Issue 74 | The Australian Wagyu Update, April 2020

Vol. 74 The Wagyu industry’s premier trade magazine produced by the Australian Wagyu Association

www.wagyu.org.au April 2020

A NEW DECADE A NEW

be gin n in g

INSIDE .... A BRAND NEW PLAN PART II | AUSTRALIAN WAGYU RAISES LUXURY BEEF BAR EATING QUALITY - MSA INVESTIGATES | THE START TO SUCCESS | ON OFFER - TOP GENETICS A WORLD OF DNA CHOICES | MANAGING STRESS IN WAGYU | RE-BUILDING HERDS AFTER ADVERSITY

15 CONTENTS 4

A brand new plan - Part II

6

CEO: first quarter highlights

10

Australian Wagyu continues to raise the bar on luxury beef

12

MSA investigates

15

A ‘good bull’ the start to successful Wagyu

18

Top Wagyu genetics online with GDL and Elite Livestock Aubtions

21

A world of DNA test choices in MiP to SNP

10

26

23 Managing stress in Wagyu cattle 26 A new decade, a new beginning 31

New feed probiotic

33 Diversity brings genetic strength

40

40 Re-building herds after adversity 44 Feed shed design 47

Versatility of Wagyu

Publisher THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU ASSOCIATION (AWA) office@wagyu.org.au 02 8880 7700 Consulting Editor DEBORAH ANDRICH deb@wagyu.com.au 0400 855 040 Contributing Writers MIKE BUCHANAN, Dr. MATT McDONAGH AND CAREL TESELING Art Direction HEATHER FRAZIER heather@wagyu.org.au 0432 949 764

47 ON THE COVER

The New Zealand Wagyu Breeders Association breathes new life into the country's Fullblood Wagyu industry. More on page 26.

The Australian Wagyu Update magazine is printed by Litho Art on paper stock derived from sustainable forests managed to ensure their renewability and preserve natural eco-systems for generations to come. All content is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission from the publisher.

GENERAL ENQUIRIES AWA Chief Executive Officer Dr. MATT McDONAGH office@wagyu.org.au 02 8880 7700

Opinions expressed in The Australian Wagyu Update magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers. Acceptance of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of any product or service by the magazine or the association, nor support any claims by the advertisers.

Every effort is made to ensure information contained in this magazine is correct at the time of publishing.

Wagyu Update advertising enquiries HEATHER FRAZIER heather@wagyu.org.au 0432 949 764

CONNECT WITH US ISSUE 74 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

3

president

MIKE BUCHANAN

A BRAND NEW PLAN PART II Dear Members, For all of us in the Wagyu industry, the pace of change in just a few months this year has been breathtaking, if not outright scary. On my own Mid North coast of NSW - from dustbowl paddocks and dry dams, to green grass as high as the elephant’s eye. We seem to have slipped from a global market situation of great promise, to one of extraordinary uncertainty and foreshadowed world recession. Does this foreshadow a new world order?

In a June 1966 speech in Cape Town, as the world retreated from the Cold War and the brink of nuclear apocalypse, Robert Kennedy said: “There is a Chinese curse which says 'May he live in interesting times.'

Like it or not we live in interesting times. They are times of danger and uncertainty; but they are also more open to the creative energy of men than any other time in history.”

As we have seen since – not least in the global technological revolution that began in the late 1970s - Senator Kennedy nailed that one.

To return to 2020: in less than three months, we saw how rapidly events beyond our control can both redeem and threaten our fortunes. But we still have no over-riding reason to challenge Kennedy’s key affirmation: despite the difficulties, we should be confident that these are still times of great opportunity.

4

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 74

BOARD PROGRESS With a firm grasp on that optimism, I can report that your new Board has made substantial progress since taking over at the 2019 AGM in Brisbane.

The day after, the Board held its inaugural 2019-20 meeting. On that day, we initiated an intensive review of core AWA business and member services.

We accelerated existing proposals for the review of key breeding tools, including aspects of BREEDPLAN Carcase EBVs and BreedObject $Indexes.

review of carcase EBVs/Indexes, which is undertaken in partnership with our science partner, AGBU. I stress that ‘review’ does not equal change, but it should mean validation. Periodic review is universally accepted as basic good management, and accordingly, we have commenced a cyclical review of AWA Carcase EBVs launched in 2014. An outcome here may be additional Indexes. » Genetic Diversity: During 2020, you will receive details of AWA efforts to measure (and subsequently manage) the

The reviews are informed by and compliant to, the directions set in the brand new AWA Strategic Plan 20202025, as unveiled at the 2019 AGM.

challenged genetic diversity in our key

In mid February 2020, substantial components of the core business study were complete, and were accepted at the AWA Board meeting on February 10, 2020. These early results were outstanding. Other aspects of the review are continuing.

although the underlying issue is well

We were planning to share up-to-theminute findings at a special membersonly at the WagyuEdge Conference in April 2020. Instead we will share information through AWA media as we progress through this year.

breed, the Japanese Black. Measurement of genetic diversity has never being undertaken previously in AWA history, recognised in Japan. Work on local diversity and the related inbreeding issue is well underway at AGBU. A brand new tool has been added to our kit in the diversity project. Following our recent procurement of the leading international database, prefectural analysis will soon be available on the AWA website for each individual Australian registered Fullblood Black animal. Beyond use as a selection

HIGHLIGHTS WILL INCLUDE

tool, the structure of prefectural

BREED GENETICS DEVELOPMENT

development programs that have been

» Wagyu BREEDPLAN: In the next few months we aim to complete a full

analysis is applied in national sire a core component of modern Japanese management of breed genetic diversity.

Take, for example, the following description of Japanese sire selection methodology, which targets retained diversity, as described in the major CSIRO-published text “Beef Cattle: Production and Trade”: ‘.... Japanese Black bulls are selected at 4 years of age based on criteria (including) a higher retention ratio of genes of any one of the founders of five specific trait lines (a) Kinosaki line, 5%, or (b) Kumanami line, 10% or (c) Eikou line, 10%; or (d) Fujiyoshi line,

5% or

(e) Iwata line, 5%.’ (pp.149-150, Komatsu & Malau-Aduli, 2014, CSIRO)

Many Australian breeders are familiar with local Japanese Black animals in the Kumanami, Eikou and Fujiyoshi lines. Our new prefectural tool will facilitate identification of these (and other) important lines in our local herd, assisting in measurement and management of genetic diversity, and assist in selection.

IN MEMBERSHIP SERVICES REVIEW

performing at par, above, or below?

Are we expensive, or budget priced? » Review of AWA management efficiencies. How good are your member services? Are you getting the best bang for your buck in AWA transaction management?

The review outcomes will be applied in AWA service development, which we

The Board has looked closely at membership services and the competitive performance of AWA as a top five Australian breed association. Among our categories of formal review:

hope will enhance the AWA member experience and add value in your Wagyu operations during this year.

» Competitive benchmarking of AWA performance among Australian beef breeds societies. Is your association

Mike Buchanan AWA President and Chair

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ISSUE 74 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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ceo update

Dr. MATTHEW McDONAGH

FIRST QUARTER 2020 HIGHLIGHTS Dear Members, The AWA Board met on the 10th and 11th of February in Sydney for their first quarter Board meeting. Key items resolved by the Board at this meeting include:

NEW BREED DEVELOPMENT KEY PROJECTS UNDERWAY As announced in our April 2019 Wagyu Update (Issue 71), the AWA has been working closely with the Animal Genetics Breeding Unit (AGBU) to co-fund an AWA Research and Development Officer to undertake Wagyu-specific R&D on genetic diversity and population structure in our

with a view of developing strategies for improving the management of our critical genetic resources for the future.

The AWA has also finalised purchase of services to undertake review of Japanese pedigrees where available to correct gaps or mis-identified animals within the foundation Japanese Black pedigrees. This work will include prefectural analysis of all founding animals for the purposes of providing prefectural composition details for all Fullblood Japanese Black registered within the AWA Herdbook.

dominant Wagyu breed, the Japanese

REVIEW OF CARCASE EBVS

Black. Preliminary results from this work

It has been five years since implementation of carcase EBVs within Wagyu BREEDPLAN. AWA has accumulated

have been reviewed by the AWA Genetic Improvement Committee and AWA Board

FIGURE ONE

NUMBER OF CARCASE RECORDS IN THE AWA DATABASE

1800 1600 1400

CARCASES RECORDED

With consistent and significant increases in carcase data submitted by AWA members each year, the AWA is working with its research partner AGBU to review the generation of carcase EBVs from carcase data as the substantial increases in Fullblood data allow.

We look forward to providing updates on these new key projects through communications and online media over the coming months as results become available.

19 new full and associate members were accepted into the AWA As per the Constitution of the AWA, the Board reviews and approves new membership applications for the AWA. 19 new members were accepted at the February 2020 Board meeting, bringing the net increase in number of new members for the financial year to date to 47.

New MiP to SNP promotional pricing across Neogen, Xytovet and Zoetis labs

1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0 2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

YEAR OF SLAUGHTER 6

records on 10,463 carcases within the AWA database from 2010, averaging more than 1,000 Fullblood carcases per slaughter year for the period to 2019 (see Figure 1).

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 74

AWA has been advised that Neogen Australasia will cease the provision of MiP testing services and MiP-based parent verification to all Australian Breed Associations and will no longer offer the service to AWA members from the 31st of May 2021. Fortunately, the majority of AWA members have already transitioned their herd to SNP for parent verification.

For AWA members that do still use MiP testing for parent verification using the Neogen MiP platform, it is not possible for these members to undertake MiP testing for parent verification and registration with another lab. Unlike SNP, MiP results are ‘lab specific’ and it is not possible to compare MiP profiles between labs for parent verification and achieve the 21 markers required for registration with the AWA. Promotional pricing has been provided by Neogen, Xytovet and Zoetis to enable reduced costs to members who have not yet transferred their herd to SNP testing.

The cost of a genomic 50K SNP tests for animals that already have a MiP profile (eg. Breeder females) has been reduced from $48.60 to $36.96 for all labs. This allows calves of these animals to be parent verified on SNP from this point forward.

