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

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 

The Gentec Swine group is excited to showcase our latest results from our research collaboration with Hypor Hendrix Genetics Swine at the Banff Pork Seminar (January 6-8th, 2026). 

This collaborative work is focused on gilt development and sow lifetime productivity, with the goal of improving the competitiveness and sustainability of the Canadian pig industry.

Come by and see the posters and chat with the students.

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

There will also be a RDAR Research Showcase January 21, 2026. The event will be held in person at the Renaissance Edmonton Airport Hotel, with a virtual attendance option available. Please see link here for registration and event information. The event will include some interesting presentations and a fireside chat and Q&A with Deputy Minister Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation Jason Hale. After closing remarks there will be a poster session and networking event. Look for some of the Gentec team at the event.

Banff Pork Seminar Materials

Sonja Allen (PhD candidate)

“From Growth Curve to Breeding Decisions: Linking Gilt Development to Parity One Success”

Sonja’s poster highlights the opportunity to utilize the inflection point from gilt growth curve modeling as the key biological signal to time first breeding, which is essential for improving P1 outcome, sow retention, and profitability.  

Kayla Patey (MSc candidate)

“Identifying Birthweight Phenotype in Sows to Improve Replacement Gilt Management”

Kayla’s poster explores the possibility of earlier selection against sows with low litter birthweight phenotypes (LBWP) to predict future average litter birthweight patterns, supporting more efficient gilt selection and herd management.  

Morgan Rioch (BSc undergraduate student)

“Feed Intake in First Parity Lactation: Impact on Weight Loss and Subsequent Performance“

Morgan’s poster emphasizes the importance of feed intake during lactation in parity 1 sows as a critical component of parity 1 management, and how it impacts sow weight loss during first lactation, breeding efficiency and subsequent reproductive performance. 

We want to thank Morgan for all her hard work over the past two years as our undergraduate summer student.  Congratulations to Morgan as she finishes her Bachelor of Science in Animal Bioscience, at the University of Saskatchewan this December. Lucky for us, she won’t be going far, she will be joining the Gentec Beef Team to start her Masters of Science in January.

Take a look at some of Livestock Gentec’s material from the 2025 Banff Pork Seminar (BPS highlights 2025)

Karen Haugen-Kozyra president of Viresco Solutions Inc. was presented the 2025 ASTech Award for Agriculture and Agri-Food celebrated at the November 7, 2025 Gala in Calgary. Viresco Solutions Inc. won this award for their work on “Agri-Carbon Innovator Driving Sustainable Farming and Market Impact”. The award was presented by Bob Schulz, Professor, University of Calgary. See Karen at the Gala in the photo below. Join us in wishing a big congratulations to the Viresco Solutions Inc. team.

When they are not busy winning awards, Viresco Solutions Inc. is collaborating with Livestock Gentec in preparing a draft carbon offset protocol for cow-calf operations using genomic tools for the NSERC Alliance grant funded project “Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Canadian Beef Industry through the Development and Adoption of Genomic Tools”. We are grateful for their expertise in leading us through this highly technical process. Specifically, Karen Haugen-Kozyra has very relevant experience in protocol development in Alberta through her involvement in developing the Fed cattle carbon offset protocol in the Alberta Offset system and Selecting for Low Residual Feed Intake in Beef Cattle protocol – both recognized protocols in the federal Offset System.  This previous experience gives us a huge advantage in avoiding pitfalls in the process. As recognized experts in this area, they are also a major help in contacting and pulling together the internationally recognized experts for the advisory committee for review of the scientific discussion document. They have been a huge asset to the project team and it is exciting to see their efforts recognized.

These were the 36th annual ASTech awards. ASTech or Alberta Science and Technology Leadership Foundation recognizes outstanding achievement in science or technology in Alberta since 1990. There were 20 award categories for 2025. Among these other categories, Dr. David Wishart, University of Alberta colleague and Gentec collaborator was the winner of the 2025 ASTech AI / ML & Quantum Award. We are very supportive of efforts to recognize excellence in science and technology in Alberta. We congratulate all the winners, and here is to another year of innovation in Alberta.

