Managing MaxUse

As mentioned in the overview, there are two approaches to controlling MaxUse contraints for committed matings:

• Automatic
• Manual

Automatic

In the main data file (or group settings), set MaxUse values only for the new, uncommitted matings you want in the current mating session.

MateSel will then:

• Add the extra MaxUse values based on what’s in CommittedMatings.txt.
• Promote non-candidates (in the main file) into candidates if they appear in CommittedMatings.txt.

For species with continuous mating sessions (e.g. pigs and poultry), this requires frequent management of CommittedMatings.txt:

• Add matings to CommittedMatings.txt made in the previous mating session.
• Remove matings from CommittedMatings.txt when resulting progeny are:
  • Culled
  • Included as candidates (juvenile or adult) in the main datafile.

Note

If just some of the progeny from a single mating are not yet trait-recorded, and so not yet either deceased, culled or candidates, a judgement needs to be made as to whether the mating should remain in CommittedMatings.txt, probably according to the number of progeny in each category (culled, candidate, not yet considered).

Tip

To accommodate Committed Matings while using Mixed Mating Groups, you should use this Automatic option

Manual

In the main data file (or group settings), set each individual’s candidate status (MaxUse) so that it covers:

• All Committed Matings already made, plus
• The maximum number of new matings that could be assigned in the current mating session.

Special case: If a parent in CommittedMatings.txt is no longer available (e.g., culled or removed), set its MaxUse value to the number of matings it already has in the CommittedMatings.txt file.

For species with several mating sessions per season (e.g., some fish, sheep, or cattle programs that use reproductive boosting):

• The main data file can stay the same for the entire season.
• Set MaxUse high enough to cover the total maximum use of each individual across the whole season.
• Use the Manual option
• After each session, update CommittedMatings.txt with the new matings made.
• Maxuse can be temporarily reduced in the main datafile for individuals that are not yet sexually mature or become unavailable.

MinUse and MustUse

MinUse and MustUse always apply only to new, uncommitted matings. This is done because logistical factors that impact on MinUse are most likely to relate to the current mating decisions.

Example: Suppose a male already has 5 committed matings, MinUse = 20, and MaxUse = 40:

• With the Committed Matings Automatic: his total matings will fall between 25 and 45 (5 committed + 20–40 new).
• With the Committed Matings Manual: his total matings will fall between 25 and 40 (5 committed + 20–35 new).

When entering the number of matings requested into MateSel (either for no grouping or grouping), only enter the the new/uncommitted matings required.