Breeds

Genetic

Selection

Breeding values

Buyer's guide

Breeds

The learning space of montaureau.com is full of educational episodes addressing various topics related to beef production. This section discusses beef cattle breeds. Happy viewing!

Description of breeds

There are more than 30 breeds of beef cattle in Canada and more than twenty are used in Quebec. Since the majority of slaughter cattle are crossbreds, that is to say, descended from parents of different breeds, knowledge of pure breeds and their characteristics is important for proper planning of crosses. In the beef cattle breeds video, you can learn a bit more about some of them. If you want to go further, here are some links that could teach you more:

http://bovin.qc.ca/qui-sommes-nous/portrait-global/principales-races/

http://bovin.qc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/2008_brochureracedeboucherie_br.pdf

Which breed to choose?

Choosing a breed may seem easy at first. However, this is an important decision that should be driven by your business goals. Several criteria and aspects to consider are discussed in this capsule to help you navigate this decision.

In addition, the advisors of the Bovi-expert group are important ressources to consider for their knowledge and experience in beef production. If you wish, they can accompany you in this process. Here is a link giving you more information about the Bovi-expert groupe and their advisors:

https://www.patbq.ca/groupe-bovi-expert/

Cattle breeds

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How to choose a breed ?

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Genetic

The learning space of montaureau.com is full of educational episodes addressing various topics related to beef production. This section adresses the world of genetics and its improvement in the context of beef cattle. Happy viewing!

What is genetics?

Does genetics seem complicated to you? If we talk about genes and heredity, do you know what it is? Don't worry, although it is a rather complicated subject, it is possible to approach it in a popular and simple way. Consult this episode to understand everything and amaze your friends with your knowledge!

What is genetic improvement of breeding?

It's a term we hear quite often, but what does it reallly mean? And how do we manage to genetically improve animals of plants? Thses are questions that we will answer very simply in the episode on this subject.

What is genetics ?

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What is genetic improvement ?

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Selection

The learning space of montaureau.com is full of educational episodes addressing various topics related to beef production. This section adresses genetic selection and its elements. Happy viewing!

What is genetic selection?

Animals naturally have characteristics that are unique to them. Is is by using these natural characteristics and the genetic information associated with them that we are able to produce animals that best meet the needs of the market. In this episode we will demystify genetic selection.

Traits evaluation: 4 essential elements

Now that you know that selection involves 3 distinct stages, you must understand the 4 essential elements that make up the first stage of genetic selection, since they represent the magic ingredients necessary to succesfully complete your genetic recipe!

Element #1: Measuring traits

It's all well and good to say that we want to measure important traits for our genetic selection, but we must first ask ourselves some questions, such as, for example, what we can measure or not. We must also understand the nature of the character in order to determine how we will measure it. Thse are many questions that will be answered in this episode!

Element #2: Eliminate the environmental effect

Why would we talk about environement in an essential element for genetic selection? We're not talking about canceling a snowstorm here! No, we will discover in the next episode that the expression of certain genetic tratis can be linked to the environment, but that this is not necessarily desirable. We will also understand how we can divert this element and be able to make good genetic selection.

Element #3: Evaluate enough individuals

Another key ingredient for sucessful genetic selection is to evaluate a sufficient number of animals. Indeed, you will easily understand thanks to a very concrete example that we must evaluate enough individuals to hope to select the best!

Element #4: Observe differences

After consulting the first 3 essential elements in measuring traits, it is time to summarize everything. It is necessary to make the link with certain concepts such as the selection differential, the intensity of selection as well as the interval between generations. But don't be afraid, we will support you in the process and you will be able to clearly understand that all this leads to the calculation of genetic progress, the unit of measurement for the genetic selection.

What is genetic selection ?

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Traits evaluation : 4 essential elements

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Element #1 : Measuring traits

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Element #2 : Eliminate the environmental effect

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Element #3 : Evaluate enough individuals

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Element #4 : Observe differences

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Breeding values

The learning space of montaureau.com is full of educational episodes addressing various topics related to beef production. This section will discuss the genetic values that exist in beef cattle.

What is an EPD?

This is where we discover a genetic tool made available to you through breed associations and the PATBQ. We will also see how to interpret it correctly.

What is a selection index?

We often hear about indexes, but what exactly are they and how are they formed? You will find those answers in the next episode.

Hybrid vigour and breed complementarity

Two concepts whose names we often hear, but who are they in concrete terms and what distinguishes them? We will anser these questions in this episode!

What is an EPD ?

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What is a selection index ?

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Hybrid vigour and breed complementarity

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Buyer's guide

The learning space of montaureau.com is full of educational episodes addressing various topics related to beef production. This section discusses purchasing decisions surrounding raising beef cattle.

Breeding stock selection

Now that you have in hand all the tools to carry out the selection of breeding stock, sww how you can use thses tools to choose the best animals from your herd in order to reproduce them and obtain offspring that are more efficient than the previous one.

Breeding stock management

When it comes to breeding the best animals together, it's not enough to just let nature go along, the key of success lies in planning. There are different breeding schemes and concepts that can be used, it will all depend on your breeding goals! Consult this episode on the breeding stock management to learn more and maximize your chance of success.

The importance of the bull in a herd

We do not always realize the full impact that a bull can have on a herd in terms of the genetics of the entire herd and the profitability of the business. In this episode, we explain why a bull is so important in a herd.

How to choose the right bull?

Buying a bull may seem trivial. However, several criteria must be considered in order to make a good choice of bull for breeding. In this episode, you will discover the several important elements in order to choose the best and the right bull for your herd.

Explanation of economic benefits of an improver bull

You now know how to read and interpret the genetic values of a bull and thus objectively determine that a bull can be named an improver bull. You would probably be even more convinced of the great value of such a bull if you knew how much money he could generate, right? Listen to the following episode to understand everything about the economic benefits an improver bull can bring.

Reproductive females - Strategies for a sucessful herd

Before making any purchasing decisions, it's important to ask yourself the right questions. The success of the strategies you use depends on a good understanding of your livestock objectives and your business situation. Start thinking about this now to ensure a high-performing herd.

Reproductive females - Crossbreeding types for breeding females

Since the ideal crossbreeding system is not unique but rather specific to each farm and linked to breeding objectives, it is necessary to understand these systems thoroughly. In this video, we discuss the different types of crossbreeding systems that lead to the production of breeding females.

Reproductive females - Produce or buy your replacement heifers?

Whatever your choice, each option has its advantages and disadvantages. After watching this video, we hope you will be able to choose the best option for your situation. We recommend visiting the Nova Boeuf website and going to the Useful Links section to watch a video and use the calculator.

Reproductive females - Producing your heifers - Reproduction methods

If you decide to produce and raise your own replacement heifers, this video guides you through the different ways to do so and highlights the considerations not to be forgotten.

Reproductive females - Buying females: Tips for making the right choice

Buying your breeding females is a crucial and important step for the sustainability and profitability of your business; it should not be overlooked. This guide will help you navigate the different types of offers you may encounter at this stage.

Reproductive females - Buying females: a visit is a must

This is the final step, but not the least; seeing for yourself and confirming that it's the best choice for your business. This guide will help you prepare for the visit and plan the next steps for a sucessful introduction.