News in Brief:
– Canada’s Agriculture Minister announces $1.6 million funding to enhance genetic evaluation tools for Canadian cattle.
– Advanced technologies like AI and machine learning will improve profitability, sustainability, and animal welfare.
The Canadian cattle industry, a key economic driver, is setting new benchmarks in genetic evaluation to enhance cattle quality and sustainability. Here’s a look at recent developments and their global relevance.
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, recently announced a substantial investment of up to $1,627,270. This funding, allocated to the Canadian Angus Association (CAA) through the AgriScience Program, aims to enhance genetic evaluation tools for Canadian beef and dairy cattle.
Importance of genetic selection tools
Genetic selection tools enable cattle producers to improve their return on investment by accurately predicting desirable traits. These traits not only boost producer profitability but also align with environmental sustainability and consumer preferences. The challenge lies in managing and analysing large volumes of data, a task made more manageable with advanced technologies.
With federal support, the CAA will employ cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and computer vision systems. These technologies will capture extensive data on traits crucial to profitability, animal health, welfare, and environmental sustainability. This initiative is expected to provide valuable insights into genetic selection, promoting new systems and technologies for advanced breeding tools.
Investing in these innovations helps maintain high-quality herds and supports a more productive and profitable cattle industry. Canadian cattle genetics are already renowned globally, and these advancements will further solidify Canada’s reputation.
Benefits for global farmers
Farmers worldwide can benefit from the insights gained through this research. Improved genetic evaluation tools can lead to healthier, more productive herds, enhancing the profitability of farms globally.
The focus on environmental sustainability means that these advancements will help farmers adopt practices that are not only profitable but also eco-friendly. Efficient cattle breeding contributes to reducing the carbon footprint of livestock farming.
Key facts and figures
- As of January 1, 2024, the Canadian cattle and calf herd totals 11.1 million across 70,490 farms and ranches.
- In 2023, Canadian cattle and calf sales generated $15 billion, with an additional $8.6 billion from milk and cream sales.
- The AgriScience Program aims to accelerate innovation in agriculture, supporting pre-commercial science activities beneficial to the sector.
