View source for Data Collection

=Data Collection for Seedstock Producers=
==ID Systems==
===Herd IDs===
===Tattoos===
===Breed Association Registration Numbers===
===International Registration Numbers===
====Breed Codes====
=====ICAR=====
=====NAAB=====
==Whole Herd Reporting==
===Basics===
===Timeline===
===Disposal and Reason Codes===
==Contemporary Groups==
content by Jennifer Bormann

===Basics===

===Type of Birth===
====Multiple Births and Freemartins====
====ET Calves====
===Components by Trait===

==Data Collection on Calves==
===Survival to Weaning===
====Disposal====
====Disease====
===Weights===
====BW====
=====[[Hoof Tape | Hoof Tapes?]]=====

====[[Weaning Weight]]====

====[[Yearling Weight | Yearling Weight]]====

Content by Michael Gonda

===CE Scores===
===Hip Height/Frame===
====Discuss whether to include====
===Docility===
===Ultrasound (link to UGC website)===
==Data Collection on Yearling Bulls==
Content by Madison Butler/Megan Rolf
===[[Breeding Soundness Exam | Breeding Soundness Exam]]===
===[[Scrotal Circumference | Scrotal Circumference]]===

==Data Collection on Yearling Heifers==
===[[Pelvic Measurements | Pelvic Measurements]]===

Content by Dave Patterson

===[[Reproductive Tract Scores | Reproductive Tract Scores]]===

Content by Dave Patterson

===Exposure Data===
===Pregnancy Data===
===CE Scores on Calves===
==Data Collection on Mature Cows==
===Calf Record/Reason Code (for Stayability)===
===Exposure and Pregnancy Data===
===Gestation Length===
===Calving Interval===
===[[Mature Height and Weight | Mature Height and Weight]]===
content by Heather Bradford

===[[Body Condition Scores | Body Condition Scores]]===

Content by Dave Lalman

===[[Teat and Udder Scores | Teat and Udder Scores]]===

Content by David Riley

===[[Foot and Leg Scores | Foot and Leg Scores]]===
content by Lane Giess

===Intake===

==Adaptability-Related Traits==
===[[PAP Scores | PAP Scores]]===
Content by Mark Enns, Milt Thomas, and Scott Speidel

===[[Hair Shedding | Hair Shedding]]===
Content by Trent Smith

==Genomic Data (link to Data Prep section)==
===Parentage===
content by Megan Rolf

===Genetic Evaluation===
Link to Data Processing Section

=Data Collection for Commercial Producers=
Content by Jackie Atkins (and Chip Kemp?)

===See Seedstock Data Collection (link)===
===Herd Measurements===
===Calving Distribution===
===Bull Measurements===
===Cow Measurements===
===MPPA===

=Data Collection at Feedlots=
Content by Larry Kuehn
===Average Daily Gain===
===Intake and Feed Efficiency===
===Health Traits===

=Data Collection at Packers=
==Carcass Traits==
===Cooperation Between Packer and Producer===
===Required Data for Genetic Evaluation===
===Hot Carcass Weight===
===Ribeye Area===
===Marbling Score===
===Fat Thickness===
===Other Traits (e.g. KPH)===
===Warner-Bratzler Shear Force (link)===
===Quality Grade and Yield Grade (link)===
=Herd Management Software (link to Data Prep section)=


At the core of genetic improvement is the collection of data.  While [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_quality data quality] is critical, quantity of data collected can sometimes overcome the limitations on data quality that inherently occur in farm and ranch operations.  Along with weights and scores for economically relevant traits and their indicator traits, accurate identification of animals, parents, [[contemporary groups]], and other important details (e.g., age) are essential. 

At the core of genetic improvement is the collection of high quality data. Data quality can be impacted by [https://smartbridge.com/data-done-right-6-dimensions-of-data-quality-part-1/ several clearly identified factors].  While completeness, timeliness, accuracy, and conformity are all essential, consistency is often the least understood and most overlooked consideration for quality data.  Collecting, recording, manipulating and processing data using consistent procedures at both the farm and association levels is the most important aspect to maintaining quality data.  

In order to keep all data collected associated with an individual animal an effective [[beef cattle identification system]] is essential.  [[beef cattle identification system | Standards have been developed]] for identification methods that ensure unique and accurate identification of animals during the transmission and processing of data.  Because the number of animals processed in [[National Cattle Evaluations programs (NCE)]] is routinely in the millions, it is not practical to routinely use registration number information for on-farm data collection. [[Standards for ear tagging]] and on-farm electronic identification have also been implemented.  In addition, recording of animal identification is closely associated with the collection of [[Genomic Information | genomic information.]]

Historically, many beef breed genetic evaluations were based on progeny weaned and/or registered and did not require that data be recorded from females that failed to reproduce or whose progeny were not registered.  By contrast, inventory based [[Whole Herd Reporting]] (WHR) requires collection of annual production and performance records on all cattle within a herd.


[[Female Production Data | Data recording on individual cows]] is essential for the prediction of female fertility. Cow fertility is often the most impactful factor on profitability in the beef herd. Additionally, accurate and complete cow data are essential for prediction of traits with a maternal influence (e.g. weaning weight).

The [[Female Production Data]] to be recorded on each cow must be standardized because it is often the most complex data that a producer deals with.

Data collection of complete and accurate data on individual calf performance through slaughter or breeding is critical to making genetic improvement.  Using consistent methods for taking [[Animal Performance Data | animals' weights, measures, and scores]] is key to accurate data.  Additionally, using a commercial or breed association supplied [[Performance Recording Software | performance recording software]] helps to improve consistency of data collection and reporting.