Livestock Gentec’s Jennifer Patterson will be presenting at Banff Pork Seminar (January 7-9th, 2025) in the breakout production session on “Sow Management.” She will be discussing “Gilt Development – Laying the Foundation for Future Performance,” alongside Courtney Werth, who will present on “Weight Watchers – Insights from Ontario Sow Herds,” and Chris Opschoor, who will talk about “Between Gestation & Lactation: A Transition is Made.” It promises to be a great session.

PhD graduate student Sonja Allen will present a poster at BPS on “Preliminary insights into improving sow lifetime productivity and pig quality through phenotypic and genomic analysis”. This work is part of our NSERC research collaboration with Hypor – Hendrix Genetics. Please come by and check out her poster.

BPS is always an excellent event for bringing the industry together. Our team will also be represented by Michael Dyck, Kayla Patey and Morgan Rioch, we look forward to seeing you there!

Jennifer will also be presenting at the Ontario Swine Conference in London, Ontario (March 25-26th, 2025). She will be part of a session on “Gilt Development for Longevity,” with TJ Klopp and Kendra Foran. This joint session will focus on “putting science into practice.”

On the beef side, several RDAR funded partners to Gentec will be presenting their research at the 2025 RDAR research showcase Jan 16 in Edmonton. Watch out for the presentations from Dr. Kajal Latimer, Dr. Brenda Ralston

From Livestock Gentec

Make it your resolution to bring genomic tools to your herd! We are accepting submission forms for our Livestock Gentec Adopting of Genomic Tools project. Learn more about it following the link below or scanning the QR code.

What do you have to do?

• Keep Cow based records – cow ID – entry date – cull date & reason – calf data each year
• Contact Livestock Gentec (780-248-1740; lsgentec@ualberta.ca) for a submission form and to arrange for Tissue Sampling Units (TSU)
• Collect TSU samples from the animals you would like to evaluate
• Send your TSUs and submission form to Livestock Gentec, 2-31 GSB, 9007-116 Street NW, University of Alberta, Edmonton T6G 2H1
• Pay only $20 per animal, with project funding paying for the other $22
• DNA pooling costs $5/animal + $20 for each group evaluated (20 animals/group)

What do you get?

• Genomic breed composition and hybrid vigour score for all animals
• Genomic Expected Progeny Difference values (gEPDs) for 12 traits including growth, feed efficiency, fertility and carcass traits
• Selection Index values for the Feeder Profit Index (FPI™) and Replacement Heifer Profit Index Score (RHPI™ Score)
• Visual rank for all animals based on FPI™ and RHPI™ Score
• For DNA pooling, only group level genomic breed composition and hybrid vigour score available

(left) submission form (right) learn more about livestock Gentec genomic tools for beef cattle

Learning opportunities from our partners

Records for Tracking Genetic Improvements email course free course from Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC), in partnership with Alberta Beef Producers, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, Canadian Beef Breeds Council, University of Guelph and Maritime Beef Test Station

Link to online registration

Information on the new beef projects:

• Sire-based Feeder Profit Index for Beef on Dairy production and marketing systems, 2024-2027, PI Basarab (Sustainable CAP administered by RDAR)
• Using genomics to improve the profitability and sustainability of Alberta’s beef industry, 2024-2027, PI Basarab, co-PI Plastow (Sustainable CAP administered by RDAR)
• Evaluation of reduced enteric methane emissions in beef cattle using a novel vaccine at a research farm in Alberta, 2025-2028, PI ArkeaBio Inc., University of Alberta lead Basarab (Emission Reduction Alberta)
• Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Canadian Beef Industry through the Development and Adoption of Genomic Tools, 2024-2029, PI Basarab (NSERC SSHRC)

For updates on the Gentec team, we are pleased to welcome Jordan Roberts as project manager. Jordan joined us in October. His role will support the coordination and execution of our beef genomics research and adoption projects. Jordan has an MSc in Biological Sciences specializing in animal physiology from the University of Calgary. He has spent his career in research and development in the agriculture and agri-food sector and held roles with industry, government and academia. Jordan looks forward to doing his part to supporting development and adoption of genomic tools in livestock!