The cost of conducting Neogen MiP and genomic 50K SNP tests on calves has been reduced from $88.20 to $63.36. This allows calves to be parent verified on MiP, but their future progeny can be parent verified on SNP from this point forward.

For more information on pricing and timing of the promotions for each lab, please see the AWA Fee Schedule on the AWA Website

WWW.WAGYU.ORG.AU ABOUT AWA > FEE SCHEDULE

How does your Association stack up to others?

The Australian Registered Cattle Breeders Association (ARCBA) is the industry body that collates data relating to the Australian seedstock industry including Association membership numbers and registrations across different breeds of Cattle.

Based on published ARCBA figures, the AWA has increased in full membership numbers from 352 in 2015 to 564 in 2019, making the AWA

FIGURE TWO

COMPARISON OF ASSOCIATION FULL MEMBERS 1,200

ANGUS 1,100

1,000

BRAHMAN 963

800 600

HEREFORD 654 WAGYU 564

400

LIMOUSIN 376

200

CHAROLAIS 330 SHORTHORN 222

0 2015

2016

2017

2018

FIGURE THREE

COMPARISON OF ASSOCIATION REGISTRATIONS 50,000 45,000 40,000 35,000

ANGUS 48,085

30,000

HEREFORD 19,704

25,000

WAGYU 11,799

20,000

BRAHMAN 10,068

15,000

CHAROLAIS 7,963

10,000

LIMOUSIN 6,070 SHORTHORN 5,388

5,000 0 2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

ISSUE 74 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

7

CEO Update the fourth largest breed association by membership. The AWA has increased Herdbook registrations from in 8,081 in 2015 to 11,799 in 2018 (note, 2019 statistics are not published yet), making the AWA the third largest breed association by primary registrations. The trends across the Breed Association landscape are shown in figures 2 and 3, with AWA represented as the dashedred line. This data and more information on cost of services, financial benchmarking and fee comparisons will be provided through communications and online media over the coming months.

the USA Wagyu Association for the purposes of registration in the USA Wagyu Association Herdbook. This is done at the request of the Australian Wagyu Association member.

To enable reciprocal exchange of genotype information for registration of USA Wagyu Association registered animals with the Australian Wagyu Association, we have completed a mutual agreement with the USA Wagyu Association to allow our USA members to provide the Australian Wagyu Association with genotype information for registration without the need for retesting of animals.

UPDATES FROM THE OFFICE

Finalisation of USA Wagyu Association and Australian Wagyu Association genotype sharing agreement To enable registration of Australian-registered animals in the USA for genetics export or other purposes, the Australian Wagyu Association provides the required genotype information to

Welcome to Emily Rabone: The AWA is delighted to announce that Emily Rabone commenced with us December 2019 as a Member Services Officer . Emily has a very strong cattle background, including seedstock experience, has completed her Bachelor of Agriculture from the University of New

England and has worked previously with Practical Systems and also with Auctions Plus prior to commencing with us. Emily will be attending our 2020 WagyuEdge Conference on the Gold Coast and looks forward to meeting many of you there.

Management of COVID-19 impact on services: Over the past month, the AWA has been taking steps to get all its office services functional from remote access. We are working with our DNA testing laboratories to ensure continuity of service and putting contingency plans in place to minimise potential disruption for members. We are endeavouring to maintain our level of services for our members as best we can. We will continue to keep you updated as we evolve our services.

Dr. Matt McDonagh

Chief Executive Officer Australian Wagyu Association

KOOLANG WAGYU

Better Bulls for Better Beef 8

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 74

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ISSUE 74 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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WAGYU BRANDED BEEF COMPETITION

WAGYU WAGYU W BRANDED BRANDED BR AUSTRALIAN WAGYU BEEF BEEF BE

CONTINUES TO RAISE THE CO COMPETITION COMPETITION BAR ON LUXURY BEEF

IN A PERIOD OF TURMOIL, THE WAGYU BRANDED BEEF COMPETITION JUDGING CONTINUED ON, AND DECLARED ITSELF TO BE THE BEST YET IN ITS EIGHT-YEAR HISTORY.

The only branded beef competition supported by a breed association, the Wagyu Branded Beef Competition is an opportunity to benchmark Australian Wagyu beef and crown the Grand Champion. Celebrating Fullblood, Crossbred and Commercial Classes, the competition seeks to promote excellence in Wagyu beef production for producers and brand owners.

The categories are: CLASS 1

FULLBLOOD JAPANESE BLACK STEAK CLASS 2

OPEN CROSSBRED WAGYU STEAK CLASS 3

COMMERCIAL WAGYU STEAK (MS 5-7) In addition to Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for each category, Category Champion awards are awarded to the highest scoring entry in each category. The highest scoring Category Champion will be awarded the Grand Champion Award.

The 2020 Wagyu Branded Beef Competition had 32 entries across all three Classes, some brand owners entering for the

OFFICIAL 2020 WAGYU BRANDED BEEF COMPETITION SPONSORS

first time to benchmark against their peers.

Wagyu beef is characterised by its large eye-muscle area and unique high-quality fine marbling and characteristic umami flavour, giving an exceptional eating experience. The quality of the product presented for the competition showed that the

10

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 74

Once again the 2020 AWA Wagyu Branded Beef Competition was strongly supported by Australia’s leading Wagyu beef brands with the most steak entries ever ...

Australian Wagyu industry has been able to overcome some pretty tough conditions in recent times, with exceptional marbling and yield.

Wagyu beef is based on five criteria: visual appeal (raw and cooked), juiciness, flavour, aroma and the physical sensation in your mouth.

Judging of the competition was hosted by iconic restaurant, Cha Cha Char Wine Bar & Grill under the supervision of Corporate Executive Chef, John Alexander.

“I always have a great time taking part in the process of the competition from preparing the best Wagyu produced in this great country of ours, through to cooking with the team of Gary McPherson, Ron Fitzgerald and Peter Lewis,” said John.

“I take away the knowledge every year to take note of what product has progressed and putting forward a more outstanding product. This year there has seen some significant standouts in the preparation of the samples of striploins with increased marble and a great fat colour. It is impressive to see the brands are getting stronger here in Australia.”

The Grand Champion and winners will be announced in due course with an online medal presentation and live cross to winners, as a consequence of the conference cancellation.

“Once again the 2020 AWA Wagyu Branded Beef Competition was strongly supported by Australia’s leading Wagyu beef brands with the most steak entries ever, despite the drought conditions that had been prevalent over a lot of Australia last year as well as the serious bushfires over South-Eastern Australia,” said Ron Fitzgerald, AWA competition organiser.

ABOVE LEFT (L TO R) Executive Chef, John Alexander, Chief Steward, Gary McPherson, Chief Judge, Peter Lewis and owner of Cha Cha Char Wine Bar & Grill, John Kilroy.

ISSUE 74 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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MSA INVESTIGATES A ‘WAGYU EFFECT’ ON BEEF EATING QUALITY

Meat Standards Australia (MSA) research aiming to evaluate a potential ‘Wagyu effect’ on beef eating quality is going international, with consumer sensory testing scheduled to take place in the Middle East later in the year.

Research now underway will look to quantify any possible ‘Wagyu effect’, which is not currently described in the MSA model. The project that will involve sensory testing with more than 2,600 consumers across Australia and the Middle East.

If an ‘effect’ is confirmed, this project aims to quantify it and how it might be incorporated into the MSA model.

MLA Group Manager – Adoption and Commercialisation, Sarah Strachan, said results were expected in 2021. Any results will go through the due process for all MSA research outcomes in that the MSA R & D committee and the MSA Beef Taskforce will review the results and implementation options.

“As the popularity of Wagyu grows in both domestic and international markets, such as the United Arab Emirates, which Striploin will be prepared for sampling as Yakiniku, Grilling, Shabu Shabu cook methods and a mix of products going to Australia and Middle East for sensory testing.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT 1800 111 672 msaenquiries@mla.com.au

has been identified as an emerging Wagyu market, it’s becoming more and more important to understand what makes it unique.

The ability to accurately describe the eating quality potential of a product enables brand owners to market their brand story and eating quality claims with confidence.

The project involves 72 head comprising purebred Wagyu, Bos Indicus F1s, Angus F1s and long-fed purebred Angus animals.

Five primals were collected across the carcase including the striploin, roast biff, outside flat, chuck eye roll and bolar blade, which will be prepared using the grill, roast and yakiniku cooking methods.

12

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 74

Stanbroke is purchasing quality bred Wagyu F1 steers and heifers by AWA registered Wagyu Fullblood bulls following Stanbroke genetic values.

Stanbroke supply chain vendors receive full feedback information on feeder cattle processed for our award winning Diamantina brand.

ISSUE 74 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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FULL BLOOD BULLS FOR SALE SIRED BY

MICHIFUKU TWAFR0007 SHIKIKAN HIRASHIGETAYASU (WES001) KITATERUYASUDOI (WES003)

TF147 ITOSHIGEFUJI TF148 ITOSHIGENAMI TF YUKIHARUNAMI 4 WORLD CLASS GENETICS WORLD CLASS CARCASSES

Proof is in the carcass Half of our carcasses grade MBS 9 and 9+ with a herd average MBS of 8.4 for steers and heifers.

14

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 74

Quality and the integrity of the information about each and every animal I breed is extremely important to me ...

A ‘GOOD BULL’ THE START TO SUCCESSFUL WAGYU THROUGH TRIAL AND ERROR, AND SOME HARDLEARNED LESSONS, THE RESULTS ARE SPEAKING FOR THEMSELVES

Lisheen Wagyu, north of Melbourne, started a grass-fed Fullblood Wagyu program in 2014, with a focus on quality, based on pedigree and estimated breeding values to produce a small herd that sits in the top 10% of the breed. Through trial and error, and some hard-learned lessons, the results are speaking for themselves.

At first glance, the story of Lisheen Wagyu appears to be a recent one, but in fact, Gary Neal, owner of Lisheen Wagyu was one of the early entrants into Wagyu in the mid 1990s.

