Changxi Li

Changxi Li is the AAFC Professor and AAFC Chair in Bovine Genomics at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Agricultural, Life and Environmental Sciences, Department of Agricultural, Food & Nutritional Science. His work focuses on leveraging genomic tools to enhance beef cattle productivity through quantitative genetics and functional genomics research. He teaches AN SC 485 - Animal Genetics and Breeding in Winter Term 2026, emphasizing practical applications of genetic principles in livestock improvement.

Dr. Li holds a PhD from the University of Alberta. His research integrates molecular biology, computational genomics, and industry collaboration to address challenges in beef cattle breeding, including feed efficiency optimization, meat quality traits, and the genetic mechanisms underlying economically important traits. Recent studies emphasize the role of host genetics in rumen microbiota composition and heritable microbial features linked to feed efficiency, as well as the development of genomic prediction models for multi-breed populations.

His publications reveal a strong focus on feed efficiency and genomic selection, with recurring themes of identifying quantitative trait loci (QTL) for growth, fat deposition, and carcass traits. He also investigates the impacts of prenatal nutrition and maternal genetics on offspring development, while exploring strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of beef production through genomic tools. Collaborators include Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and industry partners, ensuring practical applications of his findings.

While no formal awards are listed, his leadership in the Kinsella Breeding Project and contributions to genomic pipeline development (e.g., eQTL-Detect) highlight his influential role in advancing beef cattle genomics. His advising and grants section reflects sustained funding from AAFC and collaborative projects in genomic profiling of maternal traits and heterosis effects, with initiatives targeting improved livestock management.