We are also pleased to welcome back Everestus Akanno into a full-time role as senior research associate from January 2025. Everestus will be focusing on conducting research for our NSERC-SSHRC project: “Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Canadian Beef Industry through the Development and Adoption of Genomic Tools”.

Congratulations to Gentec alumna Kristin Lee on obtaining her PhD from the University of Guelph in September. Her thesis, titled “Python Based Genetic Evaluation System for the Improvement of Multi-Breed and Crossbred Beef Cattle”, was co-supervised by Professor Angela Canovas and Professor Flavio Schenkel. The project was supported by AgSights, who contributed both funding and valuable industry knowledge. She is now working for Gentec’s partner Genesus Genetics Technologies Inc. in the role of geneticist, where she focuses on optimizing their genomic evaluation software and overseeing genetic improvement programs in nucleus farms.

One of the longest serving members of Gentec, Prof. Leluo Guan, continues from strength to strength following her move to University of British Columbia where she continues her world leading research program to study rumen microbiome and its roles in cattle production. Recent new grant funding includes “Novel and adaptive rumen microbiome targeted solutions for GHG mitigation in cattle”  as results of long -term collaborations among Gentec (University of Alberta), University of Guelph, University of Manitoba, and AAFC. This project is funded through NSERC Alliance through “NSERC-SSHRC Sustainable Agriculture Research Initiative (SARI)”.

In the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture, the future of cattle herds hinges on strategic planning and embracing cutting-edge technologies. Among these technologies, genomics stands out as a powerful tool that can revolutionize the way we manage and optimize our cattle herds. This month’s At The Grill feature by William Torres (storyteller, empathetic connector and resonate catalyst) explores the benefits and potential challenges of genetic selection.

In recent years, advancements in genetic selection have emerged as a powerful tool for improving various traits in livestock, with a significant focus on enhancing carcass quality. Genetic selection enables breeders to target specific characteristics, such as meat quality and yield, leading to more efficient and sustainable beef production systems.

Genetic selection involves choosing breeding animals based on their genetic make-up to pass on desirable traits to their offspring. In the context of beef cattle, this process aims to improve characteristics like growth rate, feed efficiency, and, crucially, carcass quality. Carcass quality encompasses traits such as marbling, tenderness, and lean meat yield, all of which directly influence the marketability and consumer satisfaction of beef products.

One of the key components of carcass quality is marbling, the distribution of intramuscular fat within the meat. Marbling contributes to the tenderness, juiciness, and flavour of beef, making it a highly sought-after trait by consumers and chefs alike. Through selective breeding, geneticists can identify and propagate genes associated with increased marbling, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of beef carcasses.

Tenderness is a critical attribute that greatly influences consumer satisfaction. Genetic selection can target genes associated with muscle structure, collagen content, and other factors affecting tenderness. By focusing on these traits, breeders can produce cattle that yield consistently tender meat, meeting the demands of discerning consumers and ensuring a positive eating experience.

While marbling is crucial for flavour and tenderness, there is also a growing demand for leaner cuts of meat due to health and dietary considerations. Genetic selection allows breeders to strike a balance between marbling and lean muscle development, ensuring that beef cattle produce high-quality meat with optimal fat content. This addresses consumer preferences and aligns with the evolving nutritional awareness of the modern consumer.

Beyond improving carcass quality, genetic selection contributes to the overall efficiency and sustainability of beef production. Cattle with enhanced genetic traits, such as feed efficiency, require less feed to reach market weight, reducing the environmental impact associated with feed production and waste. Moreover, efficient cattle contribute to a more sustainable industry, as they can produce more meat with fewer resources, helping to meet the global demand for protein while minimizing the ecological footprint of beef production.

While genetic selection offers significant benefits, it is essential to address potential challenges and ethical considerations. Maintaining genetic diversity within beef cattle populations is crucial to prevent the unintended consequences of a narrow genetic pool. Additionally, ethical considerations surrounding animal welfare and the use of emerging technologies, such as gene editing, must be carefully evaluated to ensure the responsible application of genetic selection in livestock breeding.

