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.
For more information or to participate in the project contact Michael Vinsky:
Institution: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Primary Investigator: Changxi Li
Co-Primary Investigator: John Basarab (UAlberta), Graham Plastow (UAlberta)
Term: 2021 - 2024
Funding: $487,370 Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA)