Issue 78 | The Australian Wagyu Update, August 2021

Vol. 78 The Wagyu industry’s premier trade magazine produced by the Australian Wagyu Association

www.wagyu.org.au August 2021

AWA PROGENY TEST PROGRAM core focusNEXT TEN YEARS INSIDE .... STRATEGIC REINVESTMENT | TRIFECTA OF TRIPLE BREED AVERAGE IN REACH

IDENTIFYING FEED EFFICIENT CATTLE | TEN YEAR MILESTONE FOR BRANDED BEEF | 2021 HALL OF FAME WHAT PREFECTURES REVEAL ABOUT AUSTRALIAN WAGYU GENETICS | AUS-MEAT ACCREDITATION

The best Japanese bloodlines meet the latest innovations in genetics.

Irongate runs a Fullblood Wagyu herd of over 1000 head, leading the BREEDPLAN Completeness of Performance ratings.

If you need some new genetics to progress your own bloodlines, we have semen, embryos, bulls and females available.

Futari Wagyu export beef brand of Irongate.

“ Futari is the finest Australian

Lachy +61 407 989 750

Tom +61 400 995 229

Peter + 61 419 444 799

Wagyu we’ve tasted.”

Rob Broadfield

sales@irongatewagyu.com

info@futariwagyu.com

irongatewagyu.com

futariwagyu.com

TM

F U L L B L O O D WA G Y U S T U D

WESTERN

AUSTRALIA

CONTENTS 6

12

Strategic reinvestment

8 CEO report 12 Marquee industry event, two years in the making 17 Trifecta of triple breed average in reach thanks to genomics 18 Identifying and breeding feed efficient cattle 21 Vale David Warmoll 22 Preventing Leptospirosis 25 Ten-year milestone for Wagyu Branded Beef Competition 28 2021 Hall of Fame Inductee 30 Founding members recognised 34 Third & fourth generation Wagyu proven sires

34

21

42 What do prefectures tell us about the genetics of Wagyu cattle in Australia?

47 Data, an essential part of breeding decisions 50 Changing and Improving Japanese Black Production and Breeding 54 Reliability of Australian backed Wagyu genetics sets a global trend 56 2021 – 2031 AWA Progeny Test Program underway 60 MIJ Carcase Camera 62 AUS-MEAT accreditation Publisher THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU ASSOCIATION (AWA) office@wagyu.org.au 02 8880 7700 Consulting Editor EMILY RABONE emily@wagyu.org.au 02 8880 7707

60

47

Brindley Park, a key property in the ACC Wagyu operation.

They are rapidly accelerating the on-farm breeding program as part of a premium quality product strategy.

ON THE COVER

The Australian Wagyu Update magazine is printed by Litho Art Pty Ltd. Materials used to produce the

Contributing Writers CHARLIE PERRY, Dr MATT McDONAGH, AARON VAN DEN HEUVEL, DEB HILL AND LAURA PENROSE

magazine have been selected to reflect our sensitivity towards the natural environment on which our

Art Direction HEATHER FRAZIER heather@wagyu.org.au 0432 949 764

renewability for generations to come. We encourage you to recycle all paper based products after use.

industry relies. We only use eco-friendly inks made from vegetable oil or soybeans produced using sustainable farming methods and paper stock derived from sustainable forests managed to ensure their All content is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission

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

from the publisher. Opinions expressed in The Australian Wagyu Update magazine are not necessarily

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

advertisers. Every effort is made to ensure information contained in this

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

CONNECT WITH US

magazine is correct at the time of publishing.

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

3

SAVE $30 OFF MEN’S AND WOMEN’S*

PROMOTIONAL PRICE

$219.95

FEATURING ATS® technology delivers superior comfort and stability Waterproof Pro™ construction with waterproof oiled full-grain leather upper Double-layer reinforced toe with Tec-Tuff toe guard Duratread™ outsole for maximum wear resistance

Purchase a pair of Men’s and Women’s Duraterrain H2O (10004820, 10004823) or Men’s and Women’s Durayard H20 (10023098, 10023096) between July 1st and August 31st, 2021 at the promotional price of $219.95. Normal RRP $249.95.

Available at participating Ariat stockists, while stocks last.

Ariat® International, Inc. Represented by Just Country Australia Pty Ltd

FIND AN ARIAT® STOCKIST NEAR YOU | FREE CALL 1800 427 428 OR VISIT ARIAT.COM.AU

4

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

Shop the full range at ariat.com.au

Grow with us.

JOIN BLUE-CHIP BRANDS AND PRODUCERS CHOOSING AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY CHOICE LOT FEEDING SERVICES TO BOOST THEIR BEEF BUSINESS. Australian Country Choice is a family owned enterprise run as a professional and corporate operation. We have the facilities and experience to optimise your herd genetics.