Genetic selection represents a powerful tool for enhancing carcass quality in beef cattle, offering benefits from improved marbling and tenderness to increased lean meat yield. As the global demand for high-quality protein continues to rise, the application of genetic selection in livestock breeding becomes increasingly essential. By carefully selecting breeding animals based on desirable traits, the beef industry can meet consumer preferences and contribute to a more efficient and sustainable future for beef production.

In summer 1991, BA student JC Cahill found himself walking throughout the coastal estuaries of Connecticut. It was an undergraduate research project within Craig Schneider’s lab at Trinity College, Conn that set him on a hunt for some elusive green algae.

“It was beautiful,” he remembers. “Being on the water… working with plants … and realizing professors don’t really have a boss and have great job security! It was then I naively decided that was the career path for me.”

During his PhD at the University of Pennsylvania, he gained a deep interest in grassland ecosystems, and the below-ground interactions that were very poorly understood at the time.

“We didn’t have genomics tools; we didn’t know what was happening in the soil so every question was new and likely important,” he remembers.

Now a Professor of Biological Sciences at UAlberta (since 1999), JC focuses on Alberta’s grasslands, and has a long history of research at the Kinsella and Mattheis ranches.

“I’m a researcher first,” he points out. “But I also really care about teaching and mentoring students.” (Ed. note: JC was awarded the 2023 Killam Award for Excellence in Mentorship, UAlberta’s most prestigious award for mentorship.)

He’s also a botanist. He has a whole other program focused on plant behaviour, how plants make decisions with their roots, interact and find food. That falls under behavioural sciences. And, depending on the task, he’s a microbiologist as well.

“Ecologist would be a good umbrella term for my research interests,” he says. “Or simply biologist.”

It’s this diversity of interests and disciplines that makes his lab attractive to the next generation of scientists.

“I have a general policy that no grad students should work on the same question at the same time,” he insists. “Because of that, the group has lots of diverse themes, including grasslands ecology, plant behaviour, and general studies of the maintenance of biodiversity and how ecological systems function.”

Most recently, his lab group has more explicitly included cattle and grazing into their research. Cattle are critical to maintaining grasslands in Alberta, although their direct and indirect consequences are less well understood than anticipated.

“As grassland ecologists, we realize that if we want to understand plants, carbon storage, and healthy ecosystems, we have also to understand the critical role played by the large herbivores of the system.”

Although JC has worked with Gentec-associated researchers Ed Bork and Cameron Carlyle for over a decade, it was more recent engagement by Gentec CEO Graham Plastow that really helped him see the potential value and need for a more holistic research program.

“The questions about the ecological impacts of grazing are more explicit now in my research, as is a clear understanding of the need to understand the consequences of forage production and other critical aspects of livestock production,” says JC. “The science isn’t as well developed on viewing grazing systems as a whole agricultural ecosystem. Instead, the focus has typically been on studying one part at a time (plants or soils or cattle). We are moving to a more holistic view to get a better balance out of these systems long term.”

That explains the diversity of interests but what about kicking those tires?

“My research group loves experiments,” explains JC. “There’s a lot of math theory in ecology that I struggle with; I’m not convinced it necessarily reflects reality or how it’s useful. That doesn’t stop it being influential in academic ecology. We prefer to test assumptions rather than argue about their accuracy. That way, we can see what holds up and what doesn’t. So we go into the field, manipulate something (kick the tire) like defoliation, resources or water, and measure plant, animal and diversity responses. Then see what falls off so we can refine the idea.”

JC is going to spend a lot of time on the CAT-G project ($6.3 million, funded by Genome Canada, RDAR and other partners), of which he and Carolyn Fitzsimmons (AAFC/UA and a Gentec-associated researcher) are co-leads. The project takes this holistic view of the grazing ecosystem, testing the impacts of adaptive multi-paddock grazing systems on plant, soil, microbe and cattle responses, all with an eye towards soil C storage, GHG production and critical animal production metrics. As part of this work, the team aims to develop bio-indicators of carbon cycling in grasslands to help enhance carbon markets by identifying climate-smart management actions. Tools like this could record changes in soil carbon storage and lower GHG emissions on grazed land much sooner than waiting for the soil carbon to accumulate and stabilize.