This has been an eventful year for us and looking back there have been a lot of highlights. Our leadership team: Dr. John Basarab CEO and Dr. Graham Plastow Former-CEO have a year-end message for our readers.

“When we reflect on the last 12 months we are amazed at how much has been achieved by the team including all our collaborators and industry partners.  These include partners across Canada as well as overseas. This has been built on the long-term support of the Faculty ALES and Department of AFNS along with the partnership researchers at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Thanks to everyone for your support”

Pictured: Livestock Gentec team enjoying some Delicious Bits at the Olds College National Meat Training Centre shop after our site visit to TACLP feedlot to check on some project animals. Left to right: Dr. Chinyere Ekine-Dzivenu, Thi Lai To, and Dr. Everestus Akanno

Pictured: Dr. John Basarab Livestock Gentec CEO speaks to an engaged group at “Ask an Expert” during Farm Forward (Nov 8, 2025).

We’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Chinyere Ekine-Dzivenu back to the University of Alberta and Livestock Gentec. Dr. Ekine-Dzivenu is a quantitative geneticist and livestock genomics scientist with extensive experience applying advanced genetic and genomic tools to improve livestock productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability. She earned her PhD and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Alberta, where she applied genomic tools to enhance feed efficiency and carcass quality in beef cattle.

In her new role she is advancing genetic and genomic tools to improve the sustainability, profitability, and environmental performance of beef production in Canada while contributing to teaching and fostering international partnerships and collaborations that link and ensure research innovations translate into practical on-farm impact, reflecting her passion for climate-smart, farmer-focused livestock improvement.

She remains seconded to the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), where she contributes to designing genomic selection strategies and digital platforms, data systems, and farmer support services, to drive continuous improvements in smallholder dairy systems across sub-Saharan and Asia enhancing productivity profitability, and climate-resilience.

Her dual appointment strengthens collaboration between both institutions, aligning research with practical on-farm applications, expanding funding opportunities, and supporting capacity building, technology transfer, and climate-smart livestock improvement in both hemispheres.

Dr. Ekine-Dzivenu is passionate about mentoring students, training the next generation of scientists, and fostering multidisciplinary collaborations that bridge research and industry, ensuring tangible benefits for farmers.

The Canadian agriculture industry is striving to balance both sustainability and productivity, targeting net zero emissions by 2050 and a doubling in agriculture productivity by 2030 (Government of Canada 2024). Within beef cattle production in Canada, 53-54% of greenhouse gases (GHG) are from enteric methane emissions (Basarab et al. 2012). Therefore, measurement of beef cattle methane emissions is critical for the understanding of how feed additives, vaccines, diet quality, hybrid vigour, genetic selection for feed efficiency and other best management practices for mitigating methane interact with economically important traits. We can measure these enteric gas emissions from animals in several ways. For example, the GreenFeed Emissions Monitoring (GEM) System™, takes measures of methane, carbon dioxide and hydrogen from respired and  eructated (burps) gases of cattle during voluntary visitations to the system. While the GEM system provides automated and noninvasive collection of enteric gases, it is expensive specialized equipment that limits its use to primarily research sites. As such, low cost proxy measures can allow for large data collections at multiple sites. Expanding the collection of enteric methane measures will improve methodologies for reducing GHG from beef production. This could be useful when applied to development and validation of genomic breeding values and other mitigation strategies. This article will give some detail on how we are approaching this problem in our project.

The project “Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Canadian Beef Industry through the Development and Adoption of Genomic Tools” with Livestock Gentec CEO Dr. John Basarab as PI, has been mentioned in previous articles [In the field Dec 2024; Livestock Gentec March 2025 Research Update; June 2025 NSERC pilot]. A  project goal is to develop a methane emission prediction equation using Near Infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) conducted on dried and ground fecal samples. 