Our three state-of-the-art feedlots offer industry-leading facilities, all easily accessible for Queensland and NSW breeders.

We understand and feed most cattle categories. Our customised programs range from short to long-fed, including a 500-day Wagyu program.

Take advantage of our experience and our strong culture of service, quality, loyalty and performance.

More? Call David Bailey, General Manager Feedlots on 0457 415 108.

ACCBEEF.NET.AU

ACC_WagyuQ_FP_Mar21_v3.5.indd 2

5/3/21 12:48 pm

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

5

president

CHARLIE PERRY

STRATEGIC REINVESTMENT Dear Members, As this edition of the Wagyu Update goes to print we are once again

camera for AUS-MEAT marble score 0-9+, which is a significant

in the middle of COVID-19 lockdowns and multiple boarder closures

step forward for the Wagyu Sector. This has been an outstanding

and I can’t help but reflect on how lucky we were, that so many of us

effort by the AWA staff, working with Meat Image Japan and

could physically attend the 2021 WagyuEdge Conference.

collaborating with processing sites to become the first and only

We were fortunate to have a diverse profile of outstanding global

objective grading technology to gain approval for AUS-MEAT 0-9+.

speakers who were able to share their knowledge and expertise

AMERICAN WAGYU ASSOCIATION

with us using our online and in-person hybrid conference format.

For more than 12 months, the AWA Board have responded to

We truly believe that our annual Conference is a marquee industry

significant urging from our members to work with the American

event, and to the 400 people who attended in person, and the 60

Wagyu Association to accept the Fullblood Australian Wagyu

who joined us from across the globe, we thank you all for being part of it. I must also extend my thanks and congratulations to our CEO and all the AWA staff who delivered an outstanding event.

Association Herdbook and its parent verification results. The Australian Wagyu Association has sent formal requests via letter to the Board of the American Wagyu Association and their CEO.

AWA PROGENY TEST PROGRAM

We have since received a response from the American Wagyu

A highlight of the Conference was the formal launch of the

Association rejecting our requests. It is disappointing that we

AWA Progeny Test Program (PTP), which has since gained

must report this outcome to our Australian and International

outstanding support and interest from our members. The PTP

members who seek this change. We will continue to work on

will be a core component of our industry development over the

this important matter, and do hope that we can report a more

next 10 years and will drive genetic progress across the breed.

favorable outcome soon.

The PTP will also enable the AWA to lead development of key new Wagyu traits including female reproduction, fatty acid profiles in meat, saleable meat yield and structural correctness.

COLLABORATIVE PROJECT WITH CSIRO AND NEOGEN

AWA FINANCIAL POSITION The AWA financial position continues to track to budget, with slight but positive net profit outcome delivered at June 2021. It is reassuring that AWA has weathered the challenges of drought,

During the April board meeting, the Board approved a joint

market downturn and COVID-19 and is now in the position to

collaborative project with CSIRO and Neogen to develop

strategically reinvest in the AWA-PTP with our members.

commercial genomic tests for crossbred Wagyu. This project will have an instrumental impact in improving the profitability and sustainability of crossbred Wagyu production moving forward.

We are excited to announce that this project is now underway.

It is also important to note that we have not raised our member fees since 2017 with the aim to continue to provide valuable resources and industry advancement for our members at the same cost.

MIJ-30 AUS-MEAT ACCREDITATION AWA is proud to announce it was successful in its accreditation

Charlie Perry

trial and application to AUS-MEAT for the approval of the MIJ-30

AWA President

6

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

HOW IS YOUR LIVESTOCK DATA MAKING YOU MORE PROFITABLE?

DOWNLOAD A 30-DAY FREE TRIAL WWW.PRACTICALSYSTEMS.COM.AU We can help you with the decisions that will improve the productivity and profitably of your livestock operation.

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

7

ceo update

Dr. MATTHEW McDONAGH

YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE BE AT THE FOREFRONT OF WAGYU GENETIC IMPROVEMENT

Dear Members, It has been a pleasure for the AWA team to engage with our members again at two large industry events this year, the 2021 WagyuEdge Conference on the Gold Coast and Beef Australia

2. Change to Animal ID format approved to include the two-digit year number before the year code letter within the AWA animal identifier.

From the end of 2021, animal idents will reflect the following structure: ABCF22T001 instead of ABCFT001. This change will prevent future duplication of animals within the AWA Herdbook. Duplications are starting to occur due to Year Letter repeats with only 24 different Year Letters and Wagyu being bred in Australia for more than 30 years.