Originally a producer of Angus, Murray Greys and Charolais, Gary grew tired of the unpredictable nature of the beef market in Australia. An ad in the local rural paper for a Field Day at Euroa on Wagyu caught his interest. That first Field Day was presented

by Dr Simon Coates, back in the days when Wagyu production was perceived as a gimmick akin to emu farming. A bit of research, a sample of Wagyu beef, followed by a second Field Day and Gary was in.

The aim in those early days was to improve the beef quality, not necessarily the breed, and as a consequence, Wagyu bulls were bought to put across his Angus heifers for the F1 and F2 live export trade. For many years, Gary ran his operation in this fashion, with repeat business every year, enabling a reliable level of farm income forecasting that had eluded him previously.

As the Japanese market faded, the Australian feedlot industry saw the benefits of Wagyuinfused cattle and were keen to continue on a similar level of business – at a better price.

What was really missing, was data feedback on those F1 and F2 cattle. The assumption that repeat business meant satisfactory results, did not answer questions such as feedlot performance or carcase data to enable further development of the herd.

Responses from Japan were minimal, and Australian feedlot data was almost impossible to obtain and what could be obtained, was not particularly transparent in how the data was collected.

Gary prides himself on his ability to record accurate data on his entire herd, including birth details, weights at 200, 400 and 600 days, maternal traits and also docility of the animal.

“I have a strong focus on having a herd that is quiet and easy to manage,” said Gary.

“Quality and the integrity of the information about each and every animal I breed is extremely important to me. I take great care and pride in the accuracy of BREEDPLAN data I submit.”

A period of expansion occurred, with the lease of 1,000 acres closer to Melbourne, but a number of events, including extensive bushfires on both the Lisheen and lease properties showed, from a management point ISSUE 73 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

15

... only your best or stud Angus cows, so that you know what your starting point is. Using a good Wagyu bull over a poor quality Angus cow can compromise the potential result.

A 'good bull' the start to successful Wagyu of view, it would be difficult to persist. As a result, Gary opted to downsize his operations with the view to concentrating on a Fullblood breeding program. Gary says that as devastating as the fires were, there's nothing he could do to change what had happened.

“I was insured and I still had my cattle so I thought of it as an opportunity to re-set and rebuild fences and infrastructure where they should be rather than where they had been and re-sow higher quality pastures to improve productivity and carrying capacity.

It gives you something positive out of what is otherwise basically all bad. It’s difficult, but you just have to get on with it!”

The missing piece was a suitable Fullblood bull to kick the program on.

The challenge for Gary was that bulls used for the live steer market were not necessarily suitable for the Fullblood breeding program.

“I asked the agent who organised the Fullblood cows, to find me a suitable ‘good bull’ not really knowing what I actually needed. The first one I bought turned out to be no good. I bought him sight unseen, without really understanding his bloodlines and EBVs, and on the basis that a vet check had been done.

“After missing a season with no pregnancies to this bull, I got my own vet to give him the once-over. The verdict was that he was basically infertile and was prone to conformation problems.

16

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 74

“When I spoke to the agent about his supposed ‘vet check’ he offered a refund or another bull. I took the offer of the second bull, which turned out to be a ‘good bull’.

By then, I had learned my lesson: look at the breeding, understand the figures, get a fertility check (and paperwork) and actually look at the bull before you commit. And did I trust the breeder?”

into the Elite Wagyu Sale is a reflection of the

Gary now appreciates the value of data, but understands that it is not the whole picture of a bull – a recent case in point is that one bull he bred, on paper looked promising, but in reality, he was born prematurely, had very poor conformation, poor structure, and stunted growth – he was ‘no good’ and never would be. Gary chose to use him as an example for potential buyers as to why you must look at more than just the figures.

needed to be taken onboard in a reasonably

“I remember at those Field Days Simon recommended that you use only your best or stud Angus cows, so that you know what your starting point is. Using a good Wagyu bull over a poor quality Angus cow can compromise the potential result. It’s still good advice, which I share with anyone looking to buy a bull for their breeding program.”

born, right through to the day he is sold.

Sales such as the Elite Wagyu Sale are as much a marketing tool for breeders as they are for sourcing top level genetics, and it is evident Gary said, that some of the prices paid have been as much about the reputation of the breeder as the breeding and EBVs of the sale lot. Submitting Lisheen Wagyu genetics

quality that Gary produces, and the integrity of his breeding program.

To get to this point, Gary readily admits, has been a steep learning curve. Collecting his own data, comparing it to the resultant EBVs, understanding artificial insemination and embryo transfer programs and more all short period of time, by Wagyu breeding standards.

“When someone comes to me looking to buy a bull, I like to understand what it is they want to achieve with the bull so I can make sure they are getting what they need. I can now give them a full set of records that I have collected from the day the bull was He will be fertility tested, DNA tested and parent verified, checked for recessive genetic conditions, vaccinated, registered and freeze branded. The vendor can be confident he will be calm and perfectly capable of being able to forage for himself.

“But the bull won’t go until the buyer has actually seen him or at least photographs of him, checked the details for themselves and is satisfied that everything is in order. Anything less, and I would be doing the buyer, myself and potentially the Wagyu breed a disservice.

It’s all about quality and integrity.”

HARD WORKING PROTECTION FOR YOUR WAGYU HERD  Prevention  Treatment

PROTECT YOUR GREATEST ASSETS AGAINST

LEPTOSPIROSIS & 5 KEY CLOSTRIDIAL DISEASES

PESTIVIRUS

VIBRIOSIS

BRD CAUSED

BY MH

BOTULISM

CALF SCOURS

PARASITE MANAGEMENT

Speak to your local Zoetis representative about all the ways Zoetis can help keep your wagyu herd healthy. Head to zoetis.com.au/LS for more information.

Zoetis Australia Pty Ltd. ABN 94 156 476 425. Level 6, 5 Rider Boulevard, Rhodes NSW 2138. © 2019 Zoetis Inc. All rights reserved. 11/19. ZL1153.

ISSUE 74 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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TOP WAGYU GENETICS ONLINE WITH GDL AND ELITE LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS online-only platform. With that in mind, Elite Livestock Auctions will provide the online interface. The Elite Wagyu Sale now has no restrictions on time and can

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU ASSOCIATION WELCOMES ELITE LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS AS OUR ONLINE PARTNER WITH GDL TO CONDUCT THE 7th ELITE WAGYU SALE ONLINE ON THURSDAY 20 APRIL, 2020.

give buyers a greater opportunity to bid.

In the past, the Elite Wagyu Sale was held live and online, but with COVID-19, the decision has been made to move to an

sale only. Buyers will need to register with

The Sale will now be conducted across two sessions (AEST): 10am to 1pm Female and Bull lots 1:30 to 3:30pm Embryo and Semen lots Online buyers from Australia need to register with elitelivestockauctions.com.au Special arrangements must be made by International Bidders with GDL who will provide a temporary Buyer password for this the Agents prior to the sale. This year, we have a total of 98 exceptional lots including:

25 Female lots 2 Flush lots 20 Semen lots

26 Bull lots 26 Embryo lots

Interest in submission of Lots in the Sale was extremely high this year. The Association would like to thank all potential vendors for putting forward their lots for consideration.

The Association has strengthened the criteria for the Sale to be animals or genetic Lots with EBVs or BreedObject $Indexes in the top 5% of the breed; the final Lots exhibited multiple EBVs or $Index values.

Genomic (50K DNA) testing has also been completed to increase the accuracy of EBVs for all live Lots. Along with this, the Association has ensured testing for genetic recessive conditions has been completed where animals were not able to be demonstrated as ‘free’ by pedigree alone.

RIVERINA’S WAGYU RANGE ARE A PALATABLE, HIGH PROTEIN AND ENERGY SUPPLEMENT WITH ADDED VITAMINS AND MINERALS FOR ALL STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT. Photo from Hamblin Family (Strathdale Serena)

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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 74

HOW TO REGISTER WITH ELITE LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS HOW TO BID ONLINE WITHIN AUSTRALIA

Step 1 Simply go to e litelivestockauctions.com.au using your desktop, laptop, iPad, i Phone or android device.

Step 7 Once an account has been created you are all “Set to Bid”.

Step 8 Step 2 Click on the “Sign Up” page / link.

Each auction can then be viewed b y clicking “Live Auction” logo on t he Elite Livestock Auctions website.

Step 9 Step 3 Create a bidding profile using the bidder registration page. Y ou can either register as a livestock agent, company or private buyer.

Step 4 Agree to the Elite Livestock Auctions T erms and Conditions and the Selling Agents Sale Terms and Conditions a s printed in the official Sale Catalogue.

Step 5 Click “Register”.

Once you receive email notification that your account has been created p lease go to the sale you wish to bid at and click “Request to Bid”.

Step 10 The sale agents will then approve y our application to bid and on the s ale catalogue you will see “ check Bid Request Approved”.

Step 11 On Sale day simply login, click “Enter Auction” on the catalogue page and you can start bidding.

There is no need for software download.

Step 6

Step 12

You will then be notified by email that an account has been created.

You will then be notified by email that an account has been created.

ISSUE 74 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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Rodney Parker (Vic & Tas) 0427 167 148 rparker@neogen.com

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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 74

A WORLD OF DNA TEST CHOICES IN MiP TO SNP PROMOTIONAL PRICING As we migrate from MiP to SNP, we now have promotional deals being offered by all three Australian AWA approved labs (Neogen, Xytovet

Wagyu Edge Conference & Tour

and Zoetis). More than 1,000 test requests have been processed during March under MiP to SNP promotional deals.

Through our partnership with Zoetis, we are also pleased to announce international MiP to SNP promotional upgrades to our North

A note from the AWA Conference Team

American members for any animal that only holds a MiP (or STR) profile with the Australian Wagyu Association.

GENOTYPE SHARING BETWEEN USA AND AUSTRALIA The Australian Wagyu Association has executed a mutual non-disclosure agreement relating to sharing of genotypes between the Australian and American Wagyu Associations. The agreement enables our North American members to request the sharing of their genotype data held by the American Association with the Australian Association so that our North American members can register with us without needing to re-test.

