genetics Archives - Page 3 of 3

Average EPD for current calves from 6 major Canadian breeds

Some myths and facts about EPDs

It’s only a genetic prediction, but still a useful tool

By Sean McGrath April 18, 2018

One of the main areas that I have worked on in my consulting business is genetic selection and the development and use of genetic evaluation technologies. In the more than 20 years I have been working in the field, it is interesting many of the same myths and challenges continue to appear, all during a […] Read more

Cattleman’s Corner, Livestock

Producing clean bison genetics

New ‘washing’ techniques could benefit cattle industry as well

By Angela Lovell April 26, 2017

Genetic research in wood bison may have wider implications for wildlife conservation and for the Canadian livestock industry. Scientists have developed tools using assisted reproductive technologies such as cryopreservation (freezing), artificial insemination (AI) and embryo transfer which could help increase dwindling wild bison populations and prevent the spread of disease. Canadian wood bison is an […] Read more

When a seed sprouts in the field, starches, which ultimately become bread or pasta, convert to sugars, which make end products, like bread or pasta too sticky.

Cereals, Crops, Features

Genes can control pre-harvest sprouting

Manitoba researchers are using new technology to solve an old problem 

By Angela Lovell March 21, 2017

Pre-harvest sprouting of cereal seeds in the field is directly linked to the seed’s dormancy level. Plants produce different compounds that regulate physiological processes, including seed germination and dormancy. When seeds are dormant, even if they have adequate moisture, heat and oxygen, they simply won’t germinate. One of the factors which prevents seeds from germinating […] Read more

Crops

Cost cutting with new agricultural technology

Technology is moving at a pace we couldn’t have imagined. Can it help you?

By Lisa Guenther April 16, 2015

If you’ve ever wondered what the future will be like, Jack Uldrich has the answer. It will feel like you’re sitting in a driverless car for the first time as the vehicle careens around pylons and executes high-speed turns. In other words, a little nerve-wracking. Uldrich, a futurist and author, showed us a video clip […] Read more

Cattleman’s Corner

There is a fit for grass-finished beef

Some on-farm experimenting shows genetics plays a big part in tenderness

By Debbie Chikousky February 27, 2015

When we started raising grass-finished cattle, part of the decision was based on a reduction of input costs. We don’t grow grain and feeding it would involve a lot of infrastructure (troughs and equipment) as well as feeding labour. Since the cost of feed grains was increasing we were sure there had to be a […] Read more

Cattleman’s Corner, Sheep/Goats

Ram selection can really improve flock genetics

By Debbie Chikousky December 2, 2014

Fall is when sheep and goat farmers breed their flocks. This year we made sure we weren’t going to have lambs in February. We didn’t pick up our new ram until we were ready for him. Before shopping for a new ram we spent time deciding what we wanted to improve in our flock. The […] Read more

Dairy Cattle, Livestock

Farmers focus on improving Ayrshire dairy cattle genetics

Quebec: Dairy herd just part of a diversified third generation farming operation

By Lee Hart November 26, 2014

Continuing to improve the genetics as well as facilities within their dairy and hog operations tops the priority list for Quebec farmers Bruno Soucy and his wife Helene St. Pierre, as they look at where their farm is headed over the next few years. Further improvements to barns used for a 1,500 head hog finishing […] Read more

Crops, Features, Spring Wheat

Wheat gluten strength concerns buyers

International buyers still concerned after Canadian wheat showed poor gluten strength in 2012

By Julienne Isaacs October 3, 2014

In 2012, international buyers of Canadian wheat registered complaints about the crop’s poor gluten strength, according to Dave Hatcher, a research scientist with the Canadian Grain Commission. 2013 presented less of a problem, but even into 2014, buyers are still concerned about the overall crop quality. Several factors impact gluten strength. Weather, variety and growing conditions […] Read more

Crops, Features

The bean genome

Researchers have puzzled out the genomes of crops such as soybeans. Now they’re turning their attention to the common bean

By Lisa Guenther May 2, 2014

Although beans are a specialty crop in Canada, they are a vital part of the global diet, Dr. Frédéric Marsolais says. Beans are high in protein, fibre and complex carbohydrates. They’re also a source of antioxidants and several nutrients. “It became apparent that having access to a genome sequence for this crop would be very […] Read more

U.S. grains: Corn rebounds from contract lows on short covering, bargain buying

U.S. livestock: Cattle futures come down from highs

Entomologist tests trap crops and marigolds to repel flea beetles at an Ag in Motion

GFM Network News