The AWA will communicate this change prior to registration of Animals born in 2022.

2021 at Rockhampton.

2021-2031 AWA PROGENY TEST PROGRAM LAUNCHED The AWA-PTP was launched at the 2021 WagyuEdge Conference.

Since then, we have completed the first intake of sires and breeder herds for the program. The program is close to total capacity, with up to 40 sires and approximately 2,000 breeders nominating in the first year. Check the website soon for the latest announcements on the program, along with the final First Intake List of Sires and Breeder Herds participating.

The purpose of the AWA-PTP is to prove up a diverse range and large number of new sires - see page 56 to explain the range of carcase progeny performance records we have on Fullblood registered sires.

The AWA-PTP will produce 250 more sires with more than ten carcase progeny and approximately 75% EBV accuracy.

AWA BOARD UPDATE The AWA Board continue to meet quarterly to review AWA performance against the 2020-2021 operational plan and to consider strategy to delivery the 2020-2025 Strategic Plan; 1. MIJ-30 Digital Carcase Camera application for AUSMEAT accreditation finalised: At the time of the AWA Board meeting, the Australian Meat Industry Language and Standards Committee (AMILSC) had not yet met to assess the AWA application for Marble Score 0-9+ accreditation of the MIJ-30 camera.

8

The AWA Board approved the application to the AMILSC noting that if successful, the MIJ-30 camera would be the only technology approved for use in cut-surface grading for Marble Score 0-9+. The AMILSC subsequently approved the MIJ-30 camera for Marble Score 0 -9+.

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

3. The Board approved the development of a Commercial Crossbred Wagyu genomic test: This project is a collaboration with CSIRO and Neogen Australasia to enable rapid DNA screening on non-registered crossbred Wagyu animals and prediction of carcase and feedlot performance.

The AWA is working with CSRIO and Neogen to complete the development of a stand-alone genomic test within 2021.

4. Cyber Vulnerability Assessment Project completed: The Board approved a project to complete full external assessment of AWA’s vulnerability to attack from online sources. This project was undertaken to understand exposure of AWA systems and databases to attack from external parties and to assist continued improvement in stewardship of member data resources and cyber security. The project was completed prior to the end of July 2021 with recommendations to be made to the AWA Board.

5. Release of the 2021 AWA Industry Survey was approved The AWA has historically conducted surveys of its members every 4 years, with the last survey being conducted in 2017.

The 2021 Survey is now open and preliminary results aimed for release at the 2021 AGM. 6. AWA is tracking well against all operational and service metrics to the end of the financial year, the AWA core business is meeting planned performance targets, with the trend towards significant increases in membership, DNA testing and performance recording by AWA members from prior years being maintained.

7. The AWA 2022 – 2025 budget was approved taking into account budgeted income and expenditure against the 2021-2031 AWA Progeny Test Program. Corporate expenses including staff costs are forecast to remain at 28% of revenue, comparing favourably to our benchmarked target of <40% of industry service organisations.

The AWA provided an update on benchmarking costs of services to members in our July 2021 Wagyu webinar.

Catch up on the free webinar by visiting our website.

AWA STAFF UPDATE Mr Henry Newell-Hutton started with the AWA in July 2021. Henry previously worked at Angus Australia. Henry is an Armidale local, keen horseman and is a great new asset for the Member Services Team. Henry replaces Ms Debbie Lowe, who has been part of the member services team for the last 2 years. We thank Debbie for her hard work within our Member Services team where she had a leading role in looking after our international members and working through more complex registrations.

Ms Emily Rabone has taken over as the AWA Marketing and

WWW.WAGYU.ORG.AU

SALES & EVENTS > WAGYU WEBINAR SERIES

Communications Manager. Emily replaces Deb Andrich, who finished with the AWA after Beef Australia 2021. We thank Deb for

8. AWA membership has increased 12.5% from 762 to 857 members for the 2021 financial year., The AWA now has 731

working with us during a period of enormous growth for the AWA.

full members and 126 are associate members.

Dr Matt McDonagh AWA CEO

KOOLANG WAGYU

Better Bulls for Better Beef Michael Katz +61 414 271 620 | michaelkatz79@gmail.com

Geoff Cummins +61 408 653 833 | geoffc3266@hotmail.com

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

9

ADVERTISER CONTENT

LIST YOUR LIVESTOCK FOR FREE SALES AT 2% T&CS APPLY

THE TRADING MATE IN YOUR POCKET!

