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Title: Processing of data discrepancies for U.S. dairy cattle and effect on genetic evaluations

Author
item Wiggans, George
item Thornton, Laura

Submitted to: International Committee on Animal Recording(ICAR)
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/6/2008
Publication Date: 1/12/2009
Citation: Wiggans, G.R., Thornton, L.L. 2009. Processing of data discrepancies for U.S. dairy cattle and effect on genetic evaluations. International Committee on Animal Recording (ICAR). ICAR Tech Ser. 13:393–398. 2009.

Interpretive Summary: Genetic evaluations depend on 1) accuracy of the recorded trait (e.g., milk weight), 2) information on how much emphasis it should receive and how it should be adjusted and 3) which other animal’s evaluations it should influence. Errors in any of those areas reduce the accuracy of all evaluations. When problems are detected, data are rejected or modified to remove the inconsistency. Annotated records that indicate rejection or change are returned to processing centers for review by their personnel to assist in data correction and to explain actions taken. With increasing computing power, reducing the number of data errors and discrepancies should be possible, and error reports and correction should be simpler.

Technical Abstract: Genetic evaluations depend on accurate data in three ways: 1) the accuracy of the recorded trait (e.g. milk weight), 2) information on how much influence it should receive and how it should be adjusted (e.g. milking frequency, number of milkings weighed) and 3) which other animals it should influence (e.g. who are its parents, progeny and contemporaries). Errors in any of these areas reduce the accuracy of all evaluations. When problems are detected, data is rejected or modified to remove the inconsistency. For example, an animal’s birth date is required to match its dam’s calving date. Differences of less than 30 days are changed and those greater are rejected. Annotated records indicating actions of reject or change are returned to the processing centers for review by their personnel to assist in correction and to explain what action was taken. With increasing computing power, it should be possible to reduce errors and discrepancies and to make reporting and correction easy.