The Australian Wagyu Association will continue to share genotype information at members request.

NEW ZOETIS 50K GENOTYPING SERVICES FOR NORTH AMERICAN MEMBERS The Australian Wagyu Association has been working with our global DNA testing partner Zoetis on delivering 50K genomic services for our North American members. We are now able to provide MiP to SNP 50K genomics promotional pricing and standard SNP 50K genomics testing through Zoetis’s Kalamazoo Michigan laboratory.

FOR AUSTRALIAN MEMBERS With three DNA test labs on board (Zoetis, Xytovet and Neogen), the complexity of the test request process has increased. We now have a

It was with a heavy heart that the 2020 WagyuEdge Conference and Tour had to, like many events, cancel the 2020 program to ensure the safety of our delegates, sponsors and AWA staff.

Rest assured, we have turned our attention to 2021 as we review suitable dates and locations to hold the event.

Once confirmed, the 2021 WagyuEdge Conference and Tour will present the most significant talking points in the industry led by some of the most senior leaders within our industry.

Keep an eye out for updates about the 2021 Wagyu Edge Conference and Tour to be announced in the near future.

separate DNA test request form for each lab. It is recommended that prior to lodging a test request, check for the latest update for each lab and use postal tracking to ensure it has arrived at its destination.

ISSUE 74 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 74

MANAGING STRESS IN WAGYU CATTLE STRESS: THE THIEF THAT STEALS POTENTIAL Undoubtedly, stress is a topic to which almost everyone can relate and is one of the top issues facing the cattle industry today. Management practices should always be targeted towards reducing the likelihood and severity of stress in cattle at every opportunity. Stressed cattle experience reduced performance, impaired reproduction and health, and even death. Exposure to stress can also result in significantly lower carcase quality and profit potential.

Stress can completely negate an animal’s ability to ever achieve its genetic potential. After working with Wagyu cattle for the past 25 years, I have witnessed that this amazing breed to be no more vulnerable to stress than any other breed, but they do have far more to lose when stressful events occur.

A comprehensive definition of stress is “symptoms arising from a situation or environment that is not normal for the animal.” Those factors contributing to stress known as stressors may be grouped into: 1. psychological stressors such as co-mingling or social mixing, novel environment, and fear; 2. physical stressors such as disease, injury, fatigue, hunger and dehydration; and

3. physiological stressors which entail a deviation from normal hormonal functions caused by psychological and physical stressors.

Upon a stress triggering episode, several responses are activated in the animal’s brain, ultimately leading to the production and release of the “stress hormones” adrenalin and cortisol from the animal’s adrenal glands.

Dr Jimmy L. Horner Ph.D., P.A.S. Diplomate ACAN Protocol Technologies/ Protocol Naturals, USA

Adrenalin acts primarily in the short-term as the fight or flight response is triggered resulting in increased heart rate, blood pressure and energy level. Cortisol is secreted in a more gradual manner throughout the day during extended periods of stress, and elevated circulating cortisol leads to severe physiological problems such as immunosuppression, impaired growth and reproduction, and suppressed milk yield.

Adrenalin acts as the primary culprit affecting carcase quality by causing the body to mobilise intramuscular fat (IMF) cells into readily available energy, primarily in the form of glycogen, thereby enabling muscles to “burst” into action. This process occurs whether the energy is actually needed or not.

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Bottom line is adrenalin drains IMF out of cells resulting in less marbling.

Both adrenalin and cortisol levels will eventually return to normal levels after stressful events subside with recovery time, depending on the intensity and duration of stress incurred. Since cortisol is secreted more gradually, the time required to return to normal levels is also more gradual and may take as long as 8-12 weeks.

Researchers at Oregon State University were among the first to verify that cattle indeed remember stressful situations. When previously stressed cattle were simply exposed to the possibility of dealing with the same source of stress a second time, they became agitated and defensive with a 30% increase in cortisol levels.

Cattle that had never been exposed to this same perceived stress did not show any signs of stress and even appeared highly curious about what was going on. So, cattle have excellent memories regarding stressful events and may become immediately stressed when confronted with the likelihood of having to deal with that particular stressor again.

POTENTIAL SOURCES OF STRESS INCLUDE:

1. Lack of proper employee “buy-in� and training in care and management of cattle 2. Environment - heat, cold, wind, humidity, precipitation, mud 3. Physical discomfort - pain 4. Handling: movement, transport 5. Nutritional: abrupt ration changes, feeding frequency, imbalances 6. Fear: fearful environment 7. Weaning: separation anxiety, new diet, new surroundings 8. Disease or injury 9. Unfamiliar surroundings giving uncertainty 10 Lack of a consistent routine 11. Social competition, overcrowding 12. Noise, bright lights 13. Excitement, running Though we can obviously never eradicate cattle stress, we can certainly minimise it.

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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 74

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Managing stress in Wagyu cattle

MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES TO HELP MITIGATE STRESS ARE

1. Investing in those individuals responsible for the daily care and management of your cattle. Proper training and education of employees seasoned with genuine respect and appreciation can pay huge dividends and cannot be undervalued. Any “expert” or consultant retained by a producer is only as effective as those caring for the cattle on a daily basis.

2. Protection from environmental stress. Environmental stress can obviously be a strong initiator of stress in cattle. Though producers do not need to build mansions for their herds, cattle should at least have adequate shelters/structures in place to help minimise the harmful effects of harsh weather. Our company participated in a feedlot study in 2014 in the Midwest in which F1 Wagyu x Angus cattle lost nearly 12% of their marbling when exposed to 14 days of blizzard-like conditions without any shelter.

That 12% loss in marbling could never be re-captured as the cattle were harvested after the 2-week period.

3. Low-stress handling. This approach to handling Wagyu cattle is a must for every Wagyu operation as these very docile cattle respond to handlers whose approach is just as docile. Learning to take the time to truly observe and interpret what your cattle are telling you is also so very critical in learning to recognize the triggers of stress. Factors such as mobility (walking with ease versus a stiff gait), appearance (body condition, hair coat, dull or bright eyes), aggressiveness when eating or foraging, cud chewing when resting, manure texture, and others can provide excellent signs of potential stress in cattle.

4. Develop the mindset of your cattle. This type of mindset can go a long way in helping producers protect their cattle from various sources of stress. When I tell producers to not expect their cattle to drink the water if they’re not willing to do so, I usually get a funny look, yet we know cattle do much better and are much healthier with access to fresh, clean drinking water.

5. Avoiding sudden changes in feeding/feed. Abrupt changes in diet or the method in which it is delivered can induce nutritional stress. Gradual transition to new feeds or rations is always the best policy. Ideally, cattle should also be fed at the same time(s) each day as well.

6. Feeding high quality and properly balanced rations at every production stage also prevents potential nutritional stress and results in a healthier animal that always performs better whether gaining weight, breeding back or producing as high a quality carcase as possible. This approach requires the regular testing of forages and water.

7. Strive for consistency in every facet of the operation.

Much like children, cattle also thrive in consistent and structured environments. To become a truly successful producer, consistency in caring for your cattle must always be placed over your own or your employee’s convenience.

8. Avoiding overcrowding is always recommended to minimise competition and social stress while maximising consumption and weight gain. Overcrowding is also highly correlated with increased incidence of disease and injury.

9. Minimise social stress. Any Wagyu breeder can attest to the fact that Wagyu cattle are very social creatures. Managing them to accommodate this trait can be very beneficial including the practice of never moving an animal by themselves to another group if possible. Most successful finishing operations move cattle by pens throughout the feeding period with the same pen remaining together through the duration.

10. Avoiding bright lights and noise. I’ve visited numerous Japanese Wagyu finishing operations that maintain dimly lit barns as they have learned bright lighting can trigger stress. These same producers also attempt to minimise any source of noise and some even have classical music playing in their finishing barns.

Top Wagyu producers worldwide understand the consequences of stress on their cattle and attempt to minimise any and all potential sources of stress which might exist since they have learned that stress is like a thief seeking to steal potential profits whenever possible.

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A NEW DECADE, A NEW BEGINNING IN THE HEADY DAYS OF THE EARLY 1990s, THE NEW ZEALAND CATTLE INDUSTRY HAD AS MANY STARS IN THEIR EYES FOR WAGYU AS AUSTRALIA. AND FOR MANY YEARS, THE INDUSTRY GREW AND PROSPERED. Hitting a rough patch at the start of the millennium, the New Zealand Wagyu Breeders Association went through a period of hiatus. With a new decade there is a new beginning.

With the first calf born in 1991 via embryo transfer (out of Australia) and the New Zealand Wagyu Breeders Association (NZWBA) incorporated on 15 April 1992, there were 15 founding members. By October of the following year, 23 herds were registered on the Herdbook.

As breed societies go, the 1990s were good for New Zealand Wagyu, with fledgling markets developing into live cattle export to Japan, herd development and a regular presence at the New Zealand National Agricultural Field Days at Hamilton for a number of years. At its height, the Association had between 50-60 members.

26

members contributed significantly to the breed, including Mike McCool, Gordon Dennis and the Collier family.

Gordon has been the caretaker of the original database, while Mike still maintains one of the largest Wagyu herds in New Zealand, north of Auckland city. The Colliers, Keith as a past president in the early days (Keith passed away about 15 years ago) and now Malcom Collier as the current president have continued to breed purebred and Fullblood Wagyu in the North Island.

The New Zealand Wagyu herd is in a unique position with the resurrection of the Association in that aims to be true to what a breed society aims to achieve.

The most recent Guidelines for Breed Associations, from ICAR in 2019, suggests that a breed association is “usually established to promote and develop a particular breed within a species. Their mission statement will usually include development of a breeding goal, maintaining a herd book, and promotion through sales, media and events.”