“We don’t believe that environmental gains have to come at an economic cost to producers,” points out JC. “The CAT-G project starts from a place where both can be achieved, kicking those tires and tying the knowledge into Gentec and other groups that will benefit from our data. It’s important to facilitate collaborations. Just as Gentec facilitated this project. Because there won’t be just one solution that works in just one place.”

On December 11, 2023, CAPI hosted a webinar supporting its latest report: Forces Impacting Animal Agriculture in Canada: A Synthesis with Gentec-associated researchers Tim McAllister (AAFC) and Ellen Goddard (UAlberta) among the panelists who discussed the common challenges and opportunities surrounding sustainability in animal ag. Here’s a summary of their comments.

TYLER MCCANN, CAPI’s Managing Director reported that Canada’s livestock sector should be thriving thanks to a dedicated land mass, economics and efficiencies—but instead faces difficulties mainly due to the challenging policy environment. CAPI’s white paper, Forces Impacting Animal Agriculture in Canada: A Synthesis, was developed to inform the policy environment.

Source: CAPI Webinar, December 11, 2023

BRUCE SCHUMANN, Director of Sustainability, Regulatory and Quality Assurance at GVF Group of Companies stated that one of GVF’s roles was to empower farmers to produce meat, milk and eggs profitably. Livestock are being villainized because of methane emissions but Canada is already one of the most sustainable and most efficient producers in the world. We need to embrace and communicate that reality to the public and to our leaders, and to help other nations be more sustainable for the good of the world.

AL MUSSELL, CAPI’s Director of Research, summarized the report, confirming that ag is 10% of Canada’s emissions, and animal ag is about 50% of that. Over time, animal emissions have declined, consistent with the decline in the cow herd. Canada is also an efficient producer of feed. But there are complications. Emissions are not limited to GHGs but include nitrogen into the water table, phosphorus in the water and coliforms. Measures to reduce GHGs will not necessarily reduce those as well. Ruminants, especially, are governed by a biogenic carbon system that is circular. It is not NEW methane into the system. It should still be reduced because it is an important GHG but it is possible that the contribution of animals may have been exaggerated. Less animals on the grasslands impair the grasslands, yet the productive capacity of ruminants is conversely impaired without the grasslands. We cannot simply intervene at one level. So where does this leave us. The world has a food security problem and a climate change problem. Canada is one of the few countries that can influence both. How do we move to food policy that addresses that?

Source: CAPI Webinar, December 11, 2023

TIM MCALLISTER, Principal Research Scientist, Ruminant Nutrition & Microbiology (AAFC) reminded participants that climate change issues have been around since the Nineties. What is changing is a new appreciation for the systems approach like the interaction between livestock and their impact on biodiversity. No one scientist has the expertise to do that.

On December 10, 2023, the Government of Canada announced a new economic incentive to reduce methane emissions from beef cattle. Emerging technologies such as diet formulations and bringing animals to the finishing phase faster will help.

Information and databases are getting stronger, and there are more open data available. All countries need to pull together to make a difference, just like for COVID-19. Even regulatory agencies are sharing knowledge and pathways to assessment. It is not likely that one technology will work for all conditions. Technologies exist for animals in confinement but not for rangelands so work is going on there. So it is a sector by sector assessment.

ELLEN GODDARD, Distinguished Fellow (CAPI) said that, as the science gets more complicated, public perceptions are more nuanced and can be confused by the seemingly conflicting messaging from different directions. They look for ways to simplify their decisions by listening to those they trust (farmers, some NGOs and scientists). They want to be able to compare product A with product B on environmental impact or health impact, for example, at the store. Those common standards are not available yet so people are frustrated.

