Organic vs. Genetically Enhanced Farming and the Tie-Breaker: Agroterrorism
Since mankind’s very first war, attacking the opponent’s food supply has been an extremely effective tactic. Yet somehow in modern times it is difficult for the public to perceive such a threat beyond...
View ArticleResearch targets links between beef genetics and meat, carcass quality
A new research project, conducted by the Canadian Simmental Association, aims to link beef genomics to meat and carcass quality. “We’re looking at all the major derivatives or indicators of both...
View ArticleLivestock genetics on display at Canadian Western Agribition
Canadian Western Agribition wrapped up in Regina last weekend. For the first time the show featured high school rodeo, an auctioneer completion, and a First Nations pavilion. Visitors also took in...
View ArticleBacteria remain resistant to antibiotics for years
Bacteria can remain resistant to antibiotics years after livestock producers stop administering them, according to a new study. Science Now reports that researchers from McGill University studied...
View ArticleDutch agriculture minister calls for research into new livestock virus
A new disease prowls European livestock operations. Schmallenberg virus, named for the town in Germany where it was identified, causes brain and limb deformities in ruminant fetuses. The virus infects...
View ArticleFirst Lab-Grown Hamburger Will be Served in 2012
Scientists are getting closer to producing cultured meat products for broad human consumption. The first lab-grown hamburger is expected to be produced “in the coming year” according to a Reuters...
View ArticleDrought tolerant sheep and tick resistant cattle two items on genomic...
Researchers around the world are trying to decode livestock DNA. Some hope to improve disease resistance, while others are looking at production efficiency. Still others hope to improve meat quality,...
View ArticleBanking on Genes to Beat Climate Change
While much has been said about livestock’s contribution of greenhouse gases to climate change, too little has been said about how climate change will affect the world’s food supply. Indeed, scientists...
View ArticleThe genetics behind behaviour
Wolves have been attacking cattle in North Thompson, an area north of Kamloops, B.C. Brenda Jones, who ranches in the area, reports maimed and dead cattle. Jones says that even uninjured animals are...
View ArticleDNA traceability systems coming to commercial pork production
New research may help pork producers link specific boars to disease susceptibility and congenital defects, such as hernias and retained testicles, in their pigs. The sheer number of pigs on each farm...
View ArticleApplying genomics to commercial cattle operations
Beef producers in the Peace region can learn about applying genomics to their herds at two workshops next week. Tom Lynch-Staunton of the University of Alberta and Livestock Gentec and John Basarab of...
View ArticleLeading Agricultural Scientist “Scared to Death” of Anti-Science Movement
“We are sliding back into a dark era,” said Nina Fedoroff, president of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) at the 2012 AAAS meeting held in Vancouver in February. “And there...
View ArticleCanadian Angus carry gene for tenderness
Canadian Angus cattle carry a tenderness gene more often than international Angus populations, according to a genetics study. The research came about because of the World Angus Forum, which was held in...
View ArticleCanadian scientist discusses PRRS breakthrough, next steps
Scientists have discovered that a pig’s ability to withstand porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is closely tied to one genetic marker. Researchers in the United States recently...
View ArticleBull evaluation research yields promising results for ranchers
A sire evaluation project is yielding promising results for beef producers who want to improve their herds. Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development has partnered with IdentiGen Canada Ltd. to study...
View ArticleEpigenetics: The Next Frontier in Livestock Genetics
Epigenetics: the study of heritable changes in gene expression and other genomic functions without altering the underlying DNA sequence. While controversial, epigenetics does appear to offer...
View ArticleCanadian researchers aim to improve food safety recalls and population...
Groundbreaking Canadian research into improving food safety recalls has implications for both the agriculture industry and the research community. Researchers wanted to improve food safety recalls, but...
View ArticleDNA traceability improves food safety, proves premium meat brands
DNA technology promises to make food traceability more precise and reliable and boost consumer confidence, according an industry executive. IdentiGEN’s DNA TraceBack allows the food industry to trace...
View ArticleFunding ends for Enviropig
Ontario Pork recently cut funding to Enviropig, a genetically modified pig developed by the University of Guelph. Whether or not the pig will be commercialized remains to be seen. Enviropig was...
View ArticleLivestock Genetic Trends a Double-Edged Cleaver in World Markets
Manipulating livestock genes has always been central to effective and efficient food production. But as livestock genes are stored, swapped and sold in the global marketplace more than efficient food...
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