Livestock Gentec is very lucky and grateful to have excellent partners in industry and elsewhere. It is sometimes difficult to give proper credit to those who contribute to our successes. However, when we can, we take the opportunity to highlight excellent collaborators and share some of their contributions to our projects. The team at Cow Calf Health Management Solutions (CCHMS) led by Dr. Waylon Wise, are excellent industry partners and are key to the success in some of our current projects. CCHMS, are a beef cattle veterinary animal health group in Alberta with a focus on cow calf operations. Dr. Wise and his team are directly involved in the pilot projects for two of our projects with Dr. John Basarab as the PI: “Using genomics to improve the profitability and sustainability of Alberta’s beef industry” Sustainable CAP funded administered by RDAR and “Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Canadian Beef Industry through the Development and Adoption of Genomic Tools” funded through an NSERC-SSHRC Alliance grant in sustainable agriculture.

The CCHMS team promotes innovative practices to their clients in areas they know can add value to producers. Where Livestock Gentec is concerned, they have promoted and coordinated the execution of our genomic tools pilot projects with their clients. This has significantly extended our reach, and provided a convenient means for producers to get involved in our projects through facilitating tissue sample collection and shipping. Caylee Dorval, account manager with CCHMS, has been an excellent support in coordinating the sample submission and phenotype compilation. For the Gentec team, this means we can receive consistent and detailed records for their animals to support our goals of validating and improving our genomic tools.

To help put this support into context, CCHMS has coordinated the sampling from 9,328 animals and supplied raw phenotype data for many of these cattle in our pilot projects. The pilot project for the NSERC-SSHRC alliance grant requires more data collection from the producer side such as feeding and management data. Always the innovators, Dr. Wise and team are implementing a new data collection platform with pilot producers that will simplify the entry and analysis for these data. We are using these data to estimate on farm GHG reductions through the implementation of genomic tools as a beneficial management practice.

Here’s a quote the CCHMS team shared with us on our collaborations:

“Cow/Calf Health Management Solutions (CCHMS) has had an excellent opportunity to work with Livestock Gentec on the Genomic Tools Project. This collaboration has helped bridge the gap between producers and genomic research. CCHMS specializes in boots on-the-ground support, helping producers learn DNA sample collection and track chuteside data using the herd management software tool, Herdtrax. For animals enrolled in the trial, CCHMS facilitates the extraction and communication of the raw data collected by the producers to the research team to improve genomic predictions. Livestock Gentec has seamlessly provided us their genomic data—including gEPDs, Breed Composition, and parentage results—with a quick turnaround time. The funding and genomic data have greatly benefited commercial producers by helping them make more informed decisions regarding replacement selection and sorting targeted mating groups. CCHMS is delighted to participate in the collaboration with Livestock Gentec and looks forward to incorporating genomics into our consultation service model.”

Aside from the direct support to our project goals, Dr. Wise has a very keen sense of what industry needs. As CCHMS has many clients representing a diversity in scale and approaches, the team is a very good sounding board for new ideas and how best to approach our projects and goals. Livestock Gentec aims to grow adoption of genomic tools in the beef cattle industry Dr. Wise and his team at CCHMS are key partners in achieving this goal. We hope to continue this strong collaboration.

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!

In the project: “Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Canadian Beef Industry through the Development and Adoption of Genomic Tools” (Awarded to Dr. John Basarab project PI through a NSERC-SSHRC Alliance grant in sustainable agriculture), one of our goals is to better understand the barriers to adoption of genomic tools for beef producers. To accomplish this, we are engaging producers directly. Project co-applicant Dr. Xiaoli Fan and PDF Dr. Huan Chen have developed an online questionnaire to gather insights on awareness, attitudes, barriers, and potential support needs related to the adoption of genomic technologies by Canadian cow-calf producers. These findings will inform future research and policy initiatives that support the use of genomic tools to improve the profitability and sustainability of the Canadian beef industry. The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete and results are anonymous. We invite Canadian beef producers reading this to participate, use this link or the QR code below to access the questionnaire.

This project is exploring several approaches to address the use of genomic tools for the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the Canadian beef industry. As a large multi-institution project, we can approach the challenge of reducing GHG in beef production from multiple angles utilizing the expertise of our various excellent team members. Here we will overview the project to show how this questionnaire fits into our project framework.

