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WHAT IS THE DATA QUALITY SCORE (DQS)

The Data Quality Score (DQS) is generated by Sheep Genetics as an overall benchmark of the quantity, quality and timeliness of Stud data.

Amount of data – Number of animals and traits recorded
Completeness and accuracy of records – pedigree, birth dates, performance traits and fixed effects
Data Structure – Effective progeny and linkage
Timeliness – Pedigree and performance traits

It provides transparency for ram buyers about the quality of data used to calculate ASBVs. It is a way to identify and highlight breeders who collect high quality data. While ASBV accuracies are available for individual rams, a DQS provides an indication of the overall quality of the flock’s data and allows direct comparison across flocks.

The DQS is a score out of 100. The graph below shows the distribution of scores for flocks in the MerinoSelect base. The bars in the graph show how many flocks fall within that score. e.g. 10 studs have DQS of 64/100.

The scores are categorised into star ratings out of 5.
DQS Star rating:
DQS 0 - 19 = 1 Star
DQS 20 - 39 = 2 Stars
DQS 40 - 59 = 3 Stars
DQS 60 - 79 = 4 Stars
DQS 80 - 100 = 5 Stars

what is pooginook's score?

Date Quality Score: 94.0

5 star rating

A five-star rating means that the Pooginook flock is in the top 2.8% of the analysis for data quality. 

Extensive Data and Know How

At Pooginook, we are continually investing in data analysis and DNA genomics to breed a truly dual-purpose Merino that is profitable, ethically raised and can handle various climates. We have made an investment in our client’s genetics across 250,000 merino ewes throughout Australia.

Pooginook invests approximately $265,000 annually on data collection and analysis. This investment provides the highest possible accuracy of ASBVs, giving our clients and the Stud more confidence in the rams we select.  We believe this investment is paid back through the benefits to our clients and the Stud's ability to fast track our genetic gain.
Our investment focuses on:

Raw data collection

e.g. growth rate, fleece weight 

DNA genomics

e.g. full pedigree and hard to measure traits like eating quality 

Visual traits

e.g. wool style, skin type  

$265,000 / year investment into data collection and analysis

Hear from John Sutherland about Pooginook's investment into technologies to breed an advanced dual-purpose Merino.

Types of Data We Measure and Use

For over 80 years, Pooginook have collected raw data and used this in combination with visuals to grade sheep. Since 2007, we have used ASBVs as another tool to grade sheep. Raw data is collected on all progeny (ewes and rams) and a DNA genomic test is taken to provide full parentage and predictive genomics to increase the ASBV accuracy. Our data is analysed by MerinoSelect to generate an ASBV for the production traits.

"Without data you're just another person with an opinion"

W. Edwards Deming, Data Scientist

RAW DATA COLLECTION TO GENERATE ASBVS

Growth

  • Weaning (85 days)
  • Post Weaning (200 days)
  • Yearling (300 days)
  • Adult (>18 months)

Fleece

  • Yearling Clean Fleece Weight
  • Adult Clean Fleece Weight
  • Yearling Micron
  • Yield
  • Staple Length

Carcass

  • Yearling Fat Depth
  • Yearling Eye Muscle Depth

Breech wrinkle

  • Breech Wrinkle at marking
  • Breech Wrinkle at 12 months of age

Fertility

  • Conception
  • Litter Size
  • Foetus Ageing
  • Rearing Ability (identifying lambs reared to marking)

Maternal performance

  • Maternal Weaning Weight

DNA GENOMICS

Full parentage

  • Sire
  • Dam

Genomic Predictive ASBV’s

(data known by ~100 days of age)

  • Eating Quality traits (only measurable using DNA)
  • Fleece traits
  • Growth traits
  • Carcass traits
  • Breech Wrinkle traits
  • Fertility traits

Poll / Horn Status

  • Double Poll
  • Poll/Horn
  • Double Horn

Visual Traits

Skin type

Wool style

Body structure

Pigment

Australian Sheep Breeding Values (ASBV) EXPLAINED

Accurate Data

Data integrity and quality are our highest priority

Electronic weighing and identification systems, sheep handlers, data management software and automated drafting systems have significantly minimised human error and improved data quality.

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We are Australia’s largest user of sheep DNA genomics

In the recent 5 years we have invested over $750,000 in the DNA genomics database. This makes Pooginook one of the largest collectors of sheep DNA genomics in Australia (16% of the genomics database for 2018/2019 progeny being analysed).

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Traits are measured on complete cohort of animals

We measure the complete cohort of rams and ewes for the key production traits. This data collection starts at marking and continues until they are adults. The collection of all the data on each animal significantly improves the accuracy of our genetic database, giving us and our clients more confidence when selecting sheep.

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Proven Experience

Revolutionising Sheep Grading for Tomorrow's Success

Our experienced team specialises in sheep grading, leveraging a wealth of expertise. We advocate for the integration of ASBVs with visual grading, a strategic approach ensuring the breeding of commercially viable sheep capable of thriving in diverse climates, supported by robust data.

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Proven to work in various environments across Australia for 80+ years

Our genetics are continually being reviewed and commercially benchmarked across enterprises and climates. We take part in Merino Sire Evaluations across the country. Pooginook rams are proven to work in various environments across Australia for over 80 years.

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