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August 29, 2011 - BIXS launches Phase 2 to cow-calf producers
The CCA launched the second phase of the Beef InfoXchange System (BIXS) to cow-calf producers in mid-August, slightly ahead of schedule.
BIXS is an individual animal and carcass data information exchange system being developed by the CCA with funding provided through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agriflexibility Fund.
Phase 1 of the launch took place in June and July and involved a limited number of cow-calf producers. The information and feedback obtained from this group helped to refine system functionality and ensure ease of use for Phase 2 participants.
Phase 2 will involve nearly 100 cow-calf producers from across Canada. This group will be invited to register and begin submitting the individual animal birthdate, production, animal health protocol, breed and genetic information of their cattle. A nationwide launch of BIXS to all cow-calf producers remains on target for the fall calf run.
BIXS national coordinator Larry Thomas said the feedback from Phase 1 participants has been instrumental in moving the roll-out along. “Launching in phases allows us to deal with any technological issues that may arise with BIXS,” he said. “Our cautious approach to the launch is paying off. We’re making significant strides.”
Thomas said the technical work continues on the registration and data submission solution for feedlots. This tool should be available to Canadian feedlot participants this fall. As well, the CCA continues to work with slaughter plants to set up the carcass evaluation equipment, enabling detailed carcass data linked to the animal’s Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) ID tag to flow to BIXS.
With the full launch of BIXS fast approaching, the CCA is reminding cow-calf producers to keep records of their animals’ CCIA tag numbers and birthdates, either a calving start date or an actual birthdate. This is required information in the BIXS program. Optional information, including vaccines and herd health protocols, along with a range of other information, can also be entered.
Thomas reminded producers that they don’t physically have to have the cattle on their operation to enter their data. “If producers sell the cattle, they should record the birthdate information and the CCIA tag ID numbers,” he said. “This information is required at the cow-calf level of BIXS in order to participate and, in turn, get carcass data later on as the cattle move through the system."
