Health and Management Benefits From Dairy Network Launch
CANADA – In a big step for herd management evaluation, the Canadian Dairy Network (CDN) has been launched through government funding.The scheme will develop software to evaluate disease resistant strains in livestock. Logging over 60 traits, including milk quality and disease resistance, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said the Network will improve herd management and health.
Mastitis cases will be reported across the country and the CDN will use figures to determine disease-resistant traits in cattle. Allowing farmers greater selectivity will improve animal welfare, reduce antibiotic use and lift profits.
“This initiative will add to the comprehensive portfolio of genetic and genomic evaluation services offered by CDN to help Canadian producers have more profitable dairy farms and places Canada amongst the first countries in the world with a national system to improve disease resistance,” said CDN General Manager, Brian Van Doormaal.
The CDN is funded through the CAN$50 million Agricultural Innovation Plan; an initiative announced a spart of Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2011.
TheCattleSite News Desk