The Canadian Beef Industry

The cattle industry in Canada has changed greatly over the past several decades. Size of the national dairy herd has reduced steadily but this reduction has been more than offset by an increase in the beef herd.

As the dairy herd has decreased, the role of the Holstein has increased. The genetic improvement of the Canadian Holstein, based on selection procedures emphasizing progeny performance and mediated through increasing use of artificial insemination, has earned the breed a strong international reputation. This is reflected by the increasing international demand for semen.

The strongest growth of the national beef herd occurred during a period of brisk import activity. Several of the new nonBritish breeds are now well established. Their advent on the Canadian scene rekindled interest in crossbreeding and systematic crossbreeding programs designed to make controlled use of heterozygosity are in the process of development. The new breeds of major importance at this time combine rapid growth rate with desirable carcass characteristics, specifically lean content. This, coupled with the carcass grade standards inaugurated in 1972, has resulted in improved efficiency of lean meat production.

Importation activity has waned and a review of the production credentials of breeds not yet in Canada suggests little likelihood that they will contribute meaningfully to Canadian production. The numerous beef breeds now in Canada are presently undergoing a process of applied evaluation and relatively few of them seem destined to make a lasting contribution.

The future of the cattle industry will be determined largely by economic developments. However, the ability of the ruminant to utilize food materials that do not compete directly with human demands should ensure an enduring future.