High-quality data is the foundation of accurate Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBVs) and increased rates of genetic gain. Better data improves the accuracy of genetic evaluations, enabling breeders to make more informed selection decisions and achieve greater genetic progress within their flocks.
To support continuous improvement, Sheep Genetics provides members with a Data Quality Score (DQS) Report, which assesses key factors known to influence the quality and effectiveness of genetic evaluations, including:
Each flock receives a score out of 100, a star rating out of five, and tailored recommendations highlighting key strengths and opportunities for improvement. The report is an important extension tool used by Sheep Genetics Development Officers to help breeders improve data quality and maximise genetic gain.
During 2024-25, Development Officers worked closely with breeders and service providers to identify and address common data quality issues. Key focus areas included:
These targeted improvement activities have resulted in measurable gains across several key data quality metrics. Improving data quality remains a long-term focus, ensuring the information used in genetic evaluations is accurate, reliable and capable of delivering the highest possible ASBV accuracy.
Development Officers also shared data quality insights and best-practice recommendations with Service Providers and members of the Performance Breeder Groups throughout the year, providing individual feedback and guidance to support ongoing improvement.
Sheep Genetics continues to recognise breeders who demonstrate excellence in data recording and submission practices through its 5-Star Data Quality Awards.
These results highlight the ongoing commitment of breeders to collecting and submitting high-quality data, strengthening the accuracy and value of Sheep Genetics evaluations for the wider industry.