Record-keeping to monitor impacts that can be used consistently in labelling will engender costs. If consumers are paying $10 for ground beef today, will they pay $12 if it has a sustainability label? In fact, they might stop being willing to pay the $10 if the information is not available. Providing the information  may be the cost for the industry to stay in the market, even at the original $10 price. Paying the same or more are all parts of the same decision to purchase the product.

The public remains cautious about genetic tools if called genetic modification but less so about other genetic technologies, and they desperately want those technologies used to improve animal health, their health and the environment. But a number of messages about how and why genetic technologies are used need to be distributed to get there.

KATHLEEN SULLIVAN, Vice President Government & Industry (Maple Leaf Foods) said that Maple Leaf was the world’s first carbon-neutral food company. Led by CEO Michael McCain, it created a blueprint and identified pillars to focus on: community, environmental security, animal welfare, food safety among them. The company is obliged to deal with the fact that it is an environmental protagonist. Generally, the public doesn’t realize that the company is made up of farmers (plant protein, poultry and pork). It owns and operates 200 hog farms and five feed mills, mostly in Manitoba. For pork, it runs the entire process from production to sales and international trade because it makes the company more reliable in terms of its footprint, how it is addressed and how all the pieces fit together. In 2019, Maple Leaf committed to reducing GHG emissions by 30% by 2030 (current carbon neutrality comes from buying carbon offsets and insets). That means dealing with manure in-house to reach the desired result. In Manitoba, the solution costs $0.5 billion and involves coordinating a lot of enterprises and players. The conversation is how to bring people together to do that.

RYDER LEE, General Manager (Canadian Cattle Association) said that defending cattle and sustainability is a local, national and international conversation. That entails producers working together, funding research on best practices, sending the CCA to engage with the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, and going to COP28 in Dubai. There, we hosted events on sustainability in Canada and on the grasslands.

Canada’s competitors are knocking at the door or at customers’ doors, asking what is being done, measured, and its impact. The National Beef Sustainability Assessment, first done in 2016, benchmarks the environmental, social and economic performance of the Canadian beef industry. It highlights the areas where industry is doing well and identifies opportunities for improvement. CCA also looks at peer-reviewed science on the gamut of environmental services, asking questions such as how are measurements done, what the measurement burden is and how to incentivize producers to make changes.

OVERALL TAKEAWAY MESSAGE. Canadian animal agriculture has among the lowest emissions intensities in the world. Policies that integrate sustainability, food security and growth can help meet climate targets, and build Canada’s comparative advantage.

In the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture, the future of cattle herds hinges on strategic planning and embracing cutting-edge technologies. Among these technologies, genomics stands out as a powerful tool that can revolutionize the way we manage and optimize our cattle herds. This month’s At The Grill feature by William Torres (storyteller, empathetic connector and resonate catalyst) exploresthe importance of planning for the future of your cattle herd, with a specific focus on the transformative role that genomics can play.

Genomics—the study of an organism’s complete set of DNA, including genes and their functions—has become a game-changer in the realm of agriculture. In the context of cattle herds, genomics information offers unprecedented insights into the genetic makeup of individual animals. This wealth of information allows farmers and ranchers to make informed decisions about breeding, health, and overall herd management.

Precision Breeding for Desired Traits

One of the primary advantages of integrating genomics into cattle-herd planning is the ability to engage in precision breeding. Traditional breeding methods are effective but time-consuming, often requiring several generations to achieve desired traits. Genomics information accelerates this process by enabling the identification of specific genes associated with desirable traits, such as milk production, disease resistance, and meat quality. By selecting animals with the desired genetic markers, farmers can optimize breeding programs to enhance overall herd quality. Precision breeding boosts productivity and contributes to the sustainability of the herd by reducing the environmental impact associated with larger, less efficient populations.

Disease Resistance and Health Management

Genomics also plays a crucial role in fortifying the health of cattle herds. Through genetic screening, farmers can identify animals with inherent resistance to certain diseases. This information allows for the development of resilient herds that are better equipped to withstand common health challenges. Furthermore, genomics aids in the early detection of potential health issues. By analyzing an individual animal’s genetic code, farmers can assess susceptibility to specific diseases, enabling proactive health management strategies. Early intervention ensures the well-being of individual animals and prevents the spread of diseases within the entire herd.

