Building Sustainability
Sire Progeny Links = Performance, Profitability & Sustainability The future adoption of sire-progeny links and verification by commercial beef producers could improve genetic selection opportunities of high-producing bulls, in turn improving efficiencies and overall production levels of the Alberta Beef Industry. The Technology Access Centre for Livestock Production (TACLP) at Olds College is in its third year of research alongside Blindman Beef and Bison evaluating sire-progeny links, breeding plans, and information management in multi-sire breeding scenarios. Commercial herds in Alberta will often run multiple bulls in a single pasture with cows; knowing which bulls sired specific offspring can help producers understand sires’ current and future contribution to performance, profitability and sustainability — and track offspring data to make informed breeding decisions.
“High conception rates are an important measure when considering herd profitability, and ensuring adequate bull power during the breeding season will support this,” states Sean Thompson, Manager of the Olds College TACLP. “However, investigating the value that each bull contributes in a multi-sire pasture requires sire verification of offspring, and this is not commonly done within the industry. Our research project aims to shed light on the merit of individual bulls in these commercial operations.” This applied research project utilizes Quantum Genetix’s DNA test and BIXSco Inc. software for improved on-farm data collection and record-keeping, and aims to highlight the benefits of new agriculture technologies for livestock producers. In addition to Blindman Beef and Bison, West-Central Forage Association (WCFA) and Lakeland College are partner
12 Olds College Horizons