NIRS measures the absorption of energy across the near infrared wavelengths (700-2500nm) of the electromagnetic spectrum. The absorption value from NIRS at certain wavelengths are associated with bend and stretch characteristics of various chemical bonds in a sample. We can use this variation to develop equations that predict useful attributes of the sample. For example: digestibility of of feed sample, moisture content in grain, protein content in milk, and fat content in ground meats have all shown good prediction and form the basis for industry quality testing.

In our case, we are analyzing NIRS of fecal samples to predict methane emissions. Enteric gas emissions in beef cattle are related to the fermentation of feed by rumen microbes. For example, archea microorganisms are a group of methanogens in the rumen associated with methane production. We believe we can utilize these spectra to predict GHG enteric emissions, based on the composition of metabolites in the feces. Project collaborator Dr. Amélie Vanlierde from Walloon Agricultural Research Centre in Belgium conducted similar research with fecal NIRS and observed a moderate prediction accuracy of fecal NIRS and beef and dairy cattle enteric emissions (Vanlierde et al. 2022).

NIRS data are rich in information about sample component composition. However, the data can be noisy with interference caused by factors unrelated to composition. These factors include attributes such as particle size and moisture content. Our mitigation for this is consistent methodology across sites and fecal processing. For fecal processing, samples are dried and ground to one mm to improve the consistency of the material for spectra collection. We also conduct a series of mathematical transformations to spectra to mitigate these noise factors. Both physical and statistical processing can be applied to improve the quality of NIR spectra data for analysis.

NIRS can collect absorption values every 0.5nm wavelength. This means there can be as many as 4200 absorption values for each sample. There is rich literature exploring the best statistical methods and evaluation techniques for NIRS data analysis. Researchers commonly use Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) to link an attribute to NIRS spectra. We can validate results with cross-validation or a training-test set split approaches. 

Figure 1: pre and post transformation spectra following SNV-D + first derivative transformation.

Finally, there are questions about the scalability of fecal NIRS as a proxy. Fecal drying and grinding, along with laboratory grade NIRS equipment which are expensive create barriers to data collection. These are good practices for the best quality data; however, there is value in exploring a more field-ready approach to expand the scope of potential data collection. To approach this goal, we are also collecting spectra using a portable NIRS on fresh fecal samples. In an ideal case, this would allow us to collect this data ‘chute-side’ at high volume.

Currently we have collected over 1350 spectra on 267 animals across four trials at three sites (Roy Berg Kinsella Research Station; Lakeland College and the Maritime Bull Test Station). Trials at Olds College Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production led by Sean Thompson are also underway. We will continue to run trials through 2028 and plan to add data from Dr. Gabriel Ribeiro at the University of Saskatchewan. These trials will include cows, heifers, bulls, native steers, and beef-on-dairy steers. Research sites will use a variety of feeds including high forage-based rations and high-grain finishing diets. This will help to produce a large dataset with high variability. The large and diverse dataset will help us to evaluate  these NIRS based enteric emission predictions.

Figure 2: Labelled fecal samples collected from Lakeland College by Dr. Obioha Duranna and team.

 Citations:

Basarab, J., V. Baron, O. López-Campos, J. Aalhus, K. Haugen-Kozyra, E. Okine. 2012.

Greenhouse gas emissions from calf- and yearling-fed beef production systems, with and without the use of growth promotants. Animals, 2:195–220.

Government of Canada 2024. Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero hunger. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/agenda-2030/zero-hunger.html  [accessed August 27, 2025].

Vanlierde, A, F. Dehareng, A. Mertens, M. Mathot, A. Lefevre, et al 2022. Estimation of methane eructed by dairy and beef cattle using faecal near-infrared spectra. 73. Annual Meeting of the European Federation of Animal Science, EAAP, Sep 2022, Porto, Portugal. pp.333. ⟨hal-04792528⟩

Mark Johnson of OSU Extension recently published an article on the economics of herd expansion where he provides an excellent overview of the current value of replacement heifers and the economic drivers behind expansion decisions.