Optimizing Feed Efficiency and Environmental Impact

In an era where sustainability is a key concern, genomics contributes to the optimization of feed efficiency, directly impacting the environmental footprint of cattle farming. By identifying genetic markers associated with efficient nutrient utilization, farmers can select animals that thrive on less feed while maintaining optimal growth rates. Reducing the overall feed requirements of a herd minimizes operational costs and mitigates the environmental impact associated with large-scale livestock farming. Genomics insights empower farmers to make ecologically-conscious decisions, fostering a more sustainable and responsible approach to cattle-herd management.

Long-term Economic Viability

Strategic planning for the future of a cattle herd involves considering economic viability. Genomics provides a pathway to increased profitability by enabling farmers to make data-driven decisions that enhance overall herd performance. Investing in genetically-superior animals leads to higher-quality products, whether it be milk, meat or other by-products. These premium products command higher prices in the market and contribute to the establishment of a reputable brand. By planning for the future with genomics, farmers can secure a competitive edge in the industry, ensuring long-term economic sustainability.

Challenges and Considerations

While genomics offers immense potential, it is crucial to acknowledge the challenges associated with its implementation. Initial costs, data management, and ethical considerations are among the factors that require careful attention. However, as technology advances and becomes more accessible, these challenges are likely to diminish, making genomics an increasingly integral aspect of cattle herd management.

Conclusion

Planning for the future of your cattle herd is a multi-faceted endeavour that demands foresight and adaptability. Embracing genomics as a cornerstone of your strategic planning positions your operation at the forefront of innovation and ensures the long-term success, health, and sustainability of your cattle herd. As the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, those who leverage the power of genomics will undoubtedly shape a future where efficiency, resilience, and profitability coexist harmoniously in the world of cattle farming.

If you’re a commercial beef producer in Western Canada, generally speaking, you’ve got a herd of crossbred cows. That means Gentec’s Replacement Heifer Profit Index (RHPI) Score™ should be one of your go-to tools. Why? It speaks to selecting replacement heifers with an optimal level of hybrid vigour, fertility, longevity and lifetime productivity.

A study (as reported in The Western Producer) led by Jared Decker at University of Missouri-Columbia, tells a good news story about the sires’ gEPDs and the predicted outcome in the feeder progeny. Using an Angus database as a starting point, Jared found relationships between sire gEPDs and the outcome in commercial cattle, giving the GeneMax tool a suite of gEPDs for weaning weight, carcass weight, marbling, ribeye area, among others. But… all for Angus crossbred cattle, and not for feed efficiency.

What does Gentec do differently?

“We didn’t want to repeat what each breed association would do so we concentrated on crossbred females mated to purebred and crossbred bulls common to western Canada. This also included the crossbred offspring, and was our starting point. Commercial cattle first,” says John Basarab, Gentec’s Director of Beef Operations. “So our database has a high percentage of Angus, Simmental, Charolais, Limousin, Hereford, Gelbvieh and other crossbred females and feeder cattle offspring. And our purebred database (bulls) for determining genomic breed composition and retained heterozygosity has 14 breeds. That’s quite different right off the bat.”

While the GeneMax tool concentrates on growth and carcass traits, it’s missing something that Gentec has been working on for over 20 years: feed intake and feed efficiency or dry matter intake (DMI) and residual feed intake (RFI). So again, Gentec’s reference database contains lots of phenotypes with genotypes for DMI and RFI, from which it developed molecular breeding values (MBVs) for DMI and RFI that most other genetic evaluation companies and breed association don’t presently offer.

