Longitudinal analysis of direct and indirect effects on the average daily gain in growing rabbits using a structured antedependence model

Indirect genetic effects (IGEs) have been reported to be important components of various traits in several species. Even if it has been reported that the intensity of social interactions between partners may vary with time, very few genetic studies have investigated how IGEs vary over time for traits under selection in livestock species. To overcome this issue, the objectives of the present study are to analyze longitudinal records of the average daily gain (ADG) in rabbits subjected to a 5-week period of feed restriction using a structured antedependence (SAD) model that includes IGEs and to evaluate, by simulation, the response to selection using a SAD or a simple repeatability model.