Sampling of Animal Populations

Learning Objectives:
 define & differentiate sampling
 advantages/disadvantages
sampling method
 select sampling strategy
 Data Sources

For epidemiological
analyses, must be:
Completeness
Validity
Representativeness
 Accuracy, Refinement, Precision,
Reliability and Validity (Thrusfield, 1986)
Accuracy: investigation or measurement
conforms to the truth
Refinement: eq, 13 kg and 13,781 kg,
both represent accurate, but the second is
more refined than the first. Another eq.,
otitis externa, otitis externa by bacteria
Precision: as a synonym of refinement and
to indicate the concistency of a series
measurements (repeated sampling)
 Accuracy, Refinement……….
Reliability (= reproducibility):
produces similar results when its
repeated
Validity: measure what its supposed
to measure, its long term
characteristic of tehnique
Data can be collected as part of

 Routine data collection: laboratory

submissions, disease surveillance
programmes, industry/farm data
recording system
 Structured data collection: regular
monitoring of disease/production
 Epidemiological studies
 Data Collection Process
 Whole population interest
(=cencus)
 It can be restricted to a sample :
obtained more quickly, less
expensive to collect, more
accurate, more efficient
 Samples

 Probability Samples : random

selections
 Non-Probability Samples: a
convenience sample, a purposive
or judgmental sample
 Probability Sampling
 Simple Random
Sampling
 Systematic Sampling

 Stratified Sampling

 Cluster Sampling

 Multistage Sampling
Simple Random Sampling
 Each individual has an equal probability of
selection
 An individual’s selection doesn’t depend on
others being selected, homogenous
population
 Disadvantage : may result large variation,
thereby requiring larger sample sizes
 Eq: flipping a coin, using random number
tables
 Ex: catlle on farm
Systematic Random Sampling
 The n sampling units are selected from the
sampling frame at the regular intervals
 The starting point in the first interval is
selected on a formal random basis
 A practical way to obtain a representative
sample
 It ensures that sampling units are distributed
evenly over the entire population
Stratified Random Sampling
 The sampling frame is divided into strata,
then a simple random or systematic random
sample is selected within each stratum
 To be effective at reducing variation, for
example: milk production in population of
dairy cows of the Jersey and Holstein breeds.
Genetic differences affecting milk volume
between the two breeds.
 Definite strata, but homogenous within it
Cluster Sampling
 Sampling is applied at an aggregated level
(=group) of individual units
 Groups or clusters such litters, pens, herds,
artificial groupings (geographic areas)
 Can be selected by simple, systematic, or
stratified random methods
 Groups with similar characteristics, but
heterogenous within groups
Multistage Sampling
 Similar to cluster except that sampling takes
place at all stages/at different hiererchical
levels og aggregated units of interest
 Subsampling within the primary units (litters,
pens, herds). A sampling of secondary units
(e.q., animals) would be selected
 Often used as part of epidemiological studies
 Ex: cattle in region, to be sampled to
determine TBC or mastitis prevalence