Sampling Errors of Genetic Correlation Coefficients Calculated From Analyses of Variance and Covariance

Summary. In this paper a formula is developed for estimating the sampling variance of a genetic correlation estimated from analyses of variance and covariance. The formula holds provided the heritability estimate of neither character is zero. However, the development assumes a constant number of offspring per sire, k , and the effect of varying values of k is discussed briefly. The efficiency of experiments from which genetic parameters are to be estimated has also been investigated and optimum values of k are given for various combinations of phenotypic and genetic parameters.