Developing tools to help producers select cattle and manage grazing to maintain productivity and build public trust in sustainability
Grazing is regarded as the most beneficial use of temperate grasslands from both an agricultural and ecological point of view. However, scientists and consumers are often conflicted about the environmental footprint of beef production and the complex relationship between cow-calf production and grassland conservation. The aim of this project is to understand how the variation in pastures, forage grasses, cattle genetics and pasture microbes work together to influence sustainable beef production. Tools will be developed to help producers decide which cattle are better for the grasses on their land and to align forage availability with cattle nutritional needs. The environmental benefits of grazing grasslands will be measured to help build public trust in the beef industry
Download the full project summary here.
For more information on this project, please contact Livestock Gentec:
Phone: 780.248.1740
lsgentec@ualberta.ca
Institution: University of Alberta
Primary Investigator: John Parkins
Co-Primary Investigator: Cameron Carlyle (UAlberta)
Term: 2021 - 2023
Funding: $197,936 from New Frontiers in Research Fund