ProGen is the culmination of a wide-scope project between CIAQ, The Semex Alliance and its partners, and the Canadian A.I. centres EBI and Gencor. The project was undertaken to develop the most advanced sire recommendation program ever. The various uses of ProGen far exceed breeders' expectations. In fact, ProGen enables breeders in Québec and in other provinces to optimize the genetic improvements of their herds.
The Canadian Dairy Network (CDN) supplies CIAQ with the genetic and phenotypic files on approximately 5,500 Québec breeders who use genetic improvement tools, such as registration, milk recording and classification. With ProGen, these breeders receive sire recommendations after each genetic evaluation which is based on the most recent proofs. Breeders for whom we do not receive any information from CDN can also take advantage of the ProGen program through data collected on the farm by CIAQ representatives. ProGenExpress can transmit recommendations directly to the farm. This information is then forwarded to CIAQ where it is kept, thus entitling breeders to receive their sire recommendation reports when new genetic evaluations are published.
ProGen meets the needs of breeders who have different breeding philosophies, as it is possible and easy for CIAQ advisors to personalize their recommendations according to the strategy of each herd and offer state-of-the-art solutions. During his annual visit, the CIAQ consulting service representative and the breeder will determine breeding objectives for personalized sire recommendations.
ProGen is likely to have an important impact on the Québec dairy industry. Mating management, and particularly the application of genetic improvement strategies linked to market trends, help keep breeders maintain the quality of their animals and remain competitive.
A unique and important component in ProGen is the use of an inbreeding matrix. Developed in partnership with the Canadian Dairy Network, this innovative approach determines the exact inbreeding level of each mating based on pedigree. With ProGen, breeders who have animals eligible for genetic evaluations will be able to choose the optimum inbreeding level of their herd. To find out the inbreeding level which corresponds to your breeding objectives, please read the Section on inbreeding. With this matrix, suggested sires will not exceed the inbreeding level chosen by the breeders. Matings with inbreeding levels that exceed 3% will be penalized. Consequently, if two matings show similar genetic merits, preference will be given to the mating corresponding to the lowest inbreeding level.
"Given the increasing level of inbreeding in dairy herds over the past 15 years, it is no longer acceptable to consider only three to four generations when evaluating inbreeding levels of potential matings. This unique matrix will give breeders confidence in controlling inbreeding in their herd.”
Brian Van Doormaal, CDN’s General Manager.