Project manager Jordan Roberts took a “quick” trip out to Czar, Alberta for the annual show case of Highway 13 Cattlemen’s club. The event featured a variety of exhibitors representing seed stock, animal health, equipment and livestock organizations just to name a few. Also a guest speaker presented some very interesting information on Johne ’s disease in cattle. We joined our colleagues and collaborators from ALES faculty at University of Alberta representing the Climate action through Grazing (CAT-G) team. Dr. Majid Irvani, Dr. Xiaoli Fan, Dr. Huan Chen, from the CAT-G team were in attendance to share their expertise on soil health and discuss practices with producers in attendance.
It was a very full day speaking to folks on our genomic tools projects and sharing how producers can get involved in Livestock Gentec projects. We were impressed with the knowledge from some of the producers we spoke to about genomic tools. The youth club with Highway 13 cattlemen had actually conducted a genomic assessment of a member’s animals using commercially available genomic testing. That was a great jumping-off point for discussions as many members –youth and adult alike, had some exposure to genomic testing. This led to some great questions and discussions around the Livestock Gentec approach to assessing genetic merit. For example, we were able to highlight the use of genomic breed composition and retained heterozygosity to improve replacement heifer selection and breeding groups. We had many opportunities to invite producers to participate in our pilot project for “Using genomics to improve the profitability and sustainability of Alberta’s beef industry” (Sustainable CAP funded RDAR administered, PI, Dr. John Basarab; Livestock Gentec CEO). This project provides an attractive opportunity for producers who are interested in the technology through the incentivized genotyping and analysis we can offer (read more here).
We took a break from talking to listen to the very interesting presentation on Johne’s disease or paratuberculosis given by Dr. Marie-Lucie Gendron of Border Veterinary Clinic. Johne’s disease is a contagious, incurable, and chronic bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). Dr. Gendron shared some great information about the clinical signs of the disease, it’s progression and prevalence in Alberta. She also detailed a number of practical steps producers can take to ensure the spread is limited. Some highlights from the prevention side include: PCR testing, when a cow is suspected, good biosecurity and cleaning practices along with colostrum replacement for calves from positive cows. It is always great to keep informed on the diseases that can afflict cattle and how best to prevent and control the disease.
Overall, this was a very valuable event to attend. While it was a bit of a trip for us, the excellent beef on a bun and chilli served for lunch kept up our energy levels. We hope to continue to engage with the Highway 13 cattlemen’s club for future events. We are also excitedly anticipating new producers enroll in our pilot project!