$640,000 investment in the Canadian Beef Improvement Network from RDAR

Oct 19, 2021 | 2:19 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB. — Genetic data is of profound value for Canadian Beef producers and that is underscored by the value of an investment from Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR).

In a collaborative research project with the Canadian Beef Improvement Network (CBIN), RDAR is investing $640,000 to help with development of a unified, standardized and producer-accessible beef cattle genetics data platform. The purpose is to provide beef producers with critical data that will aid in genetic decisions, while improving environmental and economic sustainability.

At this point, eight Canadian beef cattle breed associations have committed their participation in development of CBIN, under the leadership of the Canadian Beef Breeds Council. It’s expected the network will provide access to on-farm, on-demand genetic information. Right now, genetic information is available to help with essential breeding decisions on fertility, growth, feed efficiency, disposition, and calving ease. However, the data is underutilized, preventing opportunities to optimize herd genetics.

The CBIN project is unique and expected to provide a solution to an existing gap in data capture, and standardization of digitalization in beef production. By using the platform, producers will see substantial benefits in environmental efficiences, improved herd health and validation of product quality.

David Sibbald, President of the Canadian Beef Breeds Council and Chair of the Canadian Beef Improvement Network, sees he collaborative framework of CBIN genetic advancements and innovation as vitally important for the beef industry.

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“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. Genetics has the potential to create benefits across the board, in the areas including, but not limited to, production efficiencies, environmental sustainability, animal health and welfare, food security and food product outcomes.”

RDAR Director of Research, Clinton Dobson, notes Alberta produces some of the best beef in the world and he wants to see that advantage maintained.

“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. By understanding and sharing the linkages of beef genetic data, along with other production metrics, we will see increased profitability and competitiveness in our industry.”

Within RDAR’s funding contribution, $576,000.00 comes from the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP). The total $640,000 will be provided over 18 months.

To learn more about this RDAR research project, please visit rdar.ca/research

by Dori Modney with files from RDAR