Stochastic simulation studies of animal breeding have mostly relied on either the infinitesimal genetic model or finite polygenic models. In this study, we investigated the long-term effects of the chosen model on honeybee breeding schemes. We implemented the infinitesimal model, as well as finite locus models, with 200 and 400 gene loci and simulated populations of 300 and 1000 colonies per year over the course of 100 years. The selection was of a directly and maternally influenced trait with maternal heritability of h²_m = 0.42, direct heritability of h² d = 0.27, and a negative correlation between the effects of r_md = −0.18. Another set of simulations was run with parameters h²_m = 0.53, h²_d = 0.34, and r_md = −0.53. All models showed similar behavior for the first 20 years. Throughout the study, we observed a higher genetic gain in the direct than in the maternal effects and a smaller gain with a stronger negative covariance. In thelong-term, however, only the infinitesimal model predicted sustainable linear genetic progress, while the finite locus models showed sublinear behavior and, after 100 years, only reached between 58% and 62% of the mean breeding values in the infinitesimal model. While the infinitesimal model suggested a reduction of genetic variance by 33% to 49% after 100 years, the finite locus models saw a more drastic loss of 76% to 92%. When designing sustainable breeding strategies, one should, therefore, not blindly trust the infinitesimal model as the predictions may be overly optimistic. Instead, the more conservative choice of the finite locus model should be favored.
Sim_300BQs_200Loci_025
We store output data from stochastic simulation studies on honeybee breeding schemes relying on different genetic models. In particular, the infinitesimal model and the finite locus models are taken into consideration. Output files contain data on true and estimated breeding values, performance tests, inbreeding coefficients and pedigree data. For more information please also consult the README file
Sim_300BQs_200Loci_075
We store output data from stochastic simulation studies on honeybee breeding schemes relying on different genetic models. In particular, the infinitesimal model and the finite locus models are taken into consideration. Output files contain data on true and estimated breeding values, performance tests, inbreeding coefficients and pedigree data. For more information please also consult the README file
Sim_300BQs_400Loci_025
We store output data from stochastic simulation studies on honeybee breeding schemes relying on different genetic models. In particular, the infinitesimal model and the finite locus models are taken into consideration. Output files contain data on true and estimated breeding values, performance tests, inbreeding coefficients and pedigree data. For more information please also consult the README file
Sim_300BQs_400Loci_075
We store output data from stochastic simulation studies on honeybee breeding schemes relying on different genetic models. In particular, the infinitesimal model and the finite locus models are taken into consideration. Output files contain data on true and estimated breeding values, performance tests, inbreeding coefficients and pedigree data. For more information please also consult the README file
Sim_1000BQs_200Loci_025_Rep1-3
We store output data from stochastic simulation studies on honeybee breeding schemes relying on different genetic models. In particular, the infinitesimal model and the finite locus models are taken into consideration. Output files contain data on true and estimated breeding values, performance tests, inbreeding coefficients and pedigree data. For more information please also consult the README file
Sim_1000BQs_200Loci_025_Rep4-6
We store output data from stochastic simulation studies on honeybee breeding schemes relying on different genetic models. In particular, the infinitesimal model and the finite locus models are taken into consideration. Output files contain data on true and estimated breeding values, performance tests, inbreeding coefficients and pedigree data. For more information please also consult the README file
Sim_1000BQs_200Loci_025_Rep7-10
We store output data from stochastic simulation studies on honeybee breeding schemes relying on different genetic models. In particular, the infinitesimal model and the finite locus models are taken into consideration. Output files contain data on true and estimated breeding values, performance tests, inbreeding coefficients and pedigree data. For more information please also consult the README file
Sim_1000BQs_200Loci_075_Rep1-3
We store output data from stochastic simulation studies on honeybee breeding schemes relying on different genetic models. In particular, the infinitesimal model and the finite locus models are taken into consideration. Output files contain data on true and estimated breeding values, performance tests, inbreeding coefficients and pedigree data. For more information please also consult the README file
Sim_1000BQs_200Loci_075_Rep4-6
We store output data from stochastic simulation studies on honeybee breeding schemes relying on different genetic models. In particular, the infinitesimal model and the finite locus models are taken into consideration. Output files contain data on true and estimated breeding values, performance tests, inbreeding coefficients and pedigree data. For more information please also consult the README file
Sim_1000BQs_200Loci_075_Rep7-10
We store output data from stochastic simulation studies on honeybee breeding schemes relying on different genetic models. In particular, the infinitesimal model and the finite locus models are taken into consideration. Output files contain data on true and estimated breeding values, performance tests, inbreeding coefficients and pedigree data. For more information please also consult the README file
Sim_1000BQs_400Loci_025_Rep1-3
We store output data from stochastic simulation studies on honeybee breeding schemes relying on different genetic models. In particular, the infinitesimal model and the finite locus models are taken into consideration. Output files contain data on true and estimated breeding values, performance tests, inbreeding coefficients and pedigree data. For more information please also consult the README file
Sim_1000BQs_400Loci_025_Rep4-6
We store output data from stochastic simulation studies on honeybee breeding schemes relying on different genetic models. In particular, the infinitesimal model and the finite locus models are taken into consideration. Output files contain data on true and estimated breeding values, performance tests, inbreeding coefficients and pedigree data. For more information please also consult the README file
Sim_1000BQs_400Loci_025_Rep7-10
We store output data from stochastic simulation studies on honeybee breeding schemes relying on different genetic models. In particular, the infinitesimal model and the finite locus models are taken into consideration. Output files contain data on true and estimated breeding values, performance tests, inbreeding coefficients and pedigree data. For more information please also consult the README file
Sim_1000BQs_400Loci_075_Rep1-3
We store output data from stochastic simulation studies on honeybee breeding schemes relying on different genetic models. In particular, the infinitesimal model and the finite locus models are taken into consideration. Output files contain data on true and estimated breeding values, performance tests, inbreeding coefficients and pedigree data. For more information please also consult the README file
Sim_1000BQs_400Loci_075_Rep4-6
We store output data from stochastic simulation studies on honeybee breeding schemes relying on different genetic models. In particular, the infinitesimal model and the finite locus models are taken into consideration. Output files contain data on true and estimated breeding values, performance tests, inbreeding coefficients and pedigree data. For more information please also consult the README file
Sim_1000BQs_400Loci_075_Rep7-10
We store output data from stochastic simulation studies on honeybee breeding schemes relying on different genetic models. In particular, the infinitesimal model and the finite locus models are taken into consideration. Output files contain data on true and estimated breeding values, performance tests, inbreeding coefficients and pedigree data. For more information please also consult the README file
Sim_Inf
We store output data from stochastic simulation studies on honeybee breeding schemes relying on different genetic models. In particular, the infinitesimal model and the finite locus models are taken into consideration. Output files contain data on true and estimated breeding values, performance tests, inbreeding coefficients and pedigree data. For more information please also consult the README file
BeeSim Program
Source code of the Program BeeSim that was used for the simulations. The zipped folder contains a manual that explains the usage of the program.
BeeSim.tar.gz
