CO-FUNDED BY THE FONDS QUÉBÉCOIS DE LA RECHERCHE SUR LA NATURE ET LE LES TECHNOLOGIES (FRQNT)
The province of Québec is the second largest sheep producer in Canada. However, productivity per ewe is the highest in Canada and the genetic progress of all purebred breeds evaluated far exceeds the genetic trend measured in the sheep population of other provinces. Sheep production is supported by family-owned enterprises. The market for sheep products is increasing faster than any other livestock production. Demand continues to grow, and the entire Canadian production only suffice to fulfill 39% of the domestic market. Even if the productivity and efficiency improved in the last decade, genetic gain is still needed namely to increase volume and product quality.
The timing is ideal to start benefiting from the information provided by genomics to increase productivity and profitability. The project represents a pilot to initiate the structuration of a genotypic database (information from the DNA sequence) compatible with the current performance record databases. The objective is to promote DNA genotyping and show its benefits to all sheep breeders. The set-up database will be instrumental for future research projects aimed at combining the genomic information with the animal performances. To term, the main goal is to put together a well-structured genomic-assisted genetic evaluation program.
Genome Centre: Génome Québec
User:
| Johanne | Cameron | Société des éleveurs de moutons de race pure du Québec |