An efficient algorithm for estimation of functions of a pedigree with short inbred loops

: The study is a further development of the methods for genetic analysis using pedigree data. Methods for approximation of the likelihood based on cutting of all loops are often used in analysis of large pedigrees with multiple loops. In this study, a fast efficient algorithm for calculating likelihood is proposed. This algorithm allows short inbred loops to be processed without cutting them and, hence, prevents the loss of genetic information. The approach proposed may be important for analysis of the pedigrees of farm and laboratory animals, where inbred crosses resulting in short inbred loops are common. The results of a stochastic genetic experiment agree with this suggestion: the use of the algorithm proposed considerably increases the accuracy of estimation of model parameters and testing of genetic hypotheses.