Today’s Association, reformed in 2014, with Paul Bilcliffe as its first president, aims to bring together

Sadly, the glint of a quick fortune, brought unscrupulous players to New Zealand and a number of Wagyu breeders were stripped of their funds, many never returned to the industry. By around the year 2000, the Association had all but disbanded.

the smaller herds within New Zealand, to further the

In 2014, a group of breeders still producing Fullblood and purebred Wagyu, felt it was time to resurrect the Association.

organisation will provide support and a network for

Throughout this period of time, a number of notable

“It’s time to get things back on track, while we still have

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 74

Fullblood and purebred national herd, and to tell their story of high marbling grass-fed Wagyu beef.

“There are still a number of us who believe in the breed,” said President Malcom Collier. “The hope is that the them in a non-commercial environment so that we achieve the best for the breed.

All the new registrations will have parent verification, similar to the Australian system, and we have been working with ABRI on what protocols we need to establish.

a number of members who can share their knowledge on Wagyu production and best practice – collegial support.”

NZWBA FIRST COUNCIL 1992

The NZWBA is fortunate that the original database was still intact, and with some help from ABRI, the data has been extracted for the 700-800 animals that were registered, and the basis of a new system established.

For the past year, a beta phase of the new register has been tested and is due to become fully operational in the coming months. Malcom anticipates

Tony Lee Ian Barron

President Secretary / Treasurer

Keith Collier Mike Curnow John Gold Peter Johns Mike McCool Jock Burridge Don Alexander

that there will be a few hundred animals that can be registered within six months of going ‘live’.

“All the new registrations will have parent verification, similar to the Australian system, and we have been working with ABRI on what protocols we need to establish.

Shaddon Waldie and Rachel Powell of Tara Hills Farm Wagyu, have been looking after that side of things.”

“We have always had access to good Wagyu genetics in New Zealand, thanks to the work done by committed NZWBA members since the early 1990s,” said Shaddon.

“I think the past five years has seen a jump in Fullblood embryo imports from Australia, which is widening the genetic pool available to New Zealand farmers. Re-establishing the Herdbook and register is a considerable amount of work, but will be a massive step forward for the breed and NZWBA.” Most of the breeding has been achieved with artificial breeding programs, and there has been considerable effort spent on improving the genetics with the importation of embryos. New Zealand’s climate is such that access to green grass is rarely a problem, but the weather can range from warm and humid in the North Island, to snow in the South.

“Wagyu are pretty resilient animals, and do very well in New Zealand.

WHERE DOES FIRST LIGHT FOODS FIT IN? First Light Foods is essentially a Wagyu beef production system focusing on F1 through to F3, with Wagyu crossed with dairy breeds in most instances.

Contracted farmers raise the animals for First Light Foods, who then market the beef on their behalf. The largest contributor is Brownrigg Agriculture, who maintain a herd of Fullblood bulls.

There a currently around 60 contracted farmers in the group.

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A new decade, a new beginning

“I distinctly remember on the AWA’s Mackay conference Tour, Peter Hughes saying that “A Wagyu cow will go up a hollow log to get to a blade of grass” - the same is true in New Zealand.”

the breed is capable of."

Shaddon and Rachael from Tara Hills Farm are relative newcomers to the Wagyu breed, but have quickly become focussed on genetic improvement and performance on grass.

times. Wagyu cattle in a pasture-based

“We have partnered with a large dairy farm as part of our embryo transfer program and have been heavily influenced by their systems. We graze intensively while the grass is growing and winter the cattle on hay and baleage. We take a quantitative approach, measuring pasture levels, daily weight gains and body condition scores. A significant challenge for a small farm like ours is small amounts of carcase data, but sharing information within the NZWBA is helping to develop a better picture of what

and Fullblood animals ready for processing at 30-36 months of age with a Ms7+”.

“We have seen that marbling on grass is certainly achievable. The cattle do very well in our current system and now we are concentrating on shortening production system may not be able to achieve the same standards as a grain-based long fed system, but our current target is to have our purebred

“We are also very interested in how regenerative farming practices can be integrated into Wagyu beef production. We feel that the breed would do very well in an intensively managed grazing system, and think that with a change in perspective beef production can be part of the environmental solution - rather than part of the problem”.

Part of the challenge facing the NZWBA

is the education of consumers, retailers and farmers to be aware of the unique characteristics of Wagyu. As in Australia, finding a processor who can handle the larger carcase size, or do custom processing is also a challenge.

To date, the resurrected Association has 25 members who are keen to promote the New Zealand story of sustainable, grass-fed Fullblood Wagyu. While the Association is small, so too is the local market, enabling a niche market approach to be established locally focusing on the characteristics of Fullblood and purebred Wagyu raised on green grass and on emphasis on low volume, high value product.

“As an Association we are in a rebuilding and growth phase. This means a lot of hard work, challenges and frustrations, but it is an exciting time to be part of the Wagyu breed,” said Shaddon.

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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 74

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ISSUE 74 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 74

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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 74

DIVERSITY BRINGS GENETIC STRENGTH IT IS WIDELY ACCEPTED, THAT THE GENETIC DIVERSITY OF WAGYU OUTSIDE OF JAPAN REQUIRES GREATER VIGILANCE TO MANAGE INBREEDING AND RECESSIVE GENETIC CONDITIONS.

Inbreeding is essentially the mating of animals that are closely related – Sire with daughter, for example.

Within Wagyu, it is not uncommon to have one or more progeny related through the mating of a Sire or Dam, resulting in a certain level of inbreeding. The level of inbreeding for the progeny is dependent on how closely related the parent animals are.

The attraction to mating closely related animals is to concentrate on desirable characteristics for the progeny, concentrating on the traits that may be strong within the Sire or Dam. For example, to enhance marbling traits, it is tempting to mate a Sire and Dam with high marbling EBVs, who may be closely related.

The potential production outcomes for enhanced traits in progeny are attractive, however, the risks associated with inbreeding need to be considered.

In general terms there are three main risk outcomes: » Inbreeding depression in production traits

RELATIONSHIP

INBREEDING COEFFICIENT (assuming no previous inbreeding)

ANIMAL MATED TO ITS OWN PARENT EG: SIRE to DAUGHTER

25%

FULL SIBLINGS SIRE to DAM sharing the same SIRE and DAM as parents

25%

HALF SIBLINGS SIRE to DAM with common SIRE and DAM HALF COUSINS SIRE to DAM sharing a common grandparent

12.5% 3.1%

» Reduction in genetic diversity » Increase homozygosity of recessive conditions To calculate the level of inbreeding, a coefficient is derived as the probability percentage (%) for any allele (i.e. pair of genes at a specific location on the chromosome) to be identical by descent.

ISSUE 74 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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The depth and accuracy of pedigree that is recorded will determine how true the level of inbreeding is. For animals with little or no pedigree recorded, the inbreeding coefficient may understate the true level, and be lower than it should, compared to full records for many generations.

A literature review undertaken by Burrow (1993) investigated the effects of inbreeding in beef cattle. The review, which did not include Wagyu, revealed that inbreeding of the individual has a consistent adverse effect on growth traits from birth to maturity and on maternal traits.

More specifically, for every 1% increase in the inbreeding coefficient a decrease of 0.06, 0.44, 0.69 and 1.30 kg in live weight at birth, weaning, yearling and maturity respectively was observed. Additionally, inbreeding in the dam decreased weaning and yearling weights by 0.30 and 0.21 kg respectively for every 1% increase in the inbreeding coefficient, probably as a result of decreasing milk yield and reduced maternal value of the inbred dams.

The depression caused by inbreeding tends to negatively affect the traits which are positively affected by heterosis (i.e. crossbreeding - the opposite of inbreeding), with these being fertility, survival, growth, and to a lesser extent, carcase traits.

The review also reported inbreeding as having a depressive effect (although the magnitudes of effect were small in some cases) on heifer conception

The basics of DNA DNA is a molecule, which contains the blueprint for life and comprises the nucleotides Adenosine (A), Thymine (T), Guanosine (G) and Cytosine (C).

In mammals such as humans and cattle, the DNA is arranged in chromosomes, and each chromosome contains many genes, which provide the instructions to produce proteins.

Proteins are vital to perform and maintain normal body functions.

In mammals each chromosome, and therefore each gene, is in duplicate because one full copy is inherited from the mother (maternal) and the other full copy is inherited from the father (paternal).

rates, female fertility, conformation/structure, feed intake, feed conversion efficiency, carcase traits and male reproductive traits Aiming to produce a single animal with the highest EBVs and BreedObject $Indexes, may seem an attractive proposition through selective inbreeding, but runs the risk of subsequent progeny exhibiting depressed traits or carrying higher levels of recessive genetic conditions.

By focusing on the overall average performance of the herd, the Wagyu breeder can lift the standards through objective selection and allocation of matings that suit their production goals – whether it is to enhance fertility, carcase or maternal traits, while maintaining genetic diversity.

While there is no ideal level of inbreeding for any cattle breed, with Wagyu, there is little choice but to manage the genetic diversity available. Indiscriminate breeding is unlikely to be economically sustainable in the long term. A good rule of thumb, according to Southern Beef Technology Services (SBTS), is to ensure inbreeding levels do not increase by more than 1% per generation.

34

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 74

DNA VARIATION There can be many differences in the DNA sequence between individuals.

These differences are often referred to as mutations or polymorphisms.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP; pronounced “snips�) are a common form of variation in the DNA sequence.

SNP refers to a single nucleotide change in the DNA sequence between individuals. SNP can occur as frequently as 1 in every 1000 nucleotides, and the entire DNA sequence (genome) for cattle and humans is about 3 billion nucleotides in length.

Diversity brings genetic strength

RECESSIVE CONDITIONS IN WAGYU Our improved understanding of molecular and quantitative genetics has had a profound impact on the productiveness of livestock. The recent incorporation of genomics has also had a marked contribution towards genetic gain at a breed and herd level. Conversely, the use of favoured sires or sire lines presents a risk of concentrating and amplifying undesirable traits and inherited disease.

All breeds of cattle, including Wagyu, are prone to undesirable genetic conditions Inherited diseases occur naturally in animals and can range from diseases with minor impact on animal welfare to lethal diseases. Inherited disease is the result of an abnormality in the normal DNA sequence of an individual.

