The research and development projects that are currently being undertaken by the Canadian Angus Association are both member driven and generously supported by the Canadian Angus Foundation.
The Association surveys its members continuously to identify areas of concern and need in order to direct research and development.
Our goal is to develop new tools and technology that improve the competitive advantage of Canadian Angus genetic both within Canada and across the globe.
Development of genetic and genomic selection tools and technology for the commercial Angus, Charolais, and Hereford producers
Thanks to a major investment by Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) and the project partners, Canadian Angus and Canadian Hereford Associations are undertaking a 4 year project to develop accurate genomic predictions for replacement heifer selection in the commercial sector. The genomic test will provide producers with parentage verification on calves, and with breeding values on potential replacement heifers for traits like growth, fertility, and carcass quality.
RDAR's investment in this project is valued at over $978,000 cost-shared by the federal and provincial governments through the new Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). Thanks to this support, producers who participate in the first two years of development will receive all services at no cost. To participate in the development of this genomic replacement heifer selection tool, producers will need to record their calf crop, DNA sample all calves and bulls used, and retain ownership such that calf performance from the feedlot and processor can also be accessed. In return, producers will receive parent verification (to the fullest extent possible) and genomic predictions for economically relevant traits. Participating producers will also have free access to the Canadian Angus calving book app, AngusWORKS or Hereford X (an on-farm management software system formerly known as Herdtrax). A team of trained support staff will be available to help with data recording, DNA sampling, and making selection decisions based on the genomic predictions provided.
The project team is excited to extend to the commercial sector of our industry the value of the performance information and genomic information that the seedstock sector invests in. We believe this Heifer Select Program will support our commercial customers significantly by providing them with the same information on replacement heifers as they are able to access on registered breeding bulls.
For more information go to: www.cdnangus.ca/heifer-select-program/
To participate in the project please contact Dr. Kajal Latimer, Canadian Angus Association Director of Science and Technology, at klatimer@cdnangus.ca or 403-537-5604.
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