Why make this website ?
This approach follows the request of the CDPQ to Dr. Jacques P. Chesnais to carry out
a study of the genetic pattern of beef cattle in Quebec, in order to
identify the actions to be taken to contribute to the sustainability of Quebec purebred herds.
The study showed that :
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The demand for breeding bulls is low, even if the number of breeding bulls produced
by the genetic scheme is far below the needs of commercial producers;
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The number of producers of pure breeds, for the main breeds used in Quebec, has been in steep decline for many years.
In summary, beef producers invest little in purebred improver bulls, which translates into very low demand and therefore a production shortfall on the side of
purebred breeders. There are therefore not enough purebred bulls produced to meet the needs of the sector, according to the genetic improvement
objectives targeted within the sector. However, genetic improvement is an essential element to ensure that the Quebec beef sector remains competitive on
the North American market and to achieve this, the use of improver bulls in commercial production is important.
Already, we note that the rate of genetic progress and the resulting benefits have decreased over the last 4 to 5 years.