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Bayesian Analysis Of Twinning And Ovulation Rates Using A Multiple-Trait Threshold Model And Gibbs Sampling, C. P. Van Tassell, L. Dale Van Vleck, K. E. Gregory

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The Multiple-Trait Gibbs Sampler for Animal Models programs were extended to allow analysis of ordered categorical data using a Bayesian threshold model. The algorithm is based on data augmentation, where a value on the unobserved underlying normally distributed variable (liability) is generated in each round of iteration for each categorical observation. The programs allow analysis of several continuous and ordered categorical traits. Categorical traits can have any number of response levels. Models can be different for each trait. The programs were used to analyze twinning and ovulation rates from a herd of cattle selected for twinning rate at the U.S. …