Effects of population size and linkage on optimal selection intensity.

Following Robertson (1970a) it is generally considered that for mass selection the selected proportion that maximises ultimate response is 0.5. This prediction has been partly tested by different authors. Here we explicitly address the question using computer simulations of selection in finite populations with linkage. The results show that the response achieved is always lower than the one predicted by standard methods, and that optimum selection intensity may be much lower than predicted unless population size is small.