First, we are developing novel genomic tools such as genomic enhanced Expected Progeny Difference (gEPDs) for enteric methane emissions to factor into a sustainability multi-trait selection index. These genomic tools can help quantify GHG emission reductions through selection decisions by selecting for lower emitting and more efficient animals. You can read about the animal trials being used to develop the phenotypic dataset for this goal here. To enhance the capability of enteric emission phenotype collections from beef cattle, we are also developing a proxy measure for enteric emissions by using fecal near infrared spectroscopy. The feasibility of this approach was originally assessed by our project collaborator Dr. Amélie Vanlierde with Walloon Agriculture Research Centre (CRA-W, Gembloux, Belgium). This has shown promise as a suitable proxy measure for enteric emissions. This will allow for low cost phenotype collection for enteric emissions to supplement the present project dataset and future efforts to quantify enteric emissions (read our previous article on the topic here). Next, we are developing a carbon offset framework for cow calf producers to incentivize adoption. In the regulated or voluntary carbon markets, industrial emitters can purchase “offset credits” associated with reductions from quantified projects to lower their net emissions. More simply put, this is a framework that can result in producers getting paid for practices that reduces GHG emissions. Beneficial management practices (BMPs) are being developed to help producers understand how to apply genomic tools in their operations for better sustainability and profitability outcomes. These BMPs will tie into the carbon offset protocol development. Finally, these practices are being piloted by cow calf producers to support adoption. By working with the producer partners and analyzing the data they supply, we can quantify the economics and GHG reduction achieved and projected through the pilot project work. To read more about the pilot project and to get involved read more here.

We are grateful for the opportunity to lead this large scale project. We can only be successful in our goals with the participation of Canadian beef producers. This survey and the activities of the producer pilot are great ways to stay informed on the developing approaches and have your voice heard in the process. Please feel free to reach out with any questions! lsgentec@ualberta.ca

 Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) hosted its fourth annual Research Showcase in Edmonton on January 21st. Nearly 400 individuals involved with Alberta’s diverse agriculture industry attended, showing how much interest there is in hearing the latest developments in agriculture research and innovation. The event featured presenters and a selection of specially chosen research projects, all highlighting the impact RDAR is having on agriculture research and development, not just in Alberta, but across Canada. 

RDAR’s Research Showcase is being consistently viewed as an important industry event, which has been reflected by the year-over-year growth in attendance, with an approximate 25% increase over 2025. 

Another indicator in the event’s popularity is interest in researchers wanting to showcase their work. Twenty-two projects were showcased this year, highlighting a variety of projects, including: 

• defining optimum seeding rate for new feed barley varieties 

• Field border delineation using imagery deep learning for advancing digital-first ambitions in crop insurance 

• Genome wide association study to identify markers for stripe rust virulence and resistance in diverse Canadian wheat panels 

• Assessment of the population structure of E. coli O157 from cattle and associated food safety risks 

• Developing an antimicrobial resistance surveillance program for bulk tank milk 

• Expanding opportunities for Western Canadian faba bean (Vicia faba) as a feedstuff for broiler chickens and laying hens and mineral composition of Alberta pasture grass over the grazing period 

• Engineering Next-Generation Phages to Protect Dairy Calves from Johne’s Disease 

The full list of projects and the presenting researchers may be viewed here. 

A short program, hosted by Real Agriculture’s Shaun Haney, complemented the poster presentations. Greetings from the Government of Alberta – from both the governing United Conservative Party and the opposition New Democratic Party – illustrated non-partisan support for agriculture in Alberta. A fireside chat with Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation’s Deputy Minister Jason Hale also showed the support the Department has for RDAR and its initiatives. Two significant projects were highlighted, and a producer panel discussing the benefits of on-farm research rounded out the program. 

The first highlighted project presentation was from the CEO and co-founder of Cellar Insights, Terry Sydoryk. He has over 25 years of senior leadership experience building and scaling companies in Canada’s innovation ecosystem. Cellar Insights is an ag tech company that uses advanced sensing and cloud analytics to help potato growers protect crop quality and maximize marketable yield in long-term storage. Cellar Insight’s potato storage solution helps potato growers reduce post-harvest losses through evidence-based storage management. By translating real-time data into practical decision making, this project supports more efficient use of inputs, protects producer revenues, and advances broader policy objectives related to food security, waste reduction, and climate-smart agriculture.

The second featured project presentation was delivered by Kim Sturgess, founder and Vice President of WaterSMART Solutions Ltd., a services organization committed to improving water management through better technologies and practices across western Canada and beyond. Kim has led the development of collaborative watershed management models and systems over the last 20 years and has supported water management planning in industry and government. 

