Ontario Genomics Research Videos

In this 360° tour and other videos, you’ll tour a dairy research facility and learn about some of the incredible genomics research underway in Canada that is helping to improve both crops and farm animal welfare conditions.

Genomics 360

Farmers all over the world face a large problem that isn’t going away anytime soon. That problem is how to produce more food and feed more people using less land and less resources. In this video, you’re going to learn a lot about genomics: namely, what it is and how Canadian scientists are using it to help solve some of Canadian agriculture’s most significant challenges. In particular, we’re visiting a dairy research center to learn how genomics can help breed more resilient dairy cows.

Genomics 101

Have you ever heard of genomics? If you haven’t, you’re about to. In this video, you’ll learn ALL about genomics: what it is and why it's so important to not only Canadian agriculture but also to world issues like climate change, food security and animal welfare.

Genomics and Food Security in Canadian Agriculture

As the population rises, the issue of food security continues to become more prominent. Genomics and the Canadian agriculture industry are working together to ensure a more resilient food system for the population, both within Canadian borders and beyond.

Genomics and Climate Change in Canadian Agriculture

Climate change is a significant issue for everyone, including farmers. Learn how genomics is helping Canadian agriculture breed more resilient plants and animals that can stand up against the effects of climate change.

Genomics and Animal Welfare in Canadian Agriculture

Animal welfare is important to all, but especially to farmers—and scientists who study genomics! In this video, you’ll learn how genomics is helping the pork industry in Canada breed pigs that are more resilient and less susceptible to stress.

FarmFood 360° in the Classroom

GENOMICS FAST FACTS:

  • Genomics is the study of genomes. A genome is a living thing’s complete set of DNA, including all of its genes and how they interact with each other.
  • Genomics combines biology, genetics and computer science to provide an in-depth look at the DNA of living things.
  • Genomicists are scientists who study genomics.
  • Genomics research can help to increase food production, decrease losses, and improve the stability of food availability in Canada.
  • In dairy cows, certain genes control specific traits, like milk production and fat content.
  • Genomics can help pinpoint the reason why some plants fall prey to disease while others stay healthy. In some cases, this can help reduce the need to use crop protection products like pesticides.
  • Genomics continues to help crop farmers understand how extreme weather, such as drought or too much rain, affects their crop yield.
  • Genomics can help farmers use water and fertilizer more efficiently.
  • Genomics research on how dairy cows are affected by heat, cold and humidity can help to stabilize a cow’s milk production.
  • In looking at the genomes of dairy cows, researchers can determine which genes result in more resilient cows when it comes to stress caused by temperature swings, allowing farmers to breed more resilient dairy cows.