He highlights that while calf prices are at record highs, rebuilding the cow herd has been slow. Drought, high interest rates, and the capital required to purchase or raise breeding females continue to hold producers back. Yet, from a breakeven perspective, this may actually be the best time in years to add new females—today it takes about 2.75 calves to pay for a bred heifer, compared to 4.5 on average, and as many as 9 back in 2015.

 For those looking to expand their herd, we advocate using genomic tools to improve profitability and sustainability. Tools developed by Gentec, such as EnVigour HX™ (which measures retained heterozygosity to maximize hybrid vigor), and genomic indexes for heifer fertility and lifetime productivity  (Replacement Heifer Profit IndexTM and Feeder Profit IndexTM), allow producers to identify replacement females with the greatest potential for fertility, resilience, and long-term profitability.

By combining today’s favorable economic signals with genomics-driven selection, producers can reduce risk, improve herd productivity, and ensure that every replacement investment pays off well into the future.

Read Mark’s full article here:

https://www.angus.org/angus-media/angus-beef-bulletin/abb-extra/2025/08/fp_current-value-of-replacement-heifers

Contact Gentec today to learn how these tools can fit into your herd expansion strategy.

lgentec@ualberta.ca

Gentec’s producer pilot project for the NSERC-SSHRC funded project: Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Canadian Beef Industry through the Development and Adoption of Genomic Tools is attracting interest across Canada. Most recently Dr. John Basarab (Livestock Gentec CEO) and Jordan Roberts (Project Manager), had a virtual meeting with CDPQ and Quebec beef industry stakeholders to discuss how genomic technologies can help the beef industry become more sustainable.

November 4-9, 2025 Livestock Gentec team members will be attending Farm Fair at the Edmonton Expo Centre. Farm Fair has many agriculture focused events and activities. If you want to learn more about our research or our projects, come by see the booth. Among the other events, will be Farm Forward a young producer ‘unconference’ with various sessions and activities. You can also catch Dr. Basarab at Farm Forward during at the Ask an Expert, event. This event uses a short individual interview style event to be more accessible. Attendees will be able to ask the experts about how they can apply their expertise to their operations.

We are also happy to share that Dr. Basarab’s research on genomics to reduce methane emissions in cattle is featured in the 2025 University of Alberta annual report on Research and Innovation. 

Jenny Patterson will be speaking at the upcoming  Swine Technology Workshop hosted by Alberta Pork in Red Deer Alberta on October 8th, 2025.This well-attended yearly event brings together producers and industry experts to discuss the latest developments in swine research and provides valuable networking opportunities for everyone who attends. This year, topics cover a wide range of industry relevant topics, including “Ventilation and What to Look For”, “Sow Mortality – Genetic and Management Opportunities”, “Sow Productivity and Grow Finish Optimization” and “A Day in the Life of a Slaughter Plant”. Jenny will be speaking on “The Quadrant” – highlighting the key components for gilts’ eligibility at breeding to improve sow lifetime productivity. We hope to see you there.

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

1. Contact Livestock Gentec (403-660-4155); lsgentec@ualberta.ca)
2. Complete intake survey and intake forms
3. Collect tissue samples from pilot project animals
4. Collect production data for pilot baseline defined in supplied templates
5. Attend BMP workshop
6. Year 1 production cycle – genotyping and baseline operation data collection from cow-calf producers
7. Year 2 production cycle- implementation of pilot BMPs on farm
8. GHG emissions analysis and producer interviews
9. 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

One of Gentec’s Core Values is the transfer of science into practice by getting knowledge and tools directly into the hands of producers.

We focus on developing research projects that deliver clear value to the industry – often driven from the questions and needs from the industry itself. In doing so, we not only find answers to industry questions, but also help train the next generation of industry leaders.

We bring science into practice in many ways—through participation in industry conferences, local producer-focused meetings, podcasts, media interviews, farm visits, and on-farm team training, to name a few. We also focus on developing practical tools and resources that support informed, data-driven decision-making at the farm level.