Open on your

Web Browser

Scan me to browse the AXImarket

AXICHAIN HAS CREATED A SMART, SECURE AND EFFECTIVE MARKETPLACE AND TRADING PLATFORM FOR DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL COMMODITIES TRADING. This self-managed Livestock and Red Meat Trading

making and product enhancements.

platform is an absolute game changer, encompassing the

The platform is underpinned by AXIpay, a technical

entire supply chain all in one place. The livestock trading

payment integration with Western Union’s leading

component allows you to list your livestock with a click

global network and banking infrastructure. This enables

of button, gain access to a national livestock marketplace

a frictionless experience in the AXIchain system for

for on-farm or direct online sales – all underpinned by

Australian and International buyers and sellers of

blockchain technology to track provenance data, product

Agricultural products who engage with cross border and

listings, negotiations, agreements and sales.

cross currency payments.

The Smart Trader has been designed with SME’s in

AXIchain will shortly release a data backed asset lending

mind, making the sale of livestock easier and more

facility integrated into AXIpay. Producers will have

financially beneficial for all parties. All trades are

access to the most competitive interest rates in the market

concluded by a smart contract and can be easily made

by utilising the cutting-edge technology within the

on your smart device.

AXIchain system. Stay tuned for more information.

Gain access to pre-vetted buyers and sellers in our Red Meat Trading platform. This trusted platform creates opportunities for direct sales into local and international markets – encompassing traceability systems. AUSMEAT cut specifications are pre-loaded for easy listing, cloud management is in place for export documentation, and we’ve created an essential feedback loop between producers and consumers to enable better decision

10

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

AXIchain Smart Trader is available on the App Store and Google Play or visit www.axichain.io for more information.

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

11

A MARQUEE INDUSTRY EVENT, TWO YEARS IN THE MAKING After a tumultuous 2020 thanks to COVID-19, it was a privilege to meet again with 400 delegates face-to-face and an additional 60 online, a first for WagyuEdge to be fully streamed online to our global audience.

The conference focused on providing insights into the Wagyu supply chain within our shores and beyond, involving many high-class speakers to deliver three days of magnificent talks and demonstrations. Included were the Wagyu Branded Beef Competition awards where records were broken in our biggest competition to date, along with a highly successful Elite Wagyu Sale. The WagyuEdge tour followed, with a 3.5-day trip through central Queensland ending in Rockhampton, visiting some of the best, operations throughout.

The conference was kicked off by the launch of the AWA 2021-2031 Progeny Test Program (PTP), a program set to drive the Global Wagyu sector into the future. AWA CEO, Dr Matt McDonagh said that over the last five years there has been an 80% increase in growth trait recording and 135% in carcase trait recording, highlighting that performance recording drives genetic evaluation.

A full article on the AWA PTP can be found on page 56.

In launching this program, AWA Genetic Projects Manager, Laura Penrose highlighted a foundation of two partnerships which would assist in delivering this program – Zoetis and Vetoquinol. Dr Sophie Edwards, Marketing and INSET (FROM TOP) Jason Strong, Managing Director, Meat & Livestock Australia presents at the WagyuEdge Conference 2021.

Brian Angus of Woodview Wagyu joined us virtually from South Africa to share insights about his Wagyu breeding journey.

12

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

Technical Manager for Vetoquinol joined us to speak about accelerate the genetic resources of the breeding and how Vetoquinol can support producers in achieving their breeding outcomes.

Day one also welcomed Professor Rob Banks and Dr Kirsty Moore from the Animal Genetics Breeding Unit (AGBU). Professors Banks delivered findings from their research into the Australian Wagyu population and prefectural

# ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR

APRIL 27 - 3 MAY 2021

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND

structure, refer to page 42 for more details. Dr Moore has been

back to back wins in the Wagyu Branded Beef Competition.

pivotal in the analysis of the Net Feed Intake data which has

The Australian Country Choice group of companies is now

come from Kerwee lot feeders. The evening saw our welcome

the largest vertically integrated, family owned beef and cattle

function along with the announcement of the Inaugural AWA

company in Australia, and globally. It’s a fourth-generation

Net Feed Intake Awards. Dr Kirsty Moore’s full article and the

family owned business, and is now lead by Anthony Lee, CEO

Net Feed Intake Award winners can be found on page 18.

ACC. Mr Lee discussed the ACC diversification, with 200,000

Day two started with a market overview for premium

head on 2 million acres. 55,000 head in three feedlots and

beef exports by Jason Strong, Managing Director, Meat &

350,000 head processed annually through their very own

Livestock Australia. Over the past 18 months, the world has

processing plant in Cannon Hill. The ACC Wagyu program

significantly changed in terms of red meat supply and demand

was a highlight of his talk.

and the industry is not keeping up with our commentary and

“Australian Country Choice is 50 YEARS in the making, it’s

analysis of what’s truly happening. Highlighting that globally

been difficult at times and I can’t say it’s all been fun, but we

there are many consumers who can afford premium beef

now know that we are without a doubt, the best in the business”

products and that we shouldn’t be naive about our opponents

said Trevor Lee, Group Chairman, ACC Group of Companies.

however we also shouldn’t listen to everything we hear.

