Researchers with the University of Saskatchewan recently published: “Application of DNA parentage testing and EnVigour HX™ to evaluate bull prolificacy and heifer performance in beef cattle breeding programs in Western Canada”. In this study, sire assignments were conducted to determine bull ‘prolificacy’ scores. The genotypes were also analyzed for EnVigour HXTM scores to determine the hybrid vigour of these bulls and heifers –as a reminder to readers, EnVigour HXTM was launched by Livestock Gentec in 2017, the first “made-in-Canada” genomic tool for Canadian crossbred cattle producers,. The genomic values were compared to phenotypes assessing the relationships between hybrid vigour score and performance. While we recommend you read the article yourselves (Article link), we want to highlight that this study validates the relationship between genomically determined hybrid vigour score and lifetime productivity.
We think this is excellent news for users and researchers alike. One key element in good science is repeatability. The results of this study, align well with our own findings when developing and validating EnVigour HXTM. In addition to providing confidence in the original results, this validation provides peer reviewed validation for the application of the EnVigour HXTM in a wider range of environments and genetic populations. Of course, the effectiveness of crossbreeding has been extensively established. However, this study specifically demonstrates the effectiveness of the EnVigour HX™ score and underlying analysis in a novel population showing broader applicability in the Western Canadian beef herd.
We would also like to point the readers to other validations conducted by research groups assessing EnVigour HXTM
| Topic | Citation/Link |
| Independent validation by Neogen on EnVigour HXTM | Genho, J. 2019. The Next Generation of Genetic Tools. Proceedings of the BIF Conference 2019. https://www.bifconference.com/bif2019/newsroom.html. |
| Validation of EnVigour HXTM conducted on University of Calgary WA ranches research herd | Case, J., Gamsjaeger, L., Nobrega, D., Basarab, J., and Cribb, A. 2019. Association of genomic retained heterozygosity with health outcomes of beef calves from parturition to weaning. University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada |
Livestock Gentec continues to use EnVigour HXTM in our genomic value reports to producers. The value is useful itself as shown above. Further, the underlying genomic breed compositions are very informative to ensure an effective cross-breeding program. We also heavily weight EnVigour HXTM in the replacement heifer profit index score (RHPITM score). Fertility traits show low heritability meaning limited and slow progress through traditional selection. Incorporating heterosis or hybrid vigour with the weighted gEPDs to evaluate replacement heifers gives a balanced indication of her expected lifetime performance.
We are always excited to see our research and genomic tools evaluated by other research programs. The study also illustrates the importance of working with industry to generate industry buy-in to genomic tools. If you are a producer or researcher and want to learn more about genomic tools and Livestock Gentec projects for collaboration reach out to: lsgentec@ualberta.ca