More focus being put on genetic evaluation in beef and dairy cattle

Jun 10, 2024

The Canadian Angus Association will receive over $1.6 million to improve genetic evaluation tools for Canadian beef and dairy cattle.

Federal Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay announced the funding on Friday noting that Canada's world-class cattle industry contributes significantly to our country's economy.

"By investing in new innovations and technologies, we can enhance the industry's economic and environmental sustainability - putting more money in the pockets of producers, and more top-quality Canadian products on tables around the world."

In total $1,627,270 is being made available to the Canadian Angus Association (CAA), through the AgriScience Program - Projects Component.

Myles Immerkar, CEO, of the Canadian Angus Association says working with Holstein Canada, their goal is to leverage cutting-edge camera and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to develop new ways to measure traits for Angus and Holstein cattle that impact producer profitability, animal health and welfare, and environmental sustainability.

" We are very grateful to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for supporting our project through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Through this project, and in partnership with Holstein Canada, our goal is to leverage cutting-edge camera and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to develop new ways to measure traits for Angus and Holstein cattle. These traits impact producer profitability, animal health and welfare, and carcass quality."

This research work will provide beef and dairy producers with valuable knowledge on genetic selection and support the development of new systems and technologies to further advance breeding tools elevating Canada's reputation when comes to cattle genetics around the world.

Stats show that in 2023, farm cash receipts from the sale of Canadian cattle and calves totaled $15 billion, in addition to the $8.6 billion generated from milk and cream sold from dairy farms, all while supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs directly and indirectly.

Source : Pembinavalley online

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