Arthur Dew’s, Longford Station is well respected for its

We were joined by Mr Scott Richardson, Managing Director,

Fullblood cattle, producing some of the best Wagyu bulls in the

Stone Axe Pastoral Company to address the Stone Axe journey

country as well as a long standing live export market with Japan.

and how it became what it is today. Their vision at inception was

An early pioneer in the industry, Arthur has a commitment to

to be an Australia Fullblood Wagyu herd, producing a premium

improving the genetics of the Australian herd. Arthur joined

product in an environmentally and animal-friendly way. Read

us to speak about the development of the Longford herd and

more about the successes of Stone Axe on page 25 after their

where they are headed.

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

13

Brindley Park is a keystone property in the ACC Wagyu operation, home to the renown Shadai Farm and Hawkesbury Wagyu Herds. ACC has rapidly accelerated its breeding programs at Brindley Park as part of its premium quality product strategy.

Glentana Station is central to the expansive AACo Polled Wagyu program, which has achieved considerable scale over the last few years. Members learned how AACo has amplified its Westholme genetics through a unique Polled breeding program.

Mr Jeremy Cooper was the recipient of the

all beef cattle, 12 of which are relevant to

integrity through the Wagyu South Africa

2019 AWA Fellowship, he joined us to speak

Wagyu cattle.

certification program.

about his learnings from his time spent in

Starzen Australia is part of the global

Japan and looking at implementing them

Australian Agricultural Company is

Starzen Company and their goal is to

here in Australia. Mr Coopers fellowship

Australia’s oldest continuously operating

become a global company that delivers

research was looking at variations in early

company, established in 1824 and they are

everyday happiness through our food value

life nutrition between Australia and Japan

committed to innovative environmental

chain. Kosuke (Johnny) Shimazoe, Director,

and how it can be applied to the Wagyu

management which protects their

Starzen Australia and Kosuke (Oscar)

industry in Australia. The most important

Kuroda, Sales Manager, Starzen Australia

resources and focus heavily on rigorous and

takeaway is that Wagyu in Japan are a

joined us live and discussed the Starzen

national treasure, and they are cared for in a

operation. In Japan the operation includes

way which almost eliminates environmental

seven processing plants for beef and pork

factors, which we can’t do here in Australia.

alongside five manufacture plants and 5

Day two was concluded by a session focusing

retail pack plants. Starzen are the third

on research updates in Japanese Black

largest meat producer in Japan and have

cattle, with Professor Takafumi Gotoh and

just launched their brand “Eight Blossom

Professor Kenji Oyama joining us online

Beef”, partnering with Australian Wagyu

from Japan. You can read their full article

producers to grow their business.

Peter Gilmore, Managing Director, Irongate

on page 50, where they discussed changing

With COVID restrictions not allowing our

Wagyu says that the essential tools to the

production systems in japan and genetic

international delegates and speakers to

Irongate Wagyu business are Matesel,

improvement of Japanese black cattle.

attend, we turned to technology to hear

data capture, data analytics, the 1%’s and a

Dr Brendon O’Rourke from Elizabeth

from Brian Angus of Woodview Wagyu, or

concept beef brand. Mr Gilmore attributes

Macarthur Agricultural Institute and

better known as Mr. Wagyu South Africa,

their ability to achieve a 1.2kg ADG over the

discusses the importance of DNA testing

about his journey to establishing Wagyu

14 days of yard weaning, to their use of creep

to establish genetic recessive conditions,

production in South Africa. Woodview

feeding. Mr Gilmore joined us live online to

where there is a total of 168 conditions in

Wagyu Beef focuses on quality and

deliver his exciting WagyuEdge presentation.

14

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

continuous improvement. Their research and advancements in their poll production program have been at the forefront for them for a number of years. Matius Saurez, AACo Regional Manager Breeding and Genetics, said that they always aim to make use of the most advanced, innovative technologies available.