This abnormality may affect a single gene, an entire chromosome or it may be multifactorial compromising a complex combination of genetic, behavioural and environmental influences.

mutation responsible has been described for 153 conditions, which means that the condition can be effectively managed through DNA testing.

The majority of inherited diseases in livestock that require management are single gene disorders that follow a recessive mode of inheritance.

“What this means is that the affected animals must inherit two copies (paternal and maternal) of the disruptive mutation,” said Brendon O’Rourke, NSW DPI. “It also means that both parents had one copy of the mutation, but did not show evidence of the disease. The success of management programs is reliant upon the

Mutations causing disease, disrupt the normal function of the gene, which prevents the formation of a protein that is able to perform its vital role; either adequately or at all.

Disease causing mutations may exist as a SNP, where the “misspelling” of a single nucleotide cannot be tolerated, or if nucleotides have been lost (deletion) or gained (insertion), which changes the normal instructions in the gene to make the protein.

INHERITED CONDITIONS IN LIVESTOCK Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals (Table 1) has 537 inherited conditions recorded for cattle. Of these, the

TABLE ONE

INHERITED TRAITS AND DISEASES IN ANIMAL SPECIES DOG

CATTLE

CAT

PIG

SHEEP

HORSE

CHICKEN

RABBIT

GOAT

OTHER

TOTAL

Total traits/disorders

756

537

353

275

252

239

221

97

86

659

3,564

Mendelian trait/disorder Mendelian trait/disorder; likely causal variant(s) known Likely causal variants Potential models for human disease

335

247

104

82

109

58

129

58

17

251

1,455

271

153

72

37

53

46

48

11

11

121

848

399

203

115

46

68

96

63

13

16

107

1,144

445

211

218

122

112

132

50

53

38

361

1,774

Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals, OMIA. Sydney School of Veterinary Science, 14/02/2020.

omia.org

ISSUE 74 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

35

Diversity brings genetic strength

This proactive approach has resulted in a decline in prevalence of these disease-causing mutations ...

accurate detection of these “carrier” animals. Unmanaged, there is high risk of an increased prevalence of the disease-causing mutation.”

Like humans, cattle all carry lethal recessive mutations. Identification of these mutations and good breeding practices are central to proactive management of inherited disease.

Six inherited diseases impacting animal welfare have been reported in the Wagyu breed (Table 2).

TABLE TWO

INHERITED DISEASES IMPACTING WAGYU CATTLE DISEASE

TYPE

MUTATION

INHERITANCE

Chediak Higashi Syndrome (CHS)

Single gene

SNP

Recessive

Spherocytosis (B3)

Single gene

SNP

Recessive

Claudin 16 deficiency (CL16) Type 1

Single gene

Deletion

Recessive

Claudin 16 deficiency (CL16) Type 2

Single gene

Deletion

Recessive

Factor 13 deficiency (F13)

Single gene

SNP

Recessive

Factor 11 deficiency (F11)

Single gene

SNP

Recessive

Multiple Ocular defect

Single gene

Insertion

Recessive

“The Australian Wagyu Association and its members have adopted a proactive approach to inherited disease with more than 100,000 cattle tested for the presence of these mutations to inform smarter breeding programs,” said Brendon.

“Significant progress has been made to reduce the frequency of B3, CHS and CL16.

“This proactive approach has resulted in a decline in prevalence of these diseasecausing mutations, which ultimately, is improving the genetic gain of the Wagyu breed through the avoidance of at-risk matings.”

INHERITED DISEASE RESEARCH FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT BRENDON O'ROURKE emai.genetics@dpi.nsw.gov.au www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/labs

36

In collaboration with the University of Sydney, Brendon’s team are investigating the molecular basis of several emerging inherited diseases impacting livestock industries. There are many reports about suspect emerging conditions from private and district veterinarians. In this collaboration, the collection of appropriate samples and data for biobanking and storage to assist with characterisation of the disease and facilitate future investigations is required. If breeders suspect inherited

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON MANAGING INBREEDING

disease, because affected animals are descendants of a common sire(s) or because

sbts.une.edu.au

confidential collection of samples and data that can be used for future investigations.

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 74

of observes affected individuals in multiple generations then independent and

Genetic conditions in Wagyu SPHEROCYSTOSIS (B3) This is a disorder of the surface membrane of the

As shown in Figure 1, the frequency of B3 in

erythrocyte (red blood cells). The protein from

the Australian Japanese Black population was

the B3 gene makes up the basic structure of the

approximately 0.6% in 2000/2001. There is now

erythrocyte. Cattle that are homozygous (have

a very low frequency of the B3 mutation with

two copies of the recessive allele) have pernicious

approximately 0.02% registered animals registered

anaemia (bleeding caused by the abnormal red

in 2019 having 1 copy of the mutated allele. Please

blood cells). Death normally occurs within the first

note that the y-axis scale maximum is set at 5%

7 days after birth. Some cases live to adulthood but

in Figure 1 so that the declining trend in B3

there is a severe retardation in growth.

frequency can be visualised.

5 4.5 4 3.5

% FREQUENCY IN POPULATION

3

FIGURE ONE

% B3 ALLELE FREQUENCY TRENDS AUSTRALIAN WAGYU ASSOCIATIONS REGISTERED JAPAENESE BLACK

2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0

'00 '01 '02 '03 '04 '05 '06 '07 '08 '09 '10 '11 '12 '13 '14 '15 '16 '17 '18 19

YEAR OF REGISTRATION CLAUDIN 16 DEFICIENCY (CL16) CL16 (also known as RTD or Renal tubular dysplasia) is a gene disorder on chromosome 1 and causes kidney failure (chronic interstitial nephritis often with zonal fibrosis or excess of fibrous connective tissue). This disorder results in terminal kidney failure and the onset can occur anytime from late adolescence. Cattle are unlikely to live more than 6 years.

As shown in Figure 2, there is now a low

frequency of the CL16 mutation in the Australian Japanese Black Wagyu population.

Since 2014/15, the frequency of CL16 in newly registered animals has declined from approximately 2.5% to less than 1% of animals registered in 2019. Please note that the y-axis scale maximum is set at 5% in Figure 2 so that the declining trend in B3 frequency since 2015 can be observed.

5 4.5 4 3.5

% FREQUENCY IN POPULATION

3

FIGURE TWO

% CL16 ALLELE FREQUENCY TRENDS AUSTRALIAN WAGYU ASSOCIATIONS REGISTERED JAPAENESE BLACK

2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0

'00 '01 '02 '03 '04 '05 '06 '07 '08 '09 '10 '11 '12 '13 '14 '15 '16 '17 '18 19

YEAR OF REGISTRATION ISSUE 74 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

37

Diversity brings genetic strength CHEDIAK HIGASHI SYNDROME (CHS) CHS is a macrophage disorder (a white blood cell that has an important role in the immune response to disease). If cattle have a malfunctioning immune system, this makes them unable to resist the bacterial challenge.

Blood is slow to coagulate so often the first indicator is unusual umbilical cord haemorrhage at parturition (calving). Cattle with this syndrome often have an unusually pale coat colour. As shown in Figure 3, there is still a

moderate frequency of the CHS mutation in the Australian Japanese Black Wagyu population with 7% of animals registered in 2019 having one copy of the mutated allele. Frequency of CHS has reduced significantly from 2009, where approximately 15% of animals registered in that year carried one copy of the mutated allele.

Please note that the y-axis scale maximum is set at 50% in Figure 3 so that the recent declining trend in CHS frequency can be observed.

50 FIGURE THREE

40

% CHS ALLELE FREQUENCY TRENDS AUSTRALIAN WAGYU ASSOCIATIONS REGISTERED JAPAENESE BLACK

35

% FREQUENCY IN POPULATION

45

30 25 20 15 10 5 0

'00 '01 '02 '03 '04 '05 '06 '07 '08 '09 '10 '11 '12 '13 '14 '15 '16 '17 '18 19

YEAR OF REGISTRATION FACTOR XI DEFICIENCY (F11) F11 is a plasma protein that participates in the

recessive condition with affected animals being

formation of blood clots. Factor XI deficiency

able to live and breed as normal. This condition

is an autosomal disorder that is associated with

also occurs in Holsteins. As shown in Figure 4,

mild bleeding in Wagyu. Affected animals show

there is a high frequency of the F11 mutation in the

prolonged bleeding time and abnormal plasma

Australian Japanese Black Wagyu population with

coagulation after trauma or surgical procedures such

approximately 35% of animals registered in 2019

as castration or dehorning. It is also possible that

having one copy of the mutated allele. Frequency

Carrier x Carrier matings have increased difficulty

of F11 has not reduced since 2000, suggesting that

producing viable fertilised embryos or full-term

no selection pressure is being placed on decreasing

pregnancies and are may be repeated (return to

its frequency in the population. Please note that the

cycle) breeders. Note – this is generally a non-lethal

y-axis scale maximum is set at 50% in Figure 4.

FIGURE FOUR

50

% F11 ALLELE FREQUENCY TRENDS AUSTRALIAN WAGYU ASSOCIATIONS REGISTERED JAPAENESE BLACK

45 40 35

% FREQUENCY IN POPULATION

30 25 20 15 10 5 0

'00 '01 '02 '03 '04 '05 '06 '07 '08 '09 '10 '11 '12 '13 '14 '15 '16 '17 '18 19

YEAR OF REGISTRATION 38

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 74

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ISSUE 74 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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RE-BUILDING HERDS AFTER ADVERSITY NATURAL DISASTERS AROUND AUSTRALIA IN RECENT TIMES INCLUDE DROUGHT, FLOODING AND WIDESPREAD BUSHFIRES CREATING CHALLENGES FOR HERD NUMBERS There have been a number of natural disasters around Australia in recent times - ongoing drought conditions across much of the Eastern states, localised flooding in large areas of northern Australia and, more recently, widespread bushfires. In addition, disease outbreak is an ever present risk which can also lead to a loss of breeding animals. Acknowledging the difficulties faced by those affected by natural disasters, and providing some advice on artificial breeding and genetic strategies may assist in the recovery of valuable breeding herds.

