Table 5 Overview of simulation parameters and symbols as used in the manuscript

Four different sets of marker map:

Marker positions were given by marker maps in four versions (M1, M2, M3, M4), where marker position slightly varied (in marker distances) on the 55 cM long chromosomal segment

   (M1) markers at 0, 13.7, 32.8, 35.7, 40.5, 42.5, 43.5, 44.5, 45.5, 48.5 and 53.2 cM

   (M2) markers at 0, 10.9, 17.8, 25.9, 33,6 39.8, 46.3, 48.3, 49.3, 51.2 and 54.4 cM

   (M3) markers at 0, 13.7, 32.8, 35.5, 37.5, 39.3, 40.3 42.4, 43.3, 44.3 and 48.4 cM

   (M4) markers at 0, 13.7, 32.8, 35.7, 37.7, 39.7, 43.5, 44.5, 45.5, 46.5 and 49.4 cM

   Bold script marks the marker bracket harbouring the QTL at 41.5 cM in each map

Marker information (three different sets regarding the number of marker alleles):

   (2_A) two marker alleles

   (4_A) four marker alleles

   (6_A) and six marker alleles

Number of analyses (= repetitions per family structure):

4 versions of marker maps by 3 versions of marker allele numbers by 5 variations individual missing values (in marker information and/or phenotypic values, combinations of 20% randomly missing values each) = 60 data sets per family structure (60 independent analyses per family structure, with all parameters equally distributed)