All you need to know about the LambPlus Data Quality Index

As a LambPlus member, flocks are rated with a Data Quality Index (DQI) based on the quality and quantity of the flock data recorded over the previous year.

This index can help you identify the areas where the data recording needs the most attention in the year ahead. Remember that all data must be loaded to your account online or through the FREE Sheep Ireland smartphone LambPlus App.

LambPlus aims to collect as much performance information as possible for use in the Sheep Ireland genetic evaluations. The DQI is a significant measure that ensures the highest standard of data integrity behind the €urostars.

Sheep Ireland does not publish €uroStar indexes for breeders when their DQI is lower than 40%. A very high DQI figure is also considered a requirement for our annual Elite Ram sale.

What is the DQI?

• Quality, completeness & timeliness of recording.
• 365-day rolling basis (does not begin at zero each season).

Why is the DQI important?

• High DQI reassures buyers that €urostars they see meet the desired data required for accurate evaluations.
• Highlights how engaged breeders are in improving the genetic merit of their flock.
• Minimizes significant movements in €urostar Indexes of animals.
• Evaluations are much more accurate.

Why is Quality important?

• Not all sheep perform the same.
• Variances are expected within flock and when linked with other flocks.
• Lack of realistic variance leads to inaccurate & poor-quality data.
• Variances in lambing difficulty & mortality in smaller flocks – across 2 years. Across 1 year for large flocks (Revise LambPlus Lambing difficulty chart when scoring).
• Any dead lambs must be birth notified (No need for tag. Mark status as dead. Sex and birth weight for these also).

Why is Completeness important?

• Quantity of data submitted. Complete dataset on all animals.
• Consistent records on progeny across flocks are critical for genetic evaluations.
• Partial data results in less accuracy in indexes.

Things to consider for completeness:

• A weight for every lamb on the ground.
• Critical that weights are taken within the age bracket.
• Split lambing will result in separate weighing dates.
• Use these guidelines to help choose a suitable date.

Weighing	Possible Age Range
40 Day Weight	Between 20 – 65 days of age
100 Day (Weaning weight)	Between 66 – 120 days of age
150 Day (Ultrasound Scanning Weight)	Between 121 – 180 days of age

Things to keep in mind throughout the season for completeness:

• Keep inventory updated (Movements: deaths, sales).
• A breeding activity for every ewe in the flock.
• Record unmated ewe lambs.

Why is Timeliness important?

• Reduces data error/loss. A critical element to reducing fluctuations in star movements.
• Data needs to be recorded ASAP after collection.
• The sooner the information gets into evaluations, the more accurate indexes earlier in the season.

Things to consider for timeliness:

• Get data submitted within 3 weeks of the activity happening (marks tailor-off after this point). The longer timeliness = less marks received.
• Use the free LambPlus app to record (works offline) and data will update automatically.

Where to find my score and what improvements to make?

• Go to your Farmer Homepage.
• Find ‘Your Current DQI’ figure.
• See below ‘Click here for more details’.
• List of improvements below graph.
• Areas are listed in order where the greatest improvements can be made.
• Pedigree and commercial animals will score in separate DQIs.
• You can press ‘Recalculate’ after doing any recording to get the most up-to-date score.