SOFTWARE PACKAGES IN ANIMAL BREEDING

Six packages for solving mixed model equations and estimating variance components by REML are compared. Each has a unique strength. Meticulously finished DFREML is the only one that implements hypothesis testing for variance component estimates. MTDFREML is a comprehensive, relatively easy to install and simple to use package for analyses of experimental data. PEST, the only semi-commercial program compared, has the best user interface and is the best supported program. The JAA/MTC package is the simplest and can compute multitrait estimates of variance components for many traits in the repeatability model. ABTK introduces tools that with built-in Unix utilities offer great flexibility to experienced users. Finally, DMU is a comprehensive attempt for a very general package, efficient for both small and large data sets, and with unique support for a Newton-Raphson type REML.