University of Alberta Genomic Prediction Trial

Alberta Beef Producers

The University of Alberta’s Genomic Prediction Project is developing tools to predict the feed efficiency and carcass traits on any animal in any herd. It will also include estimates of breed composition for crossbred animals and it will only cost participants $25 per animal to be genotyped with ~100,000 DNA markers, which will be used to provide a report that includes:

1. Genomic Expected Progeny Difference (gEPD) for three measures of feed efficiency and five carcass traits (i.e. dry matter intake, average daily gain, residual feed intake (RFI), carcass weight, lean meat yield, rib-eye area, back fat thickness and marbling)

2. Genomic breed composition (gBC)

3. Genomically predicted retained hybrid vigor/heterosis

4. Multiple trait maternal index (MPI) and/or feedlot profitability index (FPI) for young bulls, and heifer index for replacement heifers and their rank in the whole cattle population

All results of analysis will be available early 2021; however genomic breed composition and retained hybrid vigor/heterosis can be made available earlier upon request.

This project involves Agriculture Agri-Food Canada, Livestock Gentec, University of Alberta and Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. Your participation in the project will help us refine, demonstrate and deploy our newly developed Genomic Prediction Platform.

If you are interested or if you need further information, please contact Mike Vinsky via mike.vinsky@ualberta.ca or check out the projects website at zhttps://beefgenomicprediction.ca/