ARTIFICIAL BREEDING A number of artificial breeding techniques can assist with rebuilding a herd after adversity.

While artificial breeding has numerous advantages, it does require an investment of time and money which may not be suitable after a period of adversity and its associated challenges.

Additionally if cows are in poor condition, the conception rates from an artificial breeding program may be negatively affected. Fortunately, mature cows typically recover body condition quickly but there are a number of considerations when mating maiden heifers either through natural service or artificial breeding programs. » They should be at a sufficient joining weight. It is weight not age that triggers puberty. This might be tough if young heifers have had their growth stunted due to adversity and/or have been weaned early. » Ideally heifers should be gaining weight at the time of joining. » Mating heifers, particularly those that have had a growth check, requires an increased emphasis on calving ease in the bulls used.

Artificial Insemination (AI) – AI can be used in herd recovery in multiple ways. Firstly, AI can allow the use of sires that are no longer physically available, allowing breeders to reintroduce preferred blood lines. This requires some pre-planning as semen needs to be collected before the bull is removed from the enterprise (if possible). Banking of genetics of top bulls is invaluable for just this purpose.

Secondly, sexed semen can be used to influence the progeny sex ratio and is offered by a number of semen providers. There are a number of scenarios where producing single sex progeny can be extremely valuable when recovering from adversity: » Where the reduction in herd size means that there is insufficient cows to produce enough bulls (assuming a normal 50:50 sex ratio) to meet expected sales, using male sexed semen will increase the proportion of males born in order to meet the sales targets. However, this will occur at the cost of available female replacements from which to choose.The opposite approach is to use female sexed semen to produce more heifers. This will allow breeders to quickly rebuild their breeding herds back to their normal size and/or sell heifers to others.

With the reduction in female numbers due to recent de-stocking, such heifers are likely to be more valuable in the short term than steers.

40

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 74

» In a commercial herd, a breeder may also choose to utilise sexed semen to maximise the number of steers they produce while the overall industry population is reduced and the steers are consequently in high demand. If male calves are desired, it may be appropriate to use your older cows as male calves are typically bigger at birth and thus more likely to cause calving issues. The likelihood of calving issues can also be influenced by bull choice. » Alternatively, sexed semen could be used to produce

sexed semen (DataGene, December 2019) and trials have shown that the conception rate using sexed semen is approximately 90% of that expected using normal semen. Additionally, sexed semen typically costs about twice as much per straw to acquire than normal semen.

Embryo Transfer (ET) – ET allows multiple progeny to be produced from an individual cow each year. This is advantageous in scenarios where the size of the seedstock cow herd has been reduced but commercial cows are available to implant embryos into. Like AI

commercial crossbred heifers without the need to buy and run bulls of different breeds.

but on a greater scale, there are financial and time

The production of sexed semen sorts the semen into sperm cells with an X chromosome (female) and a Y chromosome (male). The semen sexing process has an accuracy of more than 90% and uses a combination of the Y chromosome being lighter, having a negative electrical charge, and the addition of a fluorescent dye that binds to the DNA. Roughly 15-18% of the total semen sold within the Australian dairy industry is now

also be additional breed society regulations (some

costs involved with an ET program and there can mandate DNA testing) and BREEDPLAN recording (of recipient dams) required. Each ET cycle takes about 25 days. In herds where the only available animals of sufficient genetic merit are young heifers, Juvenile In Vitro Fertilisation and Embryo Transfer (JIVET) may be a suitable option as embryos can be harvested from sexually immature females.

ISSUE 74 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

41

Re-building herds after adversity Sexed semen can also be utilised to create sexed embryos that combine the benefits of sexed semen and ET. However, Dominic Bayard from Global Reproduction Solutions (GRS) recommends that up to three straws of sexed semen is used per donor and that better results are achieved by fertilising the embryos a little later in the heat window. GRS also offers a service that tests the gender of each embryo via an embryo biopsy and subsequent DNA test. This is useful for breeders that only have mixed sex semen or embryos available to them but has the disadvantage in that half the embryos produced are not of the desired sex.

BREEDING OBJECTIVES FOLLOWING HERD REDUCTION While undesirable, a herd rebuild does present opportunities to improve key components of the breeding program. After all, there is little value in rebuilding seedstock herds with cows that are not suitable for producing profitable offspring. Having the right selection objective for the herd’s future, pedigree (for genetic diversity and inbreeding avoidance), genetic condition status and accurate measures of genetic merit are all important for the herd’s future success and should be addressed at this time.

Genetic Diversity and Inbreeding – Heavy culling typically reduces the amount of genetic diversity in a herd as most of the retained animals that remain will come from the same high merit families. This has a number of implications for the herd.

Firstly, genetic diversity is a key requirement of avoiding inbreeding and the expression of genetic conditions. Secondly, genetic diversity drives genetic progress because the greater the difference between the top and bottom animals, the more genetic gain is achieved by culling the bottom animals and/or retaining those at the top.

While artificial breeding can be extremely useful, it can reduce the genetic diversity of a herd because individual sires and dams can become parents of more progeny than they would naturally. Thus, full and half siblings will form a greater proportion of the herd and result in less genetic diversity than would occur if only natural mating is utilised. There are multiple strategies that can be employed to mitigate this. Ensuring that more than one AI sire is used, multiple donor dams for ET programs and/or multiple 42

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 74

sires in a single donor ET flush. Some of these strategies will also increase the accuracy of the genetic evaluation by providing more linkage.

Another possible strategy is to utilise mate selection software like MateSel which balances inbreeding and genetic diversity levels against genetic progress when determining mating lists. For advice on trialing MateSel, please contact the AWA Office.

Genetic Conditions – The culling within a herd in response to adversity is a good opportunity to remove those animals that are carriers for genetic conditions, though this requires knowledge of the genetic condition status of the animals under consideration. Knowledge of the genetic condition status can be achieved via genetic testing (costly, particularly for animals that may be culled), GeneProb results where available or by knowledge of affected family lines (less accurate).

Accurate measures of genetic merit – With artificial breeding, each mating decision can result in more progeny than is the case with natural mating. Therefore, it is important that selection decisions are made from the most accurate data possible and that you have a good understanding of the Estimated Breeding Values you are looking for in your future herd.

PERFORMANCE RECORDING DURING AND AFTER ADVERSITY Understandably, performance recording is likely to be a low priority compared with other tasks in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster. During the recovery stage, where some time may be available for performance recording, producers may wish to focus on the recording of a subset of key traits and/or a subset of animals.

For example, a breeder could choose to concentrate on calving ease and birth weight recording in the maiden heifer mob where these traits are most relevant, or to concentrate their growth recording on the bulls as these are the future sale animals.

While not recommended for the long term, these strategies may help producers to record some information until they can return to their full performance recording schedule.

Of course, it is important to be aware of the dangers of selective recording; as long as the subset being recorded represents the whole

management group (mob), this is unlikely to be an issue (for more information, please see the Understanding BREEDPLAN Management Groups tip sheet on the BREEDPLAN website or contact AWA staff).

As natural disasters and disease typically have a negative effect upon performance (e.g. lighter weights), it is important to note that this will not have an adverse influence on the resulting breeding values. Genetic evaluations use comparisons between animal performance in each group, and account for the year effect, rather than use the absolute values themselves. As long as every animal in each management group has had an equal opportunity to perform, the adverse conditions will not affect their EBVs as the animals will rank similarly to what they would in a normal year.

Some other points to consider when recording animals after adversity include: » Agistment – management groups should be recorded to differentiate animals on agistment from those remaining at home, or those in different mobs/locations on agistment. » Early weaning – with feed in short supply, one option is to wean calves early to give the cows the best chance at breeding. For BREEDPLAN purposes, the 200 day weight of a group can be recorded as soon as the youngest calf reaches 80 days of age and does not have to be carried out at weaning. » Sick/injured – if the health of individual animals is affected, then these animals should be recorded as being in separate management groups. » Ultrasound scanning – requires animals to have a minimum average rump fat depth of 4 –5 mm. This ensures that there will be sufficient variation between animals to allow genetic differences to show up.

Many Wagyu producers around Australia have recently been affected by natural disasters, including drought, fire and flood.

For those that require further assistance with their breeding programs following recent events, please contact the AWA Office to discuss individual requirements or to obtain additional information.

Source: Southern Beef Technical Services

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ISSUE 74 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

43

ADVERTISER CONTENT

FEED SHED DESIGN IMPROVED WAGYU COMFORT

It was clear from our January issue (Vol 73), that while Wagyu show more resilience to the elements than many other breeds, it is not to be taken lightly, and that appropriate shelter, will help alleviate heat stress to maintain body condition, and ultimately marbling.

far outweighed the cost. The trial, conducted

WHAT IS APPROPRIATE SHELTER?

limitations in that under high wind loads, it

In many parts of the world where snow is a regular winter occurrence, bringing animals inside for the duration is not uncommon.

However, with Australia’s increasingly hot and dry conditions, livestock producers are following the lead of the dairy industry and turning to constructing fixed structures to provide shelters to minimise heat stress. The Australian Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Cattle suggest undertaking regular risk assessments of heat load for cattle, particularly in a feedlot environment, and to take appropriate actions to manage ongoing risks.

on Angus steers for a 120-day feeding trial showed that the cattle with shade, increased their dry matter intake by 3% - or 6kg/head hot carcase weight.

While a versatile material, shade cloth has its has a higher risk of damage than a material such as steel, and being porous lets the rain through, creating a muddy floor. Shade cloth also doesn’t provide any warmth for cold desert nights, or southerly winter winds.

The use of a more solid material for the shade span, does have its virtues, including the capacity to harvest rain (about 1 litre per

A concern expressed about a solid roof is air flow. Studies commissioned by Entegra Signature Structures, show that a gabled roof constructed from a flat span pitched between 10 - 15 degrees, and an appropriate ventilation cap will draw heat up and away from cattle, providing the necessary air movement of hot air to relieve heat stress.

