What can the dairy industry learn from genetic selection in beef cattle, and vice versa?
That will be revealed through a four-year, $1.6 million collaborative study by the Canadian Angus Association (CAA) and Holstein Canada.
CAA Executive Director Miles Immerker said the collaboration leverages the strengths of the two breed organizations: Each organization has focused on key attributes for their respective industries, but they can share not only attributes but also data collection methods and technologies to mutual benefit.
Of all breeds, it makes sense for the largest beef cows and the largest dairy cows to work together. Dairy farmers are taking advantage of beef genes To diversify income sources and meet the high demand for beef.
Imaker said the project will explore developing tools to enhance genetic evaluation, collecting data for more accurate evaluations, and using phenotypic data collection to improve the reliability of genetic evaluations.
They are excited to identify methane emission reducing traits within the cow’s genome that will benefit both breeds and the entire beef supply chain.
Related: How the dairy industry can become a trusted beef supplier
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