Considerations in the Use of Commercial Data for Genetic Evaluation in Beef and Sheep in Australia

Abstract

Using data collected on commercial animals for genetic evaluation is appealing due to the larger volumes of data potentially available, and the fact that such data may be on objective traits, or traits more closely correlated with consumer end-point traits. However, there are important considerations, the most significant being the degree of genetic relationship between commercial animals and current candidates for selection. There will continue to be advantages in using data collected in structured programs, rather than relying on commercial data.