The Data It Takes to Build a More Resilient Cow

Big data and strategic collaborations are the way of future when it comes to solving genetic challenges in the beef business. This episode covers work that is happening now to inform tools of the future. Christine Baes gives a peak into a multi-disciplinary project she works with on behalf of the Canadian dairy industry, and Andre Garcia draws parallels to what could be possible in the U.S. beef industry. Fertility, efficiency and methane emissions are among the traits that could see new ways for selection pressure in the future. 

HOSTS: Miranda Reiman and Kelli Retallick-Riley 

GUESTS: 
Christine Baes, department head and Canada Research Chair in Livestock Genomics for the University of Guelph, was born and raised on a dairy farm in Southwestern Ontario. She has a bachelor’s degree from Guelph, a master's in animal welfare from Universität Hohenheim, and a PhD in quantitative genetics from the Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology and the Christian Albrechts Universität zu Kiel in Germany.

She and her team are involved in various large-scale livestock breeding projects (swine, horses, dairy cattle, goats) and bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and practical application of new knowledge. Baes has extensive knowledge in the areas of quantitative genetics and statistical genomics as it relates to the genetic and genomic evaluation of livestock. 

In her spare time, she runs a small farm outside of Maryhill.

André Garcia, senior geneticist for Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI), grew up in southern Brazil with a diversified agriculture background.

In 2015, he earned his animal science degree from Margina State University and followed it with a master’s program in animal breeding and genetics. He earned his PhD from the University of Georgia, where he also took on a postdoctoral research position with a strong emphasis on quantitative genetics and the use of genomic information for genetic evaluation.

Garcia came to AGI as a research and development geneticist in 2021. He works on genomic evaluation and in an educational role, helping producers understand the technology available to improve their herds.

SPONSOR NOTE: This episode is sponsored by Westway Feed Products.

Westway Feed Products’ liquid supplements increase forage utilization when seasons cause forages to decline in value, our products deliver effective and efficient nutrition to your herd. To learn more, visit westwayfeed.com. 

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