A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR 2021 CONFERENCE & TOUR SPONSORS DIAMOND PARTNER

EMER ALD & PL ATINUM PARTNER

COFFEE SPONSOR GOLD & WAGYU BR ANDED BEEF COMPE TITION SPONSOR

Hughes Pastoral Georgina Pastoral

Macquarie Wagyu

SILVER SPONSOR

Believe in the Breed

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

Believe in the Breed

15

bulls.com

16

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

ADVERTISER CONTENT

TRIFECTA OF TRIPLE BREED AVERAGE IN REACH THANKS TO GENOMICS THE POWER OF DNA TESTING AND GENOMIC ANALYSIS HAS PUT WITHIN REACH THE TRIPLE CROWN OF ACHIEVING THREETIMES THE BREED AVERAGE FOR GROWTH, CARCASE WEIGHT AND MARBLING FOR CIRCLE 8 BULLS’ JEREMY COOPER.

The Marulan, NSW, based Wagyu breeder says the

By applying the Igenity testing system across the various

incredible milestone would not have been possible without

commercial cows that are bought for the breeding group

an early decision to adopt Neogen’s genomic selection

each year, the breeders will be able rank the female

technologies, which have rapidly accelerated the rate of

population for joining or culling, with only the top females

improvement in his herd.

selected for mating with the elite Wagyu bulls.

And now the inclusion of these elite Wagyu genetics in a

“We’ll then collect DNA from the progeny, along with

commercial Angus breeding group for F1 Wagyu production

feedlot and carcase data, and through the Igenity Enhanced

is generating new possibilities for advanced genomic

analysis, we’ll have a comprehensive set of rankings for a

analysis, through new a customised DNA testing program

range of production traits to use in when making selection

being developed by Neogen.

decisions for the next generation,” Mr Cooper said.

“My first use of genomics was in the late 1990s when I was

“With the Igenity Enhanced rankings we will be able to

solely breeding Angus cattle and when I learnt about DNA

accelerate the rate of genetic improvement, increasing

testing I knew I needed to start using this technology for

marbling and decreasing days on feed. This whole process

verifying my animals’ parentage and giving them pedigree

has only been made possible through the use of genomics.”

integrity,” Mr Cooper said.

“It was expensive at the time, but I knew that as the technology moved forward that one day we would be able to look inside the animal at key genetic traits. I’ve been with Neogen ever since.”

Circle 8 Bulls currently supplies about 50 Wagyu bulls to a NSW-based supply chain, which runs 5000 Angus cows, with plans to increase the herd to 8000 in the future.

Working with Neogen, they are implementing the first Igenity Enhanced testing program. Neogen’s Igenity Beef test is designed to provide commercial cattle breeders with an objective genetic selection tool for within herd ranking.

It utilises DNA to predict genetic variation in both heifers and steers, providing an additional selection tool to commercial producers to use when culling, joining or supplementary feeding.

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

17

IDENTIFYING AND BREEDING FEED EFFICIENT CATTLE NET FEED INTAKE AND INAUGURAL AWARDS

From left, George Lubbe Arthur Dew, Keith Hammond, Laird Morgan and Matt McDonagh.

Identifying and breeding feed efficient cattle can

The Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) has started

significantly reduce feed costs and greenhouse gas

recording NFI in the feedlot with the aim of developing

emissions. Both are desirable, but feed efficiency is a

a NFI EBV. In partnership with Kerwee feedlot and

difficult and expensive trait to measure. Measuring feed

MLA. Daily feed intake records have been recorded

efficiency requires animals to undergo a feed intake

on almost 1,000 animals to date, and although more

test, utilising feeders that record the exact amount of

records are needed, an initial analysis of the data was

feed eaten over the course of a 70-day test period. An

encouraging, showing that:

accurate measure of daily feed intake (DFI) is only part of the information required to describe differences in feed efficiency.

To avoid selecting for cattle that may eat less but do not achieve target growth rates, we select for Net Feed Intake (NFI). NFI is the difference between expected (based on size and growth) and actual feed intake.

This means that along with DFI, an accurate record of growth over the test period is required. Animals with more negative NFI are those which ate less to

production levels, feed cost savings as a direct result of genetic feed efficiency differences would be $2,800 over a 400 day feedlot finishing period (assuming 0.8kg/day genetic difference, 50 progeny per sire and $350/t feed costs). » The data illustrated that DFI alone will not identify feed efficient animals, with negative NFI sires displaying a range in genetic DFI. Likewise, there were low and high DFI sires among the least feed efficient sires.

There are two NFI traits in the current BREEDPLAN evaluation; NFI recorded post weaning or at feedlot entry. NFI at both stages is heritable with a strong

18

» Based on these differences, and assuming the same

more positive NFI contemporaries. NFI is moderately be achieved by genetic selection.