Another key difference has to do with replacement heifer selection. Breeding values and maternal indexes for most purebred associations select for the genetic merit of the daughters produced from the sire and dam. Trait gEPDs in the maternal index usually include calving ease, growth traits (e.g., wean weight, direct and maternal milk, residual ADG), and heifer pregnancy. But that’s down the road quite a bit. The female calf has to be born from a single, unassisted birth early in the calving season, grow well from birth to yearling, and be from a mother with many retained daughters in the herd. But the line on the 50-year genetic trend for heifer pregnancy EPD is flat (!!) indicating not a lot of progress made. So Gentec has focused on the immediate need of selecting for PRESENT replacement heifers, not future daughters. In that case, hybrid vigour is very important, especially since, as identified by Gentec’s RHPI Score, it’s related to higher pregnancy rates and lifetime productivity.

“Clients have been “fascinated with the breed composition and gEPDS. It’s been an invaluable asset for our consulting practice and is adding value for the customer,” says Waylon Wise, veterinarian and owner of Cow/Calf Health and Management Solutions.

Most genomic evaluations concentrate on the “additive” genetic effect, where a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP, pronounced “snip”) with 2 B alleles is better than 1 B allele, and better than no B alleles at all. This approach is particularly effective for moderate to moderately-high heritability traits like growth, feed efficiency, behaviour and carcass traits. However, traits with low heritability (like fertility and general fitness) are more influenced by the non-additive genetic effects of dominance, epistasis and genomic diversity, all related to hybrid vigour. General health and resilience to environmental stress (that is, hybrid vigour) are becoming more important, especially in the context of our rapidly-changing climate where animals need to be more resilient to extremes. This is an important component of Gentec’s index score.

“We concentrate on commercial crossbred cattle,” says John. “Then on providing what that producer is asking for—a replacement heifer that gives a calf during the first calving season at 2 years of age and stays in the herd for at least 5-years… a very tall order. We know that commercial producers don’t keep the best of records, and they definitely don’t keep pedigree information. Doing things using DNA or from a genomics point of view just has many advantages.”

This month’s At The Grill feature by William Torres (storyteller, empathetic connector and resonate catalyst) explores the mouthwatering cuts of beef to try during the Holidays.

The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and, of course, delicious food. While many traditional holiday dishes focus on poultry or ham, there’s something special about celebrating the holidays with beef. Whether you’re a carnivore at heart or simply looking to try something new, beef can add a unique and delectable twist to your holiday feasts.

THE VERSATILITY OF BEEF

One of the key reasons to celebrate the holidays with beef is its incredible versatility. Beef comes in various cuts, allowing you to choose the perfect option for your festive meal. From succulent roasts to mouthwatering steaks, beef offers a wide range of possibilities to suit your taste and preferences.

PRIME RIB ROAST

A prime rib roast is the epitome of holiday extravagance. Its juicy, tender meat is bound to impress your guests. A perfectly-cooked prime rib, seasoned with herbs and spices, is a centrepiece that makes a statement. Whether you prefer a rare, medium-rare or medium roast, a prime rib is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

FILET MIGNON

For an intimate holiday dinner, consider grilling or pan-searing filet mignon. This cut is known for its tenderness and mild flavour. Pair it with a rich mushroom sauce or a decadent Béarnaise sauce to create a luxurious, restaurant-quality meal.

BEEF WELLINGTON

Beef Wellington is a classic holiday dish that combines beef, mushrooms and puff pastry for a show-stopping creation. This dish offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavours, making it a memorable option for a special holiday dinner.

POT ROAST

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting meal, a pot roast is the way to go. This slow-cooked beef dish is the perfect choice for a relaxed, family-oriented celebration. The tender meat, accompanied by hearty vegetables and a rich broth, is sure to warm hearts and bellies alike.

TRADITIONAL FAVOURITES

Beef can also add a twist to traditional holiday dishes. For example, you can swap out the usual turkey or ham for a succulent beef roast. Whether you choose a bone-in ribeye roast or a tenderloin roast, it’s an excellent way to infuse new flavours into your holiday meal.

HOLIDAY SIDES AND ACCOMPANIMENTS

The holiday feast isn’t just about the main dish; it’s also about the sides and accompaniments that complement the star of the show. From creamy mashed potatoes to flavourful gravy, beef pairs well with a variety of holiday classics.