WaterSMART’s work on creating operating models for irrigation districts provides a roadmap for water use efficiency by advancing data-driven decision tools, scalable best practices, and adaptive management strategies. The roadmap supports sustainable irrigation policy objectives by helping producers optimize water allocation, enhance drought preparedness, and safeguard ecosystems. It is also used to advocate for policy changes with both municipal and provincial governments. 

The final segment of the program was the RDAR Producer Panel. Three Alberta based producers were invited to speak to the audience about their experiences with adopting new innovations on farm, as well as exploring their past interactions with the research community. Doug Wray, Angela Kumlin, and Tasha Alexander participated in the conversation with Shaun Haney. All three stressed that researchers need to listen to producers about the challenges they are facing and identify proposals and solutions that will rise to meet these. Moreover, all stressed that solutions need to be practical and feasible, and trial and error is the general “research” done on farm. 

RDAR now looks forward to delivering its summer event – Round-Up on June 17th, when the organization will take a more practical and producer focused look at the benefits of early adoption and on-farm innovation in Alberta. 

If you would like to view the RDAR Research Showcase, in part, or as a whole, please follow these links: 

• The 2026 RDAR Research Showcase can be viewed in full here. 

• The Cellar Insights presentation can be viewed here. 

• The WaterSmart presentation can be viewed here. 

• The RDAR Producer Panel can be viewed here. 

• To see the selected poster projects for this year’s Research Showcase and to learn more about the researchers involved, click here . 

In January this year Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) approved pigs produced by gene editing to be resistant to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) viruses for use in food^[1],[2]. Canada joined the US, Brazil and some other countries in determining that these pigs are as safe as conventional pigs used to produce food. Gene editing enables precise changes to be made to the DNA of an organism to change its phenotype. In this case to breed pigs resistant to PRRS, a devastating disease. PRRS is estimated to cost the Canadian industry $180 million³ and US industry $1.2 billion⁴ annually. Scientists Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna were awarded the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing the tool or “molecular scissors” that was used to generate the PRRS resistant pigs. Other gene edited livestock include cattle that are more heat tolerant. These cattle are approved for sale in the US, however, they are not yet approved in Canada.

Will we be eating pork from these pigs soon and if so will we know? Health Canada states that as they found no health and safety concerns, no special labelling is required for foods from the PRRSV-resistant pigs. We have featured articles about this topic previously in the newsletter (see for example genome editing opportunities in agriculture, and  here, here, here, and here).

Former CEO Graham Plastow was invited to forecast the future of gene edited livestock at the Visions III conference on animal genetics and genomics at Iowa State University in 2021⁵. His paper “who is going to eat ChickieNobs⁶?” after the engineered, brainless chicken parts in Margaret Attwood’s “Oryx and Crake”, looked at what would be required for successful introduction of these novel gene edited foods. “The opportunities for new technologies in animal genetics and breeding are not derived from the precision of the technology, the nutritional equivalence of the products, or whether such products can be distinguished from conventional products. They come from the benefits they bring to consumers and why scientists and businesses want to provide them. Shared value takes into account a broader set of societal needs and not just economics. Taking this approach can help companies to look at potential problems that will create barriers or “hidden” costs for taking technologies to market. Giving consumers the choice to determine how they benefit from these opportunities can help create markets rather than approaches that push technology first and create hurdles and objections.”

___________________________________

^[1] https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2026/01/canada-approves-pigs-resistant-to-porcine-reproductive-and-respiratory-syndrome-viruses-for-use-in-food-and-feed.html

^[2] https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/genetically-modified-foods-other-novel-foods/approved-products/porcine-reproductive-respiratory-syndrome-virus-resistant-pigs/document.html

³  https://www.ahwcouncil.ca/pdfs/AHC_Gaps%20Analysis%20Report_February%2013_EN.pdf

⁴Osemeke, Onyekachukwu, et al. “Economic Impact of Productivity Losses Attributable to Porcine Reproductive And Respiratory Syndrome Virus in United States Pork Production, 2016 to 2020.” Preventive veterinary medicine (2025): 106627.  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0167587725002120

⁵https://genetics.org.uk/events/visions-iii-star-gazing-into-the-galaxy-of-animal-genetics-and-genomics/

⁶ Margaret Attwood, “Oryx and Crake” p202, 2003 McClelland & Stewart Ltd. Toronto.

