Why is this research important for Alberta ag?
Adverse effects of Heat Stress (HS) are already a significant problem for both animal welfare and productivity in the cattle industry; and they are anticipated to increase dramatically in both Canada and globally in the future. In addition, heatwaves can cause mortalities resulting in devastating economic losses. Climate change models predict that average summer temperatures and the frequency and magnitude of heat waves will increase. As a result, the number of days that cattle experience HS are expected to increase dramatically. Consequences of this include decreased feed intake, weight gain, and negative effects on reproductive performance, including lower pregnancy rates and higher embryonic loss.
Cattle are known to vary in their response to heat stress and one potential mitigation approach is genetic/genomic selection for increased thermotolerance in order to reduce the impact of HS on cattle productivity. However, in order to genetically improve a trait such as thermotolerance, it is critical that the phenotype is well characterized. Improved phenotyping will provide a strategic advantage nationally, and facilitate genotyping for thermal heat tolerance in the future.
This research aims to develop new, short-duration stress tests to determine phynotypic and genetic variation and heritability of HS resilience (thermotolerance) in different populations of beef cattle. This project will develop and demonstrate a series of phenotypic measures for selection of efficient thermotolerant cattle as well as tools to support mitigation management.
What benefits can producers expect from this research?
By characterizing HS phenotypes through short-term stress tests and aerial remote sensing, this will provide novel phenotypes for genetic and genomic selection programs, as well as support management mitigation in the short term.
How will these research findings reach producers on-farm?
Once usable variation is determined, it will be provided to breed associations and commercial bull producers, etc.
Funded in part by the Government of Canada under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.