This book fills the gap between textbooks of quantitative genetic theory and software manuals
that provide details on analytical methods but little context or perspective on which methods
may be most appropriate for a particular application. Accordingly this book is composed of two
sections. The first section (Chapters 1 to 8) covers topics of classical phenotypic data
analysis for prediction of breeding values in animal and plant breeding programs. In the second
section (Chapters 9 to 13) we provide the concept and overall review of available tools for
using DNA markers for predictions of genetic merits in breeding populations. With advances in
DNA sequencing technologies genomic data especially single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
markers have become available for animal and plant breeding programs in recent years. Analysis
of DNA markers for prediction of genetic merit is a relatively new and active research area.
The algorithms and software to implement these algorithms are changing rapidly. This section
represents state-of-the-art knowledge on the tools and technologies available for genetic
analysis of plants and animals. However readers should be aware that the methods or
statistical packages covered here may not be available or they might be out of date in a few
years. Ultimately the book is intended for professional breeders interested in utilizing these
tools and approaches in their breeding programs. Lastly we anticipate the usage of this volume
for advanced level graduate courses in agricultural and breeding courses.