Dr. Graham Plastow (Former Livestock Gentec CEO) attended the final meeting of the EuroFAANG project (https://eurofaang.eu/) at EMBL- European Bioinformatics Institute (EBI) in the UK in November. The meeting was organized by Emily Clark, Genome Analysis Team Leader at EBI. This was a great opportunity to continue networking with European researchers working on livestock genomics including members of the BovReg project (https://bovreg.eu/) such as Emily (see photo). BovReg incorporated detailed analysis of the Kinsella composite population at the UofA.

EuroFAANG was a Research Infrastructure Project, funded by the EU in 2023 as a natural outgrowth of the EuroFAANG collaborative effort that had seen 6 European projects come together since 2020 to bridge the gap between genomics and phenomics at the European level. The theme of the conference was “How can research infrastructures strengthen animal science in Europe and beyond?”. Gentec, a founder member of the Functional Analysis of Animal Genomes initiative (https://www.faang.org/) continues to participate in these important efforts to provide input on priorities and to also benefit from the latest developments and help refine the tools we make available for Canadian livestock producers.

Key presentations reviewed state of the art efforts on phenotyping (Practical phenotyping/tools & data management; sector perspective, Lars Peter Sørensen (VikingGenetics)) genome editing (Outcomes from the EuroFAANG Think-Tank on Genome Editing, Geena Cartick, (European Forum for Farm Animal Breeders (https://www.effab.info/) and Surrogate sires: genome editing for biobanking Mike McGrew (U. Edinburgh). Natalie Twine (CSIRO) presented some of the latest tools developed for genome analysis of quantitative traits (Scaling genomics for population-level precision health). A team from UC Dublin reviewed the application of genomics to animal disease issues (Machine learning to understand bovine tuberculosis, John O’Grady, and a discussion on future efforts led by David MacHugh). 

Finally Emily and the team set out the vision for the next initiative in this area called “GenoPHEnix”. This proposal to the ESFRI Road Map builds on the previous efforts of the EuroFAANG, PigWeb, AquaExcel3.0 and SmartCow projects to provide a consolidated research infrastructure for the science needed to meet future challenges to the Agri-Food sector. The proposal has the following aims:

• To sustainably produce and manage healthier farmed animals, with the highest welfare standards.
• To more accurately exploit animal variability through enhanced phenotyping and genotyping capacity.
• To contribute to the 3Rs (reduction, refinement, replacement) in animal research by providing suitable models for deep phenotyping in vitro as well as in vivo.
• To advance the analysis of genome function, combined with the collection of deep phenotypes and multiomics information at cell, tissue, animal and on-farm/population level resolution.

We wish them success and look forward to continuing to participate in these areas especially as Canada is now an associated member of Horizon Europe, the EU’s research Framework Programme. This enables Canadian researchers to apply for most Pillar 2 projects under the same conditions as their European counterparts.

This has been a busy year for the Livestock Gentec team. Our team has grown and we are executing on our various projects with the University of Alberta group and our collaborators. We are excited to be leading three large-scale genomics projects.  Scale is critical for genomics research to obtain a diverse genetic representation for useful and accurate predictions. For a year-end theme, we thought it would be interesting to reflect on the scale of our research projects in the last year and what is coming up next year.

Starting with our project, “Adoption of Genomic Tools”, in 2025 calendar year, we genotyped 10,393 animals, for a project total of 16,122 over 1.5 years. These genotypes have been used to generate genomic values shared with the producers enrolled in this pilot project (Learn more here). This directly lets producers put our research into practice. With this project, we have 64 producers with animals enrolled so far and we are collaborating with 8 service providers, livestock associations and producer research associations helping facilitate data collection and reporting. All animals were genotyped for 100,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). 

Next our Beef on Dairy project (see more here from our June 2025 issue), where scale is also a major part of the project. Dr. Chinyere Ekine-Dzivenu, Livestock Gentec research associate is busy with the pedigree-based genetic analysis with >200,000 animals with detailed records. In addition to the rich data set, we are collecting new genotypic and feed intake, feed efficiency and carcass quality data from related Beef on Dairy steers fed in Alberta feedlots. In 2025 we collected the feed intake and genotypic data from nearly 500 steers towards our goal of 1900 animals to complement the pedigree analysis.

Pictured: the Livestock Gentec team meeting with Olds College TACLP team. From left to right: Yaogeng Lei (Olds College), Dr. John Basarab (Gentec), Thi Lai To (Gentec), Dr. Chinyere Ekine-Dzivenu (Gentec), and Dr. Everestus Akanno (Gentec).

