The Cánovas Lab
Uncovering the underlying genetic architecture of livestock phenotypes for a better Canadian agricultural system
Our Research
Using integrative -OMICs technologies and approaches, we study the underlying genetic architecture of desirable traits in livestock to advance genetic tools and breeding strategies that can be applied in industry. Our research aims to help Canadian agricultural production systems become more environmentally sustainable and economically efficient, while still producing high quality products for consumers and international partners.
LIVESTOCK SYSTEMS
Beef | Sheep | Dairy | Pigs
PHENOTYPES
Feed efficiency | Disease resistance | Reproduction and fertility | Methane emissions | Rumen microbiology | Meat and carcass quality
APPROACHES
RNA-Sequencing | Transcriptomics | Next Generation Sequencing | Systems Biology | Bioinformatics | Statistical Genomics | Functional Genomics
OUTCOMES
Key regulatory genetic markers | Functional SNPs | Biomarkers | Gene pathways and networks | Novel transcripts | Causal mutations
Our lab works as a collaborative team with the Centre for Genetic Improvement of Livestock, leading at the edge of the genetics and genomics research. We focus on overcoming major challenges faced by the Canadian agriculture industry by using high-throughput -OMICs approaches and conducting high quality research at the new Ontario Beef Research Centre. We produce valuable research outcomes and insights that industry partners and producers can implement into practice. Our work continues to be published in industry and extension articles, national and international scientific conferences, and scientific publications in peer-reviewed high impact journals. We also work with leading agricultural research departments across Canada and internationally on large-scale genomic projects to leverage data, funding and research outcomes.