Animal Genetics Breeding Unit (AGBU)

genetic variation for selection to be effective, with a range in predicted sire differences (between the least and most efficient sires) of 0.8kg/day.

achieve the same amount of growth compared to their heritable (0.2 to 0.4), and improvement in the trait can

Kirsty Moore Research Geneticists

» NFI in Wagyu was heritable and displayed adequate

genetic correlation (rg=0.65) between the two, suggesting

» For the 29 sires with 10 or more progeny recorded, there was no relationship apparent between NFI and the other traits in BREEEDPLAN.

that selecting for one will, on average, produce genetic

If Wagyu breeders are to build an effective genetic

improvement in the other, but that the traits are not

evaluation for feed efficiency, it is essential that the breed

controlled by the same genes.

continue to collect high quality NFI data. As a hard

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

to measure trait, recording NFI in reference population animals and exploiting genomic information will allow the largest possible section of the population to obtain accurate NFI EBVs. For this to be most effective, it is important that the NFI records are collected in animals which are closely related to the population where selection occurs, and that complete contemporary group information (including dates of birth and breed makeup) is available for those animals.

NFI is a difficult and expensive trait to measure, but the benefits of breeding more feed efficient cattle are greater for Wagyu than for breeds that require shorter feeding periods to achieve the desired product. Wagyu breeders

INAUGURAL AWA NET FEED INTAKE AWARDS In partnership with Stockyard, the AWA has been conducting net feed intake studies since 2018, at Kerwee Feedlot near Jondaryn Queensland using the Growsafe feeders.

Twelve cohorts of steer progeny have passed through the trial so far, representing 56 different Wagyu fullblood sires. The Inaugural AWA Net Feed Intake awards were presented at the 2021 WagyuEdge Conference on the Gold Coast. The top three sires were awarded according to net feed intake alone, along with the highest ranking profitability sire based on feed intake as well as carcase traits.

Net Feed Intake

AWA note

1. Peter Gilmore, Irongate Wagyu Itoshigenami B0006 IGWFB0006 2. Peter Gilmore, Irongate Wagyu Itoshigenami 2 L71 IGWFL0071 3. Laird Morgan, Arubial Wagyu Macquarie Prelude M0495 BDWFM0495

have made a good start in developing breeding values for feed efficiency, though there is a need

Highest Ranking Profitability Sire

for more, high quality data before reliable EBVs

1. Arthur Dew, Longford Mr Awesome LFDFD12558

for the trait can be produced.

It is worth noting that three of the four awarded sires are progeny or grand progeny of the Foundation Sire TF148 Itoshigenami (IMUFQTF148).

Itoshigenami himself was also one of the top ranking NFI sires, with more than 50 progeny recorded for NFI across three different intake cohorts.

NOW BUYING WAGYU CATTLE FOR THE TAJIMA PROGRAM

F1 Wagyu/Angus x, Wagyu/Shorthorn x (Steers & Heifers) F2 to Pureblood (Steers & Heifers) FB Fullblood Wagyu (Steers & Heifers) Please contact Jason Carswell or your local JBS buyer for more details.

J B S S A . C O M . A U | A N D R E W S M E AT. C O M

CONTACT DETAILS

Jason Carswell | 0499 773 878 jason.carswell@jbssa.com.au

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

19

Scalable Solutions to Suit Every Beef Producer AUSTRALIA’S PREMIER LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE COMPANY

PASTORAL ENTERPRISES & FEEDLOTS

GRAZING | BACKGROUNDING | BREEDING MOBILE APP & CLOUD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Demanded by Australia’s largest pastoralists, Loved by smallholders!

Ensure lifetime traceability and deliver critical data at all stages of production Manage production and performance (individual animals and mobs) Use crush-side or in the paddock and then sync to the web Exceptional NLIS integration and reporting REGISTER ONLINE FOR FREE TRIAL NOW and quote this advertisement to receive up to three hours free setup support

COMPLETE FEEDLOT MANAGEMENT

FY3000, StockaID, WeighBridge3000, FeedBunk3000 & BMS Australia’s Most Trusted Feedlot Management Software since 2000 Manage production – commodities, rations, feeding, livestock performance, health and financials Powerful, accurate and comprehensive!

ASK ABOUT OUR SIP STOCK IN PENS MODULE

AL NATION T SUPPOR L A IC N TECH K R O W T NE

for use with StockaID

+61 7 4659 6000 or visit our websites www.stockmate.online | www.elynx.com.au For more info, call our helpful team on

20

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

VALE DAVID WARMOLL A GIANT OF THE WAGYU SECTOR A PIONEER OF AUSTRALIAN WAGYU BRANDS RECOGNIZED David Warmoll will forever be recognised as a

of knowledge and expertise related to Wagyu and the

key figure in establishing the Australian Wagyu

processing, export and Marketing of Wagyu beef.

export industry.

David was there when the first F1 Wagyu X Angus live

David is recognised as initiating trade protocols for new Australian Wagyu export markets.

