dosage [fav/fav = 2, fav/unfav=1, unfav/unfav= 0] of favorable allele in additive model
  • D is equal to fav/fav = 2, fav/unfav=2, unfav/unfav=0 under dominance model
  • D is equal to fav/fav = 2, fav/unfav=0, unfav/unfav=0 under recessive model

Note

The number of QTL/Genes that goes into a breeding value calculation is defined by the breeding_value column in the QTL file.

Note

Any negative substitution effect is converted to absolute value before breeding value calculations are performed.

  • Weighted molecular breeding value - the weighted molecular breeding value (wMBV) is calculated using the following formula:

wMBV = W1*|S1|*D1 + W2*|S2|*D2 + W3*|S3|*D3 + ..................+ Wl*|Sl|*Dl

where the additional term Wl = weights at QTL l

Note

If you would like no weights then the value of relative_weight in the QTL file can be defined as 1.

Note

The weight can be both positive or negative.

Warning

For each situation, you should think about weights and their impact on the selection decisions.

  • Molecular Breeding Value (Non-missing) - this calculation is the same as Molecular Breeding Value but only using non-missing data and weighted against the number of QTL/Genes used in that calculation.
  • Weighted molecular breeding value (Non-missing) - this calculation is the same as Weighted Molecular Breeding Value but only using non-missing data and weighted against the number of QTL/Genes used in that calculation.
  • #QTLs used for MBV - the number of QTL/Genes used in calculating the Molecular Breeding Value (Non-missing) and Weighted Molecular Breeding Value (Non-missing) columns.

Note

Molecular Breeding Value / Weighted Molecular Breeding Value will produce NaN (not a number) values if QTL genotype in any of the loci included in the model is NA. When there are many QTLs used in breeding value calculations this becomes more likely, thus resulting in the total breeding value also being NaN. As a solution, Flapjack provides the Molecular Breeding Value (Non-missing) / Weighted Molecular Breeding Value (Non-missing) columns, calculated by omitting missing values and weighting the total score to make it comparable. We suggest using these two columns with caution.

Batch analysis results summary

When viewing the Results Summary table for a Batch Analysis, in additional to the usual columns summarising selected columns of the Analysis Results table (at a data set level), there will also be an extra FIFA column listed for each QTL. These represent the frequency of individuals with at least one favourable allele.