PARTNERSHIPS
A vital part of the Canadian success in animal breeding is the way all partners work together. Since the 1950's three groups: breed associations; performance recording and A.I have worked together developing state-of-the art systems with one goal - improving performance. Through working together, sharing information and finding solutions each partner contributes to the common goal of a healthy, profitable livestock genetics industry. Advanced Canadian systems provide reliable unbiased data to Canadian farmers and their customers.
BREED ASSOCIATIONS
Breeder Driven Generations of Canadian farmers have been passionate about livestock breeding and food production. The skill and knowledge that has been developed has been inspired by the goal of improving performance. As a result Canadian livestock achieve top rankings worldwide, keeping Canada at the forefront of the industry, while delivering cost efficient production regardless of the environment.
ID
The twenty-first century is seeing increased international commerce, people movement and animal movement. Worldwide there is a growing inter-dependency of international economies and policies. For the livestock genetics industry this changing environment places a growing emphasis on animal identification, health tracking and food safety systems. Producers are making an investment in traceability and animal identification programs. A totally integrated national electronic identification system for animals starts at birth and lasts a lifetime. This system exceeds international standards for national identification and trace back.
TYPE CLASSIFICATION
Canada’s type classification program is highly respected. This system has been implemented around the world. Canadian Holstein breeders are truly proud of this unique product which is now extended to all other dairy breeds.
ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION
Canadian artificial insemination companies sample 650 dairy bulls worldwide every year. Proven Canadian sires are sires of sons in all markets. Dairy producers have come to rely on the stability and superior achievements that Canadian bulls have to offer. This is why Canada - a country that has less than 2% of the global dairy cattle - supplies more than 20% of the world market.
PERFORMANCE RECORDING
Milk Recording: In addition to milk yields, producers are provided with fat, protein, SCS and other management traits and evaluations for herd health, reproduction and heifer performance. This detailed information is available to producers in hard copy or through internet reports.
Beef Performance Recording:
Genetic Evaluation Centres:
The Canadian Dairy Network conducts genetic evaluations for Canada and for other countries. Production traits, conformation and auxiliary traits are evaluated. The Lifetime Profit Index gives breeders the tool to combine multiple traits. The success of the Canadian system is based upon maintaining a consistently superior rate of breed improvement. Canada is a leader in genetic advancement. The result for all producers is performance that is both productive and profitable.
Genetic Evaluations: Beef and Small Ruminants
Embryo Transfer:
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Government and various partners in industry work in close cooperation to coordinate the movement of products from the farm to the consumer.
ACCESSIBLE INFORMATION
Health
The Canadian reputation for Health and Bio-Security is built upon the tradition of monitoring at all levels. From farms to high tech laboratories, farm fields and barns, through veterinarians and government, to the world. Through on-farm training of producers, combined with co-operative government regulations and programs. Canada has been a source of high quality disease-free livestock and genetics.
Canadian producers adhere to strict regulations - HACCP - and animal welfare to produce healthy, nutritious food. Producers use detailed record keeping and regulations and work closely with their veterinarians to ensure that food safety is number one in priority. Canada is an active participant in the World Animal Health Organization (OIE) where we work on the development and implementation of international standards, protocols and procedures. Canada currently has representatives on all of the technical working groups at the OIE, including animal welfare. Canada is also home to 68 international reference labs for animal disease. Canada is currently in the process of implementing a data collection system for health and disease incidence information in Canada.
The change in handling disease is that countries now recognize the severe economic and social consequences of border closures. All countries are equally vulnerable should they impose restrictions that are not scientifically justified. There is now a greater awareness and willingness of governments to invest in surveillance, to be transparent, to remove barriers on trade where it can be done scientifically and safely. There is a growing willingness to invest in disease control activities for the benefit of the global marketplace.
CFIA
While the livestock industry actively participates in the development of animal health policies in Canada, their implementation under the National Health of Animals Program is the responsibility of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency which is an agency of the Canadian Federal Government.
Research & Innovation
Confident breeding decisions are based upon unbiased and accurate information. Keeping pace with the demands of breeders and the availability of new technologies ensures that improvements to the system are continuous. Canadian scientists are often the ones leading the way.
Genetic evaluation animal models are far more complex and highly sophisticated today.
- MACE was developed by a Canadian scientist.
- The Test Day Model procedures were developed by Canadian scientists.
- We are developing systems for reproductive performance that are state-of-the-art.
The functional long-lived cow of the future requires a combination of good science and good cow sense. The challenge to breeders is to make sure that we have the correct balance of herd life information, conformation information and, of course, production information. In the future, cattle breeding will be different, but the challenge will be the same, and that is to put together all the information available to try to make progress.
PROVEN PERFORMANCE
Accurate and Stable Information
The Canadian industry continues to incorporate new technologies (genomics) to proven technology (progeny test) to make the information as accurate and useful as possible.
Benchmarks
In terms of semen usage and maximization of the top bulls, there are about 24 or 25 bulls around the world who have produced and sold more than one million doses of semen. Of those 24 bulls eight are from Canada. This shows not only the popularity of these bulls, but also the capability of the barn staff and the people in the lab to collect high quality semen on a regular basis to produce such high volumes.
- Aerostar and Starbuck have 1.7 million paternal grand-daughters in 30 different countries.
Canadian cows adapt well to many different management environments. Canadians have moved from the small, tie stall dairies that dotted the landscape so frequently in the past to larger, more modern confinement housing facilities, where cows have to live and be durable in much different sort of conditions.
Quality Assurance
Training and Development
Development of future leaders, both domestically and abroad is priority number one. Educating producers and personnel to provide superior expertise and products is vital. This is achieved through 4-H clubs, junior member programs, international exchanges and through education at leading universities throughout the country. By working together with future domestic and international leaders Canadian values and expertise are shared around the world.
Technology Transfer
Canadian personnel take active consulting roles in global organizations, including The World Animal Health Organization, Interbull, the International Committee on Animal Recording and world breed federations. Our products include genetic information, technologies, systems and people. Our best livestock genetics ambassadors are the passionate breeders who produce them.
Adaptability
LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE
Representatives from twenty-four countries came together at the “Endless Performance Conference” held in Ottawa, Canada in November 2006. The benefit of this internation
al meeting wasn’t that breeders, researchers, global partners and government officials all came together trying to reach the same viewpoint. The benefit was that they all came together to share their different perspectives and learn something that could carry the Livestock Genetics industry forward. With commitment, leadership, passion and vision, Canadian livestock owners will always be improving. The CLGA is ready to work with you.
