Translating the Value of Genetic Resources and Technology within the Canadian Beef Industry

“Data-driven genetic decisions and adoption of innovative genetic technologies will benefit all segments of the Canadian beef production chain from conception right through to consumption.“
Dave Sibbald, President Canadian Beef Breeds Council

How will this research help accelerate Alberta’s agriculture industry?

Canadian beef industry can realize greater efficiencies if increased methods of standardization are implemented. Currently, the beef industry underutilizes genetic data, and significant opportunities for producers to optimize their herd genetics are missed.

This research project aims to unify and standardize genetic data capture to increase data utilization in innovative genetic decision-making tools and enhance genetic literacy across the Canadian beef production system. This collaborative research project with the Canadian Beef Improvement Network (CBIN) will springboard the development of a unified, standardized, and producer-accessible beef cattle genetics data platform.

By utilizing the CBIN platform to inform genetics decisions, producers will realize substantial benefits by capturing environmental efficiencies, improving animal and herd health and management, and validating product quality. To help our industry expand markets and compete globally, there needs to be an improvement in producers’ genetic literacy and the use of genomics within our beef industry.

Why did RDAR invest in this research project?

RDAR is proud to support this research project. This project will drive the integration and adoption of genetic innovations, standardizing genetic data capture and simplifying data access. This data-driven platform will benefit Canadian cattle producers directly. CBIN will give producers access to on-farm, on-demand genetic information to improve herd quality and inform marketing and genetic selection decisions.

Genetic data has value as a change agent. Today, genetic information is available to help producers make essential breeding decisions on fertility, growth, feed efficiency, disposition, calving ease, and carcass measures, to name a few. However, the beef industry underutilizes genetic data, and significant opportunities for producers to optimize their herd genetics are missed. By utilizing the CBIN platform to inform genetics decisions, producers will realize substantial benefits by capturing environmental efficiencies, improving animal and herd health and management, and validating product quality.

How will research knowledge be transferred and shared with producers?

A comprehensive knowledge transfer plan will be developed and implemented at the onset of the project. Considerable engagement sessions, factsheets, technical bulletins, social media strategies will be consistent across the industry and communicated through all the partners channels. Additionally, consultation and engagement with all segments of the beef production chain, which is already well underway, will direct and ensure consistent messaging and widespread circulation of the outcomes and advancements from this project.