Genetics and Breeding Stock

Quality genetics and breeding stock are the foundation of all livestock industries. Canadian producers have been selectively choosing their breeding animals based on the qualities that are sought after by each of the markets.

Breeding stock for all farmed cervid species originated in the wild, with additional genetics from those wild sources being added until the late 1990's. By then, producers had a more than adequate genetic base, and industry leaders had become more proficient at recognizing the unique set of desirable characteristics that make today's elk and deer livestock much more productive and easily managed than most of the originals.

Animals chosen for breeding stock are carefully selected for attributes such as temperament, disposition, mothering abilities, and prepotency (ability to transmit genotypic and phenotypic traits to offspring). Depending on the demands of the target market, a producer identifies the animals which are best suited to that market. For example, a producer who is raising animals for the velvet antler market would consider attributes such as antler conformation, growth and weights or both make and female pedigree, temperament, disposition, and reproductive and mothering abilities in both the male and female and their pedigrees.

Genetic enhancement has become much accelerated as technological and technique advances in artificial insemination both cervical and laparoscopic - become more popular and increasingly efficient. As well, technology has allowed the use of embryo implantation in some scenarios with moderate success. No longer is the industry limited by the inability to move animals from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, as the genetics can be moved and incorporated with little or minimal risk.

Thanks to decades of focused nutrition, selective genetics and minimal stress lifestyles, Canadian producers have been able to showcase some of the best the industry has to offer.