It has accelerated genetic progress, and could help livestock industries in future Livestock producers are under increasing pressure to produce more protein with fewer resources, and face scrutiny from consumers over issues such as water and land use, climate change and antimicrobial resistance. To meet these challenges, genetic advancements, particularly the use of genomics, can […] Read more
Tag Archives genomics — page 2
Genomics can help meet future challenges
Genomics research moving Ontario hazelnuts closer to production
Researchers continue to learn how to adapt hazelnuts to Ontario’s climate
A genomics-based research project at the University of Guelph is moving the establishment of an Ontario hazelnut industry one step closer to reality. Hazelnut development work has been underway in the province for about a decade, driven by farmers seeking new crops to grow and a large confectionary company keen to source their key ingredient […] Read more
Mobile genetic testing technology wins Guelph pitch competition
Harvest Genomics aims to provide on-location genetic testing of food
A Guelph-based start-up with plans to bring mobile genetic testing to agriculture was the winner of the second annual University of Guelph Gryphon’s LAAIR pitch competition, held online May 27. Harvest Genomics will use its $10,000 prize to develop and bring to market a portable DNA system that will make testing capabilities currently only available […] Read more
From bugs to vaccines, genomics to biopesticides
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s London research station touches farms from crops to livestock
Tucked away in a quiet residential neighbourhood in London, Ont., is a building where researchers delve into some of agriculture’s most pressing issues. The Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) London Research and Development Centre has scientists working on myriad projects, such as combatting new invasive pests threatening fruit crops, using insect meal as a protein […] Read more
Beef genomic selection finds its stride
Research is ongoing to find new traits and figure out genetic correlations to make the best breeding choice
Picking the best herd sire or selecting replacement heifers is getting easier for producers who use genomically enhanced expected progeny differences. The predictions of valuable traits like carcass merit, longevity and calving ease may not be 100 per cent accurate but new computing power is making the job easier. Why it matters: Genomics can be […] Read more
How will gene-editing reach the farm?
Biotech advocates say regulatory clarity is critical, but not available in Canada
Biotechnology experts and supporters from the agriculture and medical sectors met in Toronto recently to discuss how Canada’s regulatory system could better enable the safe commercialization of gene-edited plants and animals. Hosted by Ontario Agri-Food Technologies and CropLife Canada, the March 7 meeting provided an overview of gene-editing regulations in various countries around the world. […] Read more
Genomic best practices from committed testers
Have a plan say dairy farmers who use genomics to determine which heifers to keep
If dairy producers want to use genomics to improve their herds, they should have a plan, develop goals for their operation, and stick to them, according to Gary Markus of Markhill Holsteins. “Jump in with both feet, use the data, and don’t dabble,” he said during a producer panel on Dairy Day at the recent […] Read more
Wheat’s bigger future
New genetic tools are emerging after the sequencing of the wheat genome
The sequencing of the wheat genome means researchers will finally have access to genetic tools to help with wheat development — an advantage other crops have had for years. It should also mean that Ontario growers will see quicker-developed varieties with traits like fusarium head blight resistance. Wheat’s genome was finally sequenced earlier this year […] Read more
Australian scientists find species-jumping genes more common than thought
Cross-species gene transfers, even between plants and animals have occurred frequently
University of Adelaide, Australia, scientists have shown that widespread transfer of genes between species has radically changed the genomes of today’s mammals and been an important driver of evolution. In the world’s largest study of so-called “jumping genes,” the researchers traced two particular jumping genes across 759 species of plants, animals and fungi. These jumping […] Read more
The end of the dairy breeder
Genomic testing has ushered in vast changes in how dairy genetics are developed in Canada
At the Lehoux dairy farm at Saint-Elizéar, Que., the family once had a market for bulls sold to dairy genetics companies. They still sell heifers and cows to other farmers, but the bull market has dried up, as it has for most dairy farmers across the country. Why this happened: The market has changed rapidly […] Read more
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