SASKATOON — Strategic agriculture research has received a boost as government funding to support two new University of Saskatchewan facilities has been announced.
Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison announced $3.4 million over four years to support the development of Omics Resource Centre at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) and Beef Reprotech facilities at the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence (LFCE).
The allocation will be delivered through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
The new initiative, called IntegrOmes (Integrated Genomics for Sustainable Animal Agriculture and Environmental Stewardship), will advance beef genetics by matching genomic markers with desirable traits and evaluating reproductive efficiencies, according to a press release. Officials say this integrated approach will enable producers to make more precise and data-driven breeding decisions that improve livestock productivity in Saskatchewan.
“Innovation, like what we are seeing through genomics research, is vital to the continued success of Canada’s agriculture sector,” MacDonald said. “This shared investment with Saskatchewan will support the expanded efforts of these facilities and ensure a vibrant future for Saskatchewan’s livestock sector.”
"Saskatchewan producers already bring generations of expertise and innovation to our livestock sector, and this investment builds on that legacy, helping ensure Saskatchewan's ranchers remain global leaders at what they do best," Harrison said.
"The work of USask is recognized globally, and we are proud to support this initiative and the livestock sector it serves."
The IntegrOmes project will address issues of beef cattle production and reproductive efficiency, animal health and the environment through the adoption of genomic tools. Saskatchewan producers will benefit from having access to these tools to stay competitive in the domestic and international market.
"Genomic research is advancing rapidly, and USask is leading the way in this evolving field," University of Saskatchewan Research Vice-President Baljit Singh said.
"Our researchers are applying cutting-edge methods to advance our understanding of beef genetics, which couldn't be possible without the support of this joint funding from the provincial and federal governments. We thank them for their continued support as we aspire to be the university the world needs."
USask, the WCVM and the LFCE are research, teaching and knowledge-transfer facilities that connect innovation across the livestock production chain. USask's work in feedlot and cow-calf management, veterinary science and forage systems is key in driving improvements in productivity and sustainability in the sector.
