Efficient SAS Programs for Computing Path Coefficients and Index Weights for Selection Indices

Path-coefficient analysis has been useful in identifying indirect selection criteria for complex quantitative traits in crop and animal breeding programs. It is also useful in sociological and psychological research. Here, details on the use of a new computer program called Kang_SASPath are given with an example. This program efficiently computes direct and indirect effects, residual effect, and coefficient of determination in an understandable manner. Similarly, program code is also provided for computing index weights for constructing selection indices, which can be useful in simultaneously selecting for multiple quantitative traits in breeding programs. Both the computer programs can be useful in research as well as in teaching in the area of breeding. These computer programs are user-friendly and easily comprehensible, and can be implemented using PROC IML statement of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS).