Implementing look ahead mate selection

Issues involved in implementing a breeding program with Look Ahead Mate Selection (LAMS) are discussed. The parameters to be optimised in a LAMS mating set are reviewed and used in a genetic representation of an individual LAMS mating set which is formulated for use in an evolutionary algorithm. The utility of LAMS in a small breeding scenario is demonstrated. In practice it may be necessary to use a combination of group LAMS and individual LAMS to conduct Look Ahead Mate Selection for large breeding units.