Two new Qu\u00e9bec projects in genomic research selected\u00a0under the Genomics Application Partnership Program (GAPP), a Canadian competition organized by Genome Canada. GAPP was created to encourage partnerships between university researchers and industry users.<\/p>\n
“What is most encouraging and promising is the way this program aligns university research with industry needs, generating momentum toward innovation.\u201d, stated Marc LePage.<\/p>\n
The two selected projects are:<\/p>\n
Elanco and Concordia University: A major international partnership To learn more on this project<\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The second project, which focuses on supporting the cheese industry, is spearheaded by Professor Steve Labrie of Universit\u00e9 Laval in partnership with Agropur, the largest dairy cooperative in Canada and one of the leading dairy processors in North America. Cheesemaking is a highly complex operation and a less-than-optimal ripening process compromises shelf life, causes product returns and leads to significant production delays, which all have a negative impact on profitability.<\/p>\n To address these problems, Agropur will use genomics to market competitive products in greater quantities and ensure better revenues for the members of the cooperative. \u201cWith this research program, we will be able to develop a new genetic tool very rapidly to help us better control production, limit losses and make high quality cheeses with a longer shelf life and fewer returns,\u201d Michel Pouliot, Vice-President, Research and Development at Agropur, explains.<\/p>\n
<\/strong>Professor Adrian Tsang of Concordia University has forged a partnership with Elanco, a leading U.S.-based animal health company. His project is aiming to improve pork and poultry feed with a next-generation enzyme supplement. In Canada alone, the pork and poultry industries spend 70% of their production costs on animal feed. Unfortunately, nearly one-quarter of the feed goes to waste since the animals do not have the enzymes to digest it properly. The products to come out of this project should significantly improve feed efficiency, leading to higher profit margins for producers. \u201cFor us, this project is about much more than just numbers. It will, of course, improve productivity, but more importantly, we believe that innovation in animal productivity is a vital and sustainable solution to feeding the world\u2019s growing population,\u201d explains Allan Boonstra, Director at Elanco Canada.<\/p>\n
Agropur and Universit\u00e9 Laval: Improving the prosperity of the Qu\u00e9bec cheese industry<\/strong><\/p>\n