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Holstein
cows that last longer - an opportunity for Nova Scotians to
invest
Lower replacement costs, increased milk production and annual
profits are just some of the benefits to farmers of a unique
DNA test predicting Holstein fertility under development by
Performance Genomics Inc, (PGI).
“
Our DNA test will allow farmers to predict the fertility and
herd life of a dairy cow as soon as the calf is born, thus
improving the durability and average herd life of the Holstein
dairy cow,” explained PGI CEO Dr. Hein van der Steen. “Farmers
don’t like to cull cows after being in production for
only two years. They want cows that last. This results in lower
replacement costs, increased milk production and thus more
profit per cow per year.”
Van der Steen made his presentation on Thursday, February 4th
at the Marigold Cultural Centre in Truro along with Chris Payne,
Corporate Strategist, NS Economic Development who discussed
the opportunities that Community Economic Development Funds
can make to this type of innovative research.
Community Economic Development Funds or CEDIFs give an immediate
35 per cent tax credit which is good for economic development
in Nova Scotia, good for local businesses and potentially a
good investment.
Van der Steen explained that the development of a DNA test
for cattle was based on a unique mouse population at NSAC.
After 30 generations of selection, mice were developed that
produce, on average, ten litters as compared to the norm of
five litters. This is the result of a gradual accumulation
of favorable versions of the relevant genes for reproductive
longevity.
This mouse model has pointed principal investigator, Dr. Bernie
Benkel and his research team in the right direction. They have
evaluated 25 genes and found 140 DNA markers that are potentially
relevant for the prediction of herd life in Holstein cows.
These markers will be further validated in large scale studies
using the DNA from bulls and from Dairy cows from herds in
Quebec and Nova Scotia.
Chief Financial Officer Brian Matthews, former manager of RBC
in Truro, explained that this might well be the last opportunity
for Nova Scotia citizens to invest in PGI. The company expects
to generate revenue from the DNA test for Holstein cattle within
12 months and will support future product development.
According to PGI Chief Technology Officer Dr. Don Crober, the
development of the DNA test for the Holstein cow will be followed
by the development of similar tests for other dairy breeds,
beef breeds, pigs, poultry and horses. Of particular interest
is the development of a DNA test for humans, to predict the
duration of the reproductive window. This information will
allow families to better balance career development and family
planning.
The CEDIF offering is being made through an offering document,
which can be obtained from Brian Matthews (bmatthews@performancegenomics.ca),
agent for Performance Genomics Investment Fund Co-op or from
Garth Coffin (gcoffin@eastlink.ca), president of the Fund.
NS citizens can invest $5,000 to $50,000 in this second PGIF
CEDIF initiative.
NSAC is a majority shareholder in Performance Genomics Inc.,
which resides on the university’s campus.
NSAC is a specialized university that cultivates learning and
research, focusing on improving and sustaining our environment
for the health and well-being of society.
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