Research and Development


ABP Research in Progress

Click on the project titles below to see a summary of research projects that ABP is currently funding. Summaries of completed projects will be added as they become available.

Trade and Economics Studies

Factors Affecting the Fed Cattle Basis (0005-017)


Animal Health and Welfare Studies

Improved Understanding of Johne’s Disease (0008-010)

Studying Unusual Feedlot Mortalities (0005-019)

Prevalence of Clostridium Difficle in Beef Cattle (0008-014)

Updated Weak Calf Syndrome Final Report (0007-034)

Updated Improved Prevention and Management of Bovine Respiratory Disease Final Report (0007-035)

Antimicrobial Resistance (0007-038)

Updated Prevention and Control of Johne’s Disease Final Report (0007-040)

Mycoplasma Strains (0007-055)

Improved Mycoplasma Vaccine (0007-106)

Improving Immune Response in Newborn Calves (0007-110)

Improved BVD Vaccine (0007-113)

Updated 99.95% of long-haul and 99.98% of short-haul cattle reached their destination injury-free. Evaluating Industry Cattle Transport Practices Final Report (0022-002)


Animal Nutrition, Forages and Pasture Management Studies

Forage Variety Yield and Quality Differences (0008-016)

Improving the Reproductive Performance of Beef Cows (0008-002)

Breeding for Higher Feed Yields (0005-018)

Evaluating Protein Content of Silage (0007-010)

Reducing Winter Feed Wastage (0007-030)

Biological Control of Foxtail (0007-037)

Biological Control of Common Tansy (0007-053)

Increasing Silage Yield and Quality (0007-054)

Using Distillers’ Grains in Feedlot Diets (0007-105)


Genetics and breeding Studies

Identifying Efficient Cattle Using Infrared Technology (0007-126)

Updated Effective DNA markers would help identify breeding stock that can produce replacement females that maintain body condition, or feeder cattle with more predictable carcass grades. DNA Markers for Carcass Traits Final Report (0007-039)


Animal Health, Research & Technical Issues

It is increasingly challenging for producers to obtain up-to-date information on a number of issues relating to the health of their animals and technical issues they face during day to day operations. This section includes information on current animal health and technical policies, practices and issues facing the industry, as well as on-going research projects. Producer questions can be directed to Reynold Bergen, ABP Animal Health & Welfare Manager, at reynoldb@albertabeef.org or (403) 275-4400.

Alberta Beef Producers Funding Application

2009 Call for Research Letters of Intent

Alberta Beef Producers seeks research proposals that will contribute to the competitiveness and sustainability of Alberta’s beef industry.

In 2009 priority will be given to proposals that seek to:

  • Reduce feed costs through:
    • Improved animal genetics
    • Improved forage and feed grain breeding
    • Improved feed, forage and pasture evaluation and/or management
  • Improve carcass and meat quality through
    • Improved animal genetics and / or management
    • Improved carcass evaluation and / or management
  • Diagnose, prevent, treat or mitigate
    • current and emerging cattle disease, health or welfare issues
    • zoonotic disease (wildlife – cattle, cattle – human, or food safety)

Particular emphasis will be given to projects that:

  • Will provide a specific and clear economic benefit to Alberta’s beef industry
  • Exhibit inter-disciplinary or inter-institutional collaboration, and
  • Leverage industry funds to the greatest extent possible.

Letters of Intent must be received by February 15, 2009.

Please submit Letters of Intent by email to Reynold Bergen

Download Letter of Intent Word Document

Proposals addressing other issues identified in the recent Competitiveness Study will also be considered (email reynoldb@albertabeef.org for a copy of the Competitiveness Study).

ABP Research Reporting Guidelines

Past Beef Research

The ABP is committed to supporting research that will improve the economic and environmental sustainability of the Alberta cattle industry. The ABP supports research projects directly, collaborated with industry partners, and oversaw the operation of the Canada Alberta Beef Industry Development Fund (CABIDF).

CABIDF was a $16.4 million federal/provincial fund dedicated to supporting research to address issues directly affecting the beef industry in Alberta. Funding was allocated to projects that fall under six priority categories; forage/cow calf, animal health, intellectual resources, feedlot, manure sustainability and beef marketability.

Livestock disposal

An information sheet has been developed by the Carcass Disposal Committee to help livestock producers pre-select suitable disposal sites for mass carcass disposal. In instances where large numbers of carcasses must be disposed of, pre-selection of an environmentally suitable mass burial site would be beneficial to producers.

Livestock Biosecurity

Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) can have a devastating effect on the health and welfare of livestock and on the economic viability of livestock operations. See the Livestock Biosecurity overview and checklist, to develop a biosecurity program for your operation to help reduce the chance or impact of an outbreak.