By employing a curved roof line such as Entegra’s RidgebackTM, reminiscent of a pagoda, the research showed an additional 20% of air flow was possible over and above a gabled roofline, even with ambient wind speeds. The computer modelling derived by SLR Consulting, showed that the improvements in air flow through the concave

metre of roof per 1mm of rain – assuming it

BUT WHAT DOES AN ‘APPROPRIATE SHELTER’ LOOK LIKE? The Guidelines recommend that cattle have between 1.6m2 and 6m2 of shade per head, ideally more than 2m2, particularly when it is hot and cattle need to be spread out more to reduce overheating from each other’s body warmth.

For many feed shed environments, the use of a shade cloth is a common approach – as single spans, interval spans or smaller square sections, dependent largely on the size, number of cattle, orientation and shape of the area to be covered. Not just for feedlot applications, feed sheds can be utilised for weaning, weight gain of heifers, improve condition for feedlot entry or slaughter. In these tough times, it can also be utilised to rest pasture.

A MLA-funded trial exploring the benefits of shade in feedlots, showed that the returns on investment for shade cloth installation 44

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 74

isn’t torrential); less maintenance; a greater life span; protection for infrastructure and reduced worker fatigue from less exposure to the elements. Dry bedding, cooler and drier conditions are also achieved through increased airflow through the shed. This results in better feed conversion.

Design considerations in terms of area per head, support pole materials and span lengths require similar consultation with structural engineers as shade cloth.

Ventilation through the roof may not be such

roofline also had important implications when multiple sheds are employed.

Where multiple feed sheds are used, airflow between the sheds can be a concern, with the additional heat generated by cattle, and less exposure to prevailing winds.

Further modelling of this scenario showed that the curvature of the roofline allowed for greater airflow to be lifted away from the shed with the result that the wind is diverted closer to the ground in the immediate lee of the shed.

a concern with shade cloth, but does need to be factored in with a solid material.

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PLEASE REQUEST A SITE VISIT APRIL/MAY ISSUE 74 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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LOOKING FOR GENES GENES?

WE HAVE THE MEANS

46

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 74

VERSATILITY OF WAGYU FROM THE BUTCHER’S SECRET HANGER STEAK, TO 60 DAY DRY-AGED, WAGYU BEEF IS LIFTING DINER EXPERIENCES Intramuscular fat or marbling, are the fine deposits of fat found within muscle. Wagyu beef is extremely rich in fine marbling and is often eaten in smaller quantities, but chefs are finding unique ways to showcase the flavour and juiciness of Wagyu.

The characteristic Wagyu fine marbling and high marble score are normally determined within the loin muscle of a carcase, but the level of marbling throughout the carcase varies from this point. Primals from the forequarter to the striploin tend to have a higher concentration of intramuscular fats than cuts from the butt section of the carcase, including some parts of the rump.

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The whole carcase is assessed for its marble score at one quartering site and in Australia, is scored from 0 up to 9+. The assessment point (say between 10th- 11th rib) may be graded at 9+; however as you travel down the carcase towards the butt end, the marbling will tend to decrease, significantly more once you reach the butt cuts such as knuckle - inside and outside and may appear to have a marble score consistent with say a grade 4 or 5.

The forequarter is a virtual “treasure trove” full of highly marbled muscles; when separated or sub primaled, and will eat every bit as well as some of the more premium cuts from the loin.

“Thinly sliced chuck flap, chuck rib meat, blade and oyster blade will not let you down when looking for that tender, rich Wagyu beef experience,” said Doug Piper, head butcher at Meat & Livestock Australia.

“Most of the meat from the forequarter when sliced thinly will eat far more superior due to the high amount of intramuscular fat and fine marbling.”

The loin section of the Wagyu carcase is the same as any other animal; cube roll, striploin and tenderloin; however, the Wagyu loin section can have a high concentration of marbling throughout the muscles and grade up to 9+. These cuts are the most sought after and most expensive as they are very consistent in high eating quality, they are well recognised and easy to prepare.

The butt section from the rump down will not be as highly marbled as the loin section, however, it will still have some excellent marbling in some of the muscles and will ISSUE 74 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

47

Versatility of Wagyu

Dry-aged beef from Mayura Station.

vary from carcase to carcase. Wagyu rump is a very popular cut for both foodservice and retailers as it is tender, has a good amount of marbling in some of the muscle groups and is reasonably economical to buy. The tri-tip and rump cap are good examples of high-quality rump cuts that can be used in grill-type applications.

Some retailers will sell thinly sliced Wagyu inside, outside and knuckle as an “entry point’ for those consumers who cannot afford the premium cuts. You will find these primals do not display as much marbling compared to the loin and forequarter cuts from the same animal. These cuts can still eat very well compared to the same cuts from the same muscles from grass fed British and tropical breeds and are great value from Wagyu carcases.

Other unfamiliar secondary cuts are the flank and skirts. These all have a varied amount of marbling and those with a higher marble content will eat extremely well and suitable for grilling on high heat and eaten medium rare.

“There is another favourite cut that beef connoisseurs are enjoying, this one is the “Thick Skirt” otherwise known as the Hanging Tender or better known as the Hanger Steak,” said Doug.

“This delicious cut was also known as the “butchers cut”, it was never seen in the butcher shop, those customers that knew of this cut believed the butchers ate it for their breakfast or took it home for themselves.”

The Hanging Tender comes from the inside 48

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 74

The forequarter is a virtual “treasure trove” full of highly marbled muscles ... of the carcase and connects to the inside of the vertebrae at the thin end of the tenderloin somewhere close to the 13th rib and then follows the rib bones around to become the thin skirt. The hanger is removed with all the internal organs and heads on down to the offal room for sorting where it is packed separately mainly for export markets and foodservice.

DRY AGED WAGYU: A NEW LEVEL OF LUXURY BEEF The technique of dry-ageing to enhance the flavour of meat is not a new concept, however, discerning butchers and restauranteurs are turning to dry-aged beef as a point of difference for consumers.

Akin to developing a good blue cheese, dryageing is about controlling mould growth as enzymes break down to enhance the flavour of the Wagyu. During the course of dryageing, the beef loses its moisture content and becomes tender, with a stronger, creamy and nuttier taste.

Like a good mouldy cheese, the beef develops a ‘rind’ which is removed prior to consumption.

The use of a dry-ageing cabinet provides the control of temperature, humidity and air-flow, which are necessary to ensure the bacteria doesn’t get out of hand. Health regulators will regularly check dry-aged to ensure it is fit for

human consumption. Visually, dry-ageing cabinets are frequently becoming the talking point of the butcher shop or restaurant, and as a result, become a design feature within the business.

The dry-ageing process takes a minimum of 21 days. Up to 28 days, and the level of tenderness won’t change substantially, but the flavour will continue to intensify. Many butchers and restaurants dry-age up to 60 days or further, depending on the level of flavour they wish to achieve.

The best cuts of beef are those that have higher fat content so that the fat flavour is enhanced. High marbling – high taste through increasing the complexity of the flavour profile. And that is where Wagyu beef comes into its own. Using a primal such as the sirloin, rib eye, T-bone, rump and eye fillet, where the intramuscular fat is at its greatest, and left on the bone (mostly to reduce the amount of trim when removing the rind), produces the best results. Visually, the tomahawk in full view of the butcher shop or restaurant looks sensational.

For many, there is the argument of ‘why dry-age Wagyu when it is already exceptional?’ The answer is that there is an ever-increasing demand by the discerning diner for new and better eating experiences and dry ageing provides additional complexity in flavour that works extremely well with Wagyu.

The dry-ageing trend is here to stay says

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ISSUE 74 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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Versatility of Wagyu

Mayura Station, dry-ageing has taken Wagyu

the steak to help with caramelization, but in

to a new level to provide consumers with a

essence, it is a simple sear and into the oven

point of difference and enhance the flavour

to ensure even cooking to medium rare –

of Wagyu, particularly diners who are well-

around 52-54 deg C. Mark also noted that it

versed in high quality Wagyu and looking for

does cook quicker than wet-aged Wagyu, but

the next level experience.

served with classic side dishes, the dry-aged

Introduced three years ago, chef Mark Wright

Wagyu steak speaks for itself.

has experimented with cuts, ageing time and

Mark also noted that the dry ageing cabinet

combinations with smoking to find just the

was definitely a point of conversation and

right balance of flavour.

interest in the restaurant, and the simplicity

“It is a different flavour profile to fresh

of a specialist dry age cabinet means that it

Wagyu, in that it takes on a stronger, almost

becomes a ‘plug-in and leave it’ apparatus for

Dry Ager Australia, supplier of dry-age cabinets, and has been recognised by many high-end restaurants who aim to create the oldest, most flavoursome steak. In Australia, renowned steakhouses such as Rockpool Bar and Grill and butchers like Victor Churchill are acclaimed for their dry aged Wagyu.

Meat – once the most predictable item on a restaurants’ menu or butcher display cabinet – now has become almost an art form.

parmesan-like taste,” said Mark. “It is not for

the restaurant.

everyone. Around 60 days tends to be where

Dry aging is at the forefront of a nation-

people like it the best – closer to 80 days

wide cultural movement towards a more

and it does become quite strong, and not to

sophisticated culinary experience and provides

everyone’s taste.”

the opportunity for the steak itself to provide

Tomahawks, T-bones, shorties and shell loin

flavour rather than adding a marinade.

all work well. Although Mark noted that

Set to become the pinnacle of a restaurants’

you do need to leave the cap on rib eye to

status, or a butcher shop’s value-adding,

minimize the loss through trim once the rind

Australian consumers are becoming deeply

is formed. To cook, Mark may use a small

appreciative of the dry aged meat experience,

Part of The Tasting Room’s repertoire at

amount of rendered Wagyu fat brushed over

in their search for high quality ingredients.

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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 74

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" Futari is the finest tasting wagyu we have tasted."

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Complex Balanced Perfected

ISSUE 74 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE Domestic and International boxed beef sales Chris Gilmour +61 (0)429 472 047 sales@futariwagyu.com

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