David and Phillip Warmoll bred

exports to Japan were instigated with Peter Knauer,

their first Wagyu x Angus F1 cattle

along with Nick Sher, Wally Ray, Keith and John

in 1991. Their pioneering work

Hammond. He was pivotal in developing knowhow

during the early 90’s was pivotal

relating to feeding of Wagyu F1’s, with his first Wagyu

in developing the Wagyu sector,

lot fed at Maydan Feedlot with Geoff Willet and Alan

establishing shipments of live

Hoey in 1995.

export cattle to Japan and the first

A characteristic of David and Jack’s Creek was

shipments of Wagyu beef.

the enduring long-term relationships that were

David is noted as being the 7th

formed during those early days and that are still

member of the Australian Wagyu Association – with

maintained today.

Jack’s Creek becoming a full member of the Australian

Jack’s Creek has remained a member of the AWA

Wagyu Association on the 29th of September 1995.

for the last 25 years, with many of AWA’s members

As one of the early pioneers of the Wagyu Sector, David

having forged long-term relationships with David that

is recognised as initiating trade protocols for new

have lasted through to the current day.

Australian Wagyu export markets. To capitalise on the

David Warmoll was recognised on the 27th of April

developing markets for Australian produced Wagyu

2021 as one of AWA’s seven 25+ year members.

beef, the Jack’s Creek brand was created in 2000 and has contributed to developing the now substantial Australian Wagyu export market.

The Jack’s Creek brand stands tall and is recognised by its peers, with a total of 7 gold medals accrued through our national AWA Wagyu Branded Beef Competition

David was an instantly recognisable figure to the

in addition to 3 world titles at the World’s Best Steak

Australian Wagyu community, being a passionate

competition in London.

and outspoken champion of Wagyu and his Jack’s Creek brand. He was an enormously valuable source

We recognise the wonderful contribution of one of the Giants of the Australian Wagyu Sector.

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

21

PREVENTING LEPTOSPIROSIS: PROTECTING YOUR CATTLE AND YOUR FAMILY With an increased vigilance around zoonotic diseases (diseases which transfer directly from animals to humans), it’s worth reviewing the key reasons cattle producers

The disease is contracted both in humans

an animal. It can also survive for a long

and cattle through direct contact with

time in stagnant water and can spread over

infected urine, placental material or

large areas in floodwaters. Once infected,

contaminated water. The bacteria enters

cattle can subsequently shed Lepto in their

are utilising Ultravac® 7in1 to protect the workforce on their farm.

the body through mucous membranes of

urine. In the case of L. hardjo, cattle can

the eyes and mouth or damaged skin.

shed Lepto for periods greater than 12

Human infections can occur:

months after their initial infection.

» While assisting during calving without

The consequences of infection in cattle are

In the human version of the disease, leptospirosis (also known as “lepto”) causes flu-like symptoms with a high proportion of people requiring hospitalisation. My father, David Petersen, caught the disease while calving a cow on a dairy farm near Finley NSW. He spent several days in hospital, with a severe fever and headache. With the aid of a good doctor, who recognised the signs early and initiated antibiotics, he recovered quickly. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of leptospirosis is not always achieved quickly, and treatment can be delayed. This can be a reason that people report chronic flu like symptoms for some time after infection.

22

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

proper protection » From urine splashing from infected cows during milking or calving » Indirectly via contaminated water, food or soil » By handling an aborted foetus or afterbirth » Through contact with floodwaters

infertility, abortion and weak calves. Lepto can cause a form of mastitis where cows show a sudden drop in milk production and high cell count, with any milk produced potentially going a yellow colour.

This can happen in an individual cow or group of cows, often in the absence of other clinical signs.

Cattle are a host to two common species

Leptospirosis affects beef and dairy cattle.

of Leptospira, Leptospira borgpetesenii

The bacteria can live in the environment for

serovar Hardjo type Hardjobovis, referred

months in moist conditions before infecting

to as Lepto hardjo for short, and Leptospira

ADVERTISER CONTENT interrogans serovar Pomona, which is

Ultravac® 7in1 can be given to calves

generally shortened to Lepto pomona. Most

from as early as 4 weeks of age and the

readers would commonly skip straight over

vaccine works in the presence of maternal

the scientific name and not realise that

antibodies. Other vaccines only work to

different vaccines contain different species

minimise shedding and can only be given

of Lepto hardjo, which cause different

to older calves after maternal antibodies

responses to the vaccine in cows.

have worn off, providing an opportunity

Ultravac® 7in1 contains the above two

for infection to occur. Given only a tiny

strains of Lepto hardjo and pomona

number of bacteria are required