The Data Quality Index (DQI) is a significant measure that ensures the highest standard of data integrity behind the €urostars.
Sheep Ireland does not publish €uroStar indexes for LambPlus breeders when their DQI is lower than 40%. A very high DQI figure is also considered as 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 Quality Important?
- Not all sheep perform the same
- Variances 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 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 age bracket
- Split lambing will result in separate weighing dates – consider this when choosing weight date
- Use guidelines to help choose a suitable date
Things to keep in mind throughout the season for completeness
- Keep inventory up to date as possible (Movements: deaths, sales)
- A breeding activity for every ewe
- Record unmated ewe lambs
Why is Timeliness Important?
- Reduces data error/loss
- Critical element to reducing fluctuations in star movements
- Data needs be recorded ASAP after collected
The sooner the information gets into evaluations = more accurate indexes earlier in season
Things to consider for Timeliness
- Get data submitted within 3 weeks of the activity happening (Marks tailor off after this point. The longer the length = less marks received)
- Use the LambPlus FREE app to record (Works offline)
Where to find your improvements?
Once you access your Farmer Homepage, your DQI score will be visible on the top left hand of your screen.
Sheep Ireland does not publish €uroStar indexes for breeders when their DQI is lower than 40%.
A very high DQI figure is also considered as a requirement for our annual Elite Ram sale.
Your flock DQI score is now front and center when you log into your Farmer Homepage. The DQI appears as a half moon graph, with tabs available to switch between your scores where flocks have both a pedigree and commercial DQI.
For more information on your DQI score or to “Recalculate” your DQI after inputting flock recordings click on the link for more details!
This link will bring you to your flocks DQI Dashboard. This is again split into pedigree and commercial tabs.
The “1 year” graph outlines your flocks score within the current DQI year. The DQI is scored on a 365 day rolling basis, so its important to remember that some of the data recorded last year is still being included. The “All time” graph shows your historic DQI scores from when you first joined LambPlus.
Below this we have a half moon chart displaying your DQI score, as well as the “Recalculate” button. The DQI will be periodically updated, however, it can be updated manually at any time by simply clicking on the Recalculate button below your DQI score. This will then give you your most current DQI.
The upgraded suggested Improvements now feature web posts which will help you with your recordings.
Each web post is tailored to that specific DQI recommendation and provides you with helpful recording tutorials and explanations as to why each recording is important for your €urostar evaluations.