A mistaken method for correcting potential bias in genetic testing of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., and tilapias, Oreochromis spp.

. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the phenotypic coefficient of regression of weight gain on initial weight as a correction factor in genetic testing programmes. A correction factor is required in order to remove the biasing effect of variation in initial weight among genetic groups tested, on their weight gain. In a genetic testing programme, involving common carp, Cyprinus carpio L., the environmentally generated coefficient of regression of weight gain on initial weight was used as a correction factor. It was estimated with the aid of the‘multiple nursing technique'. In other genetic testing programmes, not accompanied by multiple nursing, the phenotypic regression coefficient of weight gain on initial weight was used as a correction factor. These factors were compared by computing a series of each coefficientfrom a data set, consisting of the results of 10 yearly experiments and including 21 different experimental treatments. The results of this analysis showed that the phenotypic regression coefficient generated unreliable and often inflated estimates of the correction factor, relative to the estimate generated from multiple nursing, which we regard as reliable. Adequate genetic testing programmes therefore need to be accompanied by multiple nursing, unless test progenies are stocked at identical weights.