Challenges in Sustaining Beef and Temperate Grasslands in Alberta

Posted on October 13, 2021October 13, 2021

Developing tools to help producers select cattle and manage grazing to maintain productivity and build public trust in sustainability

Grazing is regarded as the most beneficial use of temperate grasslands from both an agricultural and ecological point of view. However, scientists and consumers are often conflicted about the environmental footprint of beef production and the complex relationship between cow-calf production and grassland conservation. The aim of this project is to understand how the variation in pastures, forage grasses, cattle genetics and pasture microbes work together to influence sustainable beef production. Tools will be developed to help producers decide which cattle are better for the grasses on their land and to align forage availability with cattle nutritional needs. The environmental benefits of grazing grasslands will be measured to help build public trust in the beef industry

Download the full project summary here.

For more information on this project, please contact Livestock Gentec:

Phone: 780.248.1740
lsgentec@ualberta.ca

Improvement of Feed Efficiency, Carcass Traits, Fertility and Profitability in Commercial Beef Cattle

Posted on September 1, 2021September 1, 2021

Acceleration of genetic improvement of Canadian seedstock though increased use of genomic technologies and development of multi-trait indexes that perform in commercial crossbred cattle

Genomic tools can help the beef industry address challenges in global competitiveness, production efficiency, and sustainability. This project bought together international leaders in beef genomics to leverage vast amounts of genomic data and deliver commercial value to producers. The first ‘made in Canada’ genomic tool was developed to assess hybrid vigour (degree of cross-breeding). High hybrid resulted in a net return of $160/cow/year and was associated with improved fertility, stayability, feed efficiency and health resilience. Additionally, two multi-trait indices are being developed for commercial crossbred cattle in Alberta. 1) Feeder Profit Index to improve growth, feed efficiency, carcass quality and profitability in feeder cattle and 2) Replacement Heifer Profit Index to improve hybrid vigour, feed efficiency, fertility and lifetime return for cows in the herd.

Download the full project summary here.

For more information on this project or genomic testing and indexes, please contact Livestock Gentec:

Phone: 780.248.1740
lsgentec@ualberta.ca

Genetic Analyses of Feed Intake, Feed Efficiency, Female Fertility, and Cow Lifetime Productivity in Beef Cattle Raised in Two Environments

Posted on September 1, 2021September 1, 2021

Optimization of a multiple trait selection index for replacement heifers to reduce production costs and increase sustainability of beef production

Feed efficiency, feed intake, production performance, and fertility are major determinants of sustainable beef production. Understanding genetic correlations among these traits is crucial for optimizing multiple trait selection indices that improve calf crop percentage and sustainability. This project aims to develop a genomic selection tool for improved feed efficiency while maintaining or improving heifer/cow reproductive performance. An accurate and reliable multi-trait selection index for heifers and cows will improve feed efficiency and sustainability, as well as profitability and competitiveness. Production of more efficient cows with improved performance will reduce production cost and carbon intensity.

Download the full project summary here.

For more information on this project or genomic testing and indexes, please contact Livestock Gentec:

Phone: 780.248.1740
lsgentec@ualberta.ca

Demonstrating the Impact of Genomics-Enhanced Whole Herd Genetic Management Platform on Reducing Beef GHG Emissions

Posted on September 1, 2021September 1, 2021

Reducing beef cattle greenhouse gas emissions can be achieved through an effective and accessible genomic selection and whole herd genetic management program

More efficient cattle consume less feed and produce less GHG emissions than inefficient cattle. Additionally, cattle with enhanced retained hybrid vigour (more cross-breeding) have improved reproductive performance and reduced GHG emissions. Beef cattle GHG emissions can be reduced through genetic selection, but the industry lacks effective and science based tools to select and breed more efficient cattle with maximum hybrid vigour. This project aims to demonstrate the genomics enhanced whole herd management platform to the beef industry. The adoption of this tool can help the beef industry make genomic decisions for their herd more easily and contribute towards improved efficiency and sustainability.

Download the full project summary here.

For more information or to participate in the project contact Michael Vinsky:

michael.vinsky@ualberta.ca
https://www.beefgenomicprediction.ca/