Below are a few examples of how the Gentec Swine KKT team has been active in fulfilling our commitment.

Conference Spotlight: Science Meets Practice in Gilt Development

On March 25-26^th, Gentec’s Jenny Patterson was an invited speaker at the 2025 Ontario Swine Conference– marking the first year the London Swine Conference and Ontario Pork’s Annual General Meeting werecombined. The conference provided science-backed insights to help drive progress in Ontario’s swine sector with over 500 of the industy’s best in attendance.

Jenny joined TJ Klopp and Kendra Foran from Cedar Villa Farms in a session titled “Gilts: The Foundation of Your Herd – Science into Practice”. Together they delivered a combination of science based research findings with the practical on-farm side of raising and managing replacement gilts. TJ, a 7th-generation farmer from Zurich, ON, and Kendra, the Barn Manager at Cedar Villa’s Gilt Developer Barn, shared how their operation—marketing 100,000 hogs annually—puts science into practice.

Producer Meeting: Knowledge transfer to Alberta Producers

On April 30^th, 2025, Jenny Patterson was a special guest speaker at the Prairie Livestock Veterinarians Producer Meeting in Strathmore, Alberta. The event brought together a small group of Alberta producers for discussions on key industry topics.

PLV Veterinarian’s Dr. Jessica Law presented on “Industry and International Disease Updates” and Dr. Rienske Mortier spoke on “Practical Treatment and Euthanasia”. Jenny’s session, focused on “Gilt Development – Start with the End in Mind“.

PodCast Alert: Strengthening Gilt Development for Long-Term Productivity

In March, Jenny was invited to the Popular Pig Podcast with Matthew Rooda. The Popular Pig Podcast presents information on the latest trends, news, and research from various experts that guide the global pork industry.

As highlighted, Jenny and Matt discussed a variety topics including “Why a strong gilt development program is key to narrowing the gap between genetic potential and on-farm performance”, “How early culling and poor retention after parity one are major roadblocks to sow lifetime productivity—and what can be done about it”, and “What “fertility quadrant” targets you should hit for optimal breeding success—and why data and body condition tracking post-parity1 are just as vital”.

Strengthening Gilt Development for Long-Term Productivity | Jennifer Patterson

Research in Action: Gentec Back in the Barn with the NSERC Alliance Project

Our NSERC Alliance project with our research partner Hypor Genetics in Saskatchewan continues to move forward. This 4-year project will identify the underlying genetic and phenotypic relationships between different traits in order to achieve more balanced selection to improve sow lifetime productivity, production profitability and sustainability.

We are back in the barn this summer collecting more data and learning new things! We are delighted that Morgan Rioch joined us again, we highlighted her in the “Delicious Bits” article in August 2024.

New to the barn this summer, is of our MSc student, Kayla Patey. Kayla completed a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, Animal Science at the University of Guelph in 2023 and joined the Gentec team in November 2023 as a Research Assistant, presenting her first poster at the Banff Pork Seminar in January 2024. Before that, Kayla left an exciting career in the gaming and film industry, first earning a diploma in Game Development before coming back to her agriculture roots.

Kayla’s focus will be related to “Litter of Origin Traits” and how pre-weaning growth performance is associated with pre-weaning mortality and subsequent selection and performance in the gilt pool.

Science into Practice: Supporting the farm team

A key part of Jenny’s role at Gentec is supporting Alberta’s producers by putting “Science into Practice”.

Jenny collaborates with industry groups with a focus on gilt management, with the goal of improving lifetime productivity and retention. She loves working with farm production data, through which powerful insights can be developed to make data-driven decisions that positively affect overall herd performance.

Through on-farm visits and virtual calls, Jenny connects with the people who make it all happen—the farm teams—looking at farm data and showing how it translates into day-to-day practices related to gilt development and sow lifetime productivity. In the December 2024 issue of Delicious Bits we shared positive feedback from an industry partner that our activities are helping get the information “to the people in the barn who can make the difference in performance”.