Last, the NSERC Alliance grant funded project “Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Canadian Beef Industry through the Development and Adoption of Genomic Tools”, we have completed 5 Animal trials in 2025, with 2 additional animal trials underway, representing 533 animals at 4 sites in Canada. Across these trials we have been collecting: genotypes, feed intake, methane emissions and fecal NIRS data (Methane reduction project article).The compiled datasets from complete trials currently have over 13,000 methane spot measurements. From these animals we have collected and processed over 1,300 fecal samples. Each fecal sample has been scanned using Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy with absorption values measured at 0.5nm increments between 400-2500nm from the visible spectra through the near infrared ranges. That means 4200 readings per spectra as a starting point.  Each dataset type requires their own pipeline to refine to analyzable formats and correlate to the other dataset types from the same trials. Finally, in this project, complementing the research site data we have a pilot project with 2,300 animals currently enrolled to evaluate genomic tools as a beneficial management practices (BMPs) (Learn more about this pilot here).

The projects above, only represent active beef genomics projects. Dr. John Basarab and Dr. Graham Plastow have led and completed a number of beef cattle genomic projects over the last 10+ years with genomic and phenotypic datasets that could contribute to current and overarching Livestock Gentec goals. Dr. Everestus Akanno, senior research associate with Livestock Gentec, is compiling these datasets from the various projects into one large reference database. Across projects various genotype formats that have been used, Dr. Akanno has implemented common format and pipeline to transform genotypes between formats (eg: nucleotide to AB and TOP-TOP format). Additionally, genotypes are imputed between densities so there is a common SNP density in database for ready analysis. This work is iterative and ongoing as there are many sources of these genotypes and phenotypes, however, in its current form, there are over 65,000 genotypes already compiled! Each project had unique aims, however, we believe these historic reference data will contribute to higher accuracy of genomic breeding values with a number of hard to measure and economically important phenotypes measured. 

We are sharing these figures to demonstrate how we are leveraging the scale of our research to drive new innovation and adoption of genomic technology. We believe adoption of this technology is important for sustainability and profitability of the beef industry. We recognize scale alone does not generate good research. It is only through world class facilities, our network of highly-competent collaborators and expert in-house team that we are able to achieve this scale of research excellence. These projects will continue for the next several years at the same pace and scale. Watch for updates as we dive into the analysis for these various datasets.

Jenny Patterson spoke at the 2025 Red Deer Swine Technology Workshop (RDSTW) on October 8th, 2025, an annual event hosted by Alberta Pork. 

It was another successful meeting this year, with over 165 local producers and farm team members in attendance to hear presentations from industry experts and to network with those in the local industry.

Jenny’s topic was “The Fertility Quadrant” and it was highlighted in the Prairie Hog Country Magazine in their December 2025 edition. Her summary is below.

Set gilts up for Success

Developed in collaboration with Dr. Sergio Canavate from PIC NA, the “Fertility Quadrant” is a concept that integrates the four critical traits of gilt development. 

• Age at puberty
• Estrus at service
• 1st service weight
• 1st service age

It is important to note that while specific recommendations may vary by genetic supplier, the underlying principles remain the same, to support gilt development to maximize sow lifetime productivity.

These traits are not four independent targets, rather, they interact with each other to influence a gilt’s future productivity and retention. The concept also encourages producers to shift the focus from short term results, such as first litter size, toward a broader outcome of long-term productivity and retention over the lifetime of a female. 

The “Fertility Quadrant” concept recognizes that gilt development is also about achieving balance between breeding gilts with the optimal mix of these targets while managing the reality of meeting breeding targets and the challenges and/or opportunities within any given farm and production system. It requires on-farm decision making in achieving these targets, while understanding the tradeoffs when one or more benchmarks are not met. 

Ultimately, we believe by setting gilts up for success early, they will have a long and productive life in your herd.

https://www.prairiehogcountry.com/2025/12/03/alberta-pork-hosts-red-deer-swine-technology-workshop/

Jennifer Patterson

Sonja Allen, PhD Candidate, University of Alberta, During my recent trip to Hendrix Genetics Headquarters in the Netherlands, I had the opportunity to engage with researchers and gain insights directly relevant to my doctoral work, “Improving Sow Lifetime Productivity (SLP) and Pig Quality through Phenotypic and Genomic Analysis.” This The visit was both intellectually stimulating and practically valuable, offering perspectives that I will apply to my research.

I was fortunate to have one-on-one interactions with team leaders such as Ton Mallens, Database Manager at Hendrix Genetics. A key lesson from our meeting was the importance of rigorous data validation and regular checks of farm tools and equipment, such as scales, feeders, and software systems, to ensure accuracy in phenotypic and genotypic records. Beyond that, I gained valuable insights into Hypor breeding goals and the relevance of trait selection in ensuring animal welfare, productivity, and health through discussions with Abe Huisman, Director of Product Excellence, and Manuel Revilla, Animal Geneticist.

During my visit, I focused on analyzing growth curves in females and connecting these growth parameters, such as the inflection point, to parity-one reproductive performance. I had the opportunity to work closely with Marco Bink, the Team Lead for Genetics & Genomics. Our regular meetings focused on optimizing data pipelines, managing large phenotype datasets, and ensuring reproducibility of results. In addition to generating growth curves and applying mixed models in R for phenotypic analysis, we also focused on genomic data analysis by troubleshooting file formatting challenges using tools such as GCTA, BLUPF90+, and Linux environments.

I further interacted with phenotyping researchers whose focus on innovations such as digital phenotyping highlighted the future direction of swine research. 

My visit also coincided with Hendrix’s anniversary celebrations, which allowed me to gain deeper insights into the company’s history and its global presence, operating in more than 25 countries and supporting producers in over 100 countries worldwide.

This experience underscored the collaborative spirit of the international research community and reinforced the global impact of integrated phenotypic and genomic approaches to livestock improvement. It also helped me appreciate the importance of my project in advancing the swine sector by contributing to the production of high-quality pigs and pork products.

We are happy to report a successful Farm Fair 2025. There were great booths, livestock shows and events that make the annual event a great stop for anyone with an interest in livestock production. As a genomics research group, we think livestock shows are a great way to demonstrate the power of selection. Phenotypes like coat colour, coat texture and animal size are all things we can see very clearly with a heritable genetic basis (See below). While the focus was on cattle, we saw the same principles in practice with the rabbit show at Farm Fair as well. Of course, we were not there just to experience it, Livestock Gentec actively participated in the events at the Farm Forward event and at the University of Alberta ALES booth.

Dr. John Basarab Livestock Gentec CEO was an expert at the “Ask an Expert” event for the Farm Forward young livestock producers’ event at Farm Fair. The day was oriented towards young livestock producers and covered a lot of ground. Financial planning, biosecurity, and mental health were just among a few of the topics discussed. The audience was also treated to our University of Alberta colleague Dr. Edward Bork presenting on the transformational power of virtual fencing in livestock grazing. The “Ask an Expert” event was a little more personal, Dr. Basarab ran a round table discussion with smaller groups who asked their questions. The groups rotated after a short discussion to get a chance to talk with more experts. It made for a frantic hour, but we think there were many great discussions and questions. We found some conversations carried over into the lunch hour. The consensus from the attendees is Farm Forward was jam-packed, but incredibly informative over a broad number of topics. We received the following encouraging statement from the organizers on Dr. Basarab’s participation:

“It is vital to the entire livestock industry of Alberta that the next generation feels informed, supported and that the future for them in this industry is viable. This is why Farmfair International has placed an emphasis on educating and supporting young adults who are interested in careers in agriculture. We appreciate passionate educators like Dr. John Basarab, who come to the Farm Forward event to share their knowledge and encouragement with our audience.”

Pictured: Dr. John Basarab speaking to avid listeners at Farm Forward November 8, 2025.

This year we were at the ALES booth all four days (November 5-8). We had great conversations with producers, high school students, members of the public, funders, and collaborators. At the booth we displayed some plain language posters and materials on our NSERC Alliance project: “Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Canadian Beef Industry through the Development and Adoption of Genomic Tools” and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural program  grant administered by Results Driven Agricultural Research (RDAR) program “Using genomics to improve the profitability and sustainability of Alberta’s beef industry”. To stimulate conversation around our material we brought a microscope with display showing dried and ground fecal material. The aim was to show what the fecal material looked like when we collected near infrared spectra on these samples (see more on fecal NIRS as a methane proxy here). As you can see from the pictures it is not immediately identifiable as cattle feces, so it made a good conversation starter when folks were wondering what they were looking at under the microscope. 

Overall the booth was a great opportunity to bring out the whole team and share our research activities.

We want to thank the University of Alberta ALES department, specifically, ALES research and innovation director Dr. Rene Dery and ALES Dean Dr. Rickey Yada, for the logistic and financial support in coordinating the event. It was also great to get to interact with other ALES research teams and learn more about their activities as well. We hope to come out next year and keep the tradition going.