PAIRING RED WINE WITH BEEF

Another reason to celebrate the holidays with beef is the opportunity to enjoy the perfect wine pairings. Red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinot Noir, complement the flavours of beef dishes beautifully. The deep, robust notes of red wine enhance the overall dining experience, making your holiday meal even more memorable.

HEALTHY AND NUTRIENT-RICH

Beef is not only delicious—but also a nutritious choice for your holiday feast. It’s a good source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins and minerals like iron and zinc. When prepared with care and paired with vegetables, beef can be part of a balanced holiday meal that satisfies the taste buds and the body.

While tradition is essential during the holiday season, embracing new culinary experiences can make the festivities even more special. Celebrating the holidays with beef allows you to explore a world of flavours, from tender roasts to succulent steaks and creative dishes like Beef Wellington. The versatility of beef, its pairing with red wine, and its nutrient-rich profile make it a delightful choice for those looking to elevate their holiday celebrations. So, this year, consider making beef the star of your holiday table, and savour the season with a mouthwatering, beef-inspired feast.

“The punchline,” says Michelle Miller, Director of Global Portfolio Marketing for Genomics at Neogen, “is that if Graham Plastow and the folks at Gentec hadn’t created Delta Genomics, I wouldn’t have the career I have today.”

It all started at Gentec where Michelle had a technical role. As it became clear that Delta was in the works and that she would follow, Colin Coros, Delta’s first CEO, encouraged her to do a part-time MBA in the evenings. By the time Delta was spun out in 2014, Michelle was ready to take on the role of Director of Operations, in charge of running the labs instead of doing the lab tasks.

“I was happy to let the science part go in favour of management,” says Michelle. “There are only so many steps up in a technical role. The MBA opened the doors to keep the career ladder going upwards.”

Letting go of the science meant letting go of the processes, procedures and SOPs. Consistency was out. Figuring out what motivates each individual to be a productive employee was in. So was growing Delta to the point where Neogen might be interested. This took several approaches.

One was improving the awareness of genomics testing in the livestock sector, especially beef, then increasing adoption of tools. Still today, the biggest competitor for genomics are the “laggards” who don’t use genomics. Picking away at them took education, then putting together an ordering system that is easy to use so customers don’t get put off.

Delta had started with the beef breed associations. To grow, the commercial producers needed to be involved, again through education and good customer service. So this was another approach. However, that also meant a sub-approach of introducing operational efficiencies, running like a commercial lab and making sure the IT was in place to support the growth. All in all, the whole process was a significant interdisciplinary project over a couple of years. It resulted in doubling the number of samples processed.

“We needed valuable products to support the expansion,” says Michelle. “With John Basarab’s research at Gentec, we brought EnVigour HX™ to market. It’s a foundational tool for commercial beef producers, and includes a hybrid vigour score (longevity and fertility) which is how the producer makes money. It was one of the products that Neogen liked during the acquisition.”

In 2018, Delta’s board received a letter of intent from Neogen about buying Delta’s assets. Delta started the due diligence and putting together the asset deal. Again, Michelle’s MBA proved its worth. While a generalist degree, it provides enough spectrum so you know where to start. In January 2019, Michelle, 5 employees and Delta’s assets were transferred to Neogen.

“As GM, I was now responsible for a sales team, recruiting, finance, budgeting and overseeing the company,” she says. “Instead of worrying about cash flow I became more concerned about budgets, efficiencies, and communication across the network of Neogen genomics labs.”

In June 2023, Michelle became Director of Global Portfolio Marketing for Genomics. She’s still in Edmonton but responsible for the products sold in all 7 Neogen genomics labs, and has a team of product owners who help her manage the product lifecycle.

“Gentec is well funded, well connected to partners in the industry, which is key because you need to understand the issues so you can solve them through research,” says Michelle. “In fact, Neogen will want to be part of that continuum. I see it as a synergistic opportunity for Gentec to drive innovation and for us to make it real. As we did with EnVigourHX™.”