Validation of Data and Review of Results from Genetic Evaluation Systems for Us Beef and Dairy Cattle

Estimates of genetic merit are used as both selection and marketing tools and, therefore, should predict the merit of future progeny as accurately as possible. Success depends on having an appropriate model and adequate data. The goal of data editing is to exclude questionable information from genetic evaluations so that the evaluations are as accurate as possible while still remaining representative of the population. Proper editing and contemporary group formation can protect against some errors in data reporting. However, any exclusion of data must be able to be justified. Although many data errors affect individuals rather than the entire population, minimization of errors is critical to building confidence in evaluations. A few individuals with high estimates of genetic merit that are not warranted can erode trust in a genetic evaluation system.