This pilot project will evaluate the adoption of genomic tools and genetic selection strategies on reducing GHG emissions and improving profit at the herd level as compared with the baseline of practice. These tools include genomic breed composition, hybrid vigour score, genomic Expected Progeny Difference values (gEPDs) for 12 traits balanced into a Feeder Profit Index™ and a Replacement Heifer Profit Index Score™.
In collaboration with Viresco Solutions and an industry based-advisory committee, the research teams will develop and test a carbon offset protocol for cow-calf producers. This protocol, if approved by Alberta Environment or Environment Canada, will allow cow-calf producers to aggregate and sell carbon offset credits to large final emitters. Genomic and genetic based Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) over and above practice usual will be refined by the expert advisory committee. Producers enrolling in the project will be part of the validation and feedback process for the genomic & genetic selection BMPs, and will support economic and GHG emissions analyses.
Benefits to producers
- No cost for 100k SNP genotypes on pilot project enrolled animals
- Genomic values reports with genomic tools and their accuracies
- Workshops for implementation genomic/genetic selection BMPs to improve profit & reduce GHG
- Access to GHG emissions analysis results for your farm
- Input into Alberta Carbon Offset Cow Calf protocol development
- Future access to gEPDs for reduced methane emissions balanced into multi-trait indexes
Enrolment and Participation
- Contact Livestock Gentec (403-660-4155); lsgentec@ualberta.ca)
- Complete intake survey and intake forms
- Collect tissue samples from pilot project animals
- Collect production data for pilot baseline defined in supplied templates
- Attend BMP workshop
- Year 1 production cycle – genotyping and baseline operation data collection from cow-calf producers
- Year 2 production cycle- implementation of pilot BMPs on farm
- GHG emissions analysis and producer interviews
- Producer summary session and Alberta Carbon Offset Cow Calf protocol review
Eligibility
- Cow-based records for reproduction and performance during baseline and BMP pilot implementation
- Tissue sample collection from breeding animals for genotyping and selection supplies provided
- Farm overview questionnaire for emissions, economic analysis and BMP implementation plan
- Willingness to participate in producer interviews
- Two on-site fecal collections for emissions proxy measures
- Permission for Livestock Gentec to use genotypes and farm data for analysis