Canadian Angus Association receives federal boost for genetic advancement

The Canadian cattle industry has received a significant federal investment aimed at enhancing genetic evaluation tools for beef and dairy cattle.

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lawrence MacAulay, announced a grant of up to $1.6 million to the Canadian Angus Association (CAA) through the AgriScience Program – Projects Component.

This funding will allow CAA to use state-of-the-art technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced camera and computer vision systems. These tools are essential for capturing extensive and accurate data on traits that influence producer profitability, animal health and welfare, and environmental sustainability.

Canadian cattle and dairy producers are renowned for their commitment to quality and sustainability. The industry’s high standards have made Canadian genetics highly sought-after globally. With this new project, the CAA, in collaboration with Holstein Canada, aims to leverage cutting-edge technology to develop innovative ways to measure traits for Angus and Holstein cattle. These traits are critical for improving producer profitability, animal health and welfare, and carcass quality. This will not only maintain the quality of herds, but also support a more productive and profitable industry for the future.

Minister MacAulay emphasizes the importance of the cattle industry to Canada’s economy and the role of new innovations and technologies in enhancing the industry’s sustainability.

“By investing in new innovations and technologies, we can enhance the industry’s economic and environmental sustainability – putting more money in the pockets of producers, and more top-quality Canadian products on tables around the world,” he says.

The CAA also expresses gratitude for the federal support, emphasizing the project’s alignment with the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).

“Through this project, and in partnership with Holstein Canada, our goal is to leverage cutting-edge camera and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to develop new ways to measure traits for Angus and Holstein cattle,” says Myles Immerkar, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Angus Association.