$3.4M in New Research to Advance Beef Breeding in Canada
A new project, called IntegrOmes (Integrated Genomics for Sustainable Animal Agriculture and Environmental Stewardship) -- focusing on improving beef genetics using advanced genomic tools – has been announced which will receive $3.4 million.
Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison jointly announced the investment to develop two new research facilities at the University of Saskatchewan (USask).
The funding will support the Omics Resource Centre at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) and Beef Reprotech facilities at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE). This initiative is part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), aimed at strengthening agriculture through innovation.
By identifying genetic markers linked to desirable traits and evaluating reproductive efficiency, the research will help producers make smarter, data-based breeding decisions. This will improve livestock productivity, health, and environmental sustainability in Saskatchewan and beyond.
“Innovation - like what we are seeing through genomics research - is vital to the continued success of Canada’s agriculture sector,” said Minister MacDonald.. “This shared investment with Saskatchewan will support the expanded efforts of these facilities and ensure a vibrant future for Saskatchewan’s livestock sector.”
"Genomic research is advancing rapidly, and USask is leading the way in this evolving field," said University of Saskatchewan Research Vice-President Baljit Singh.
"Our researchers are applying cutting-edge methods to advance our understanding of beef genetics, which couldn't be possible without the support of this joint funding from the provincial and federal governments. We thank them for their continued support as we aspire to be the university the world needs."
USask, along with WCVM and LFCE, plays a leading role in research and education focused on veterinary care, feedlot systems, and forage production. Their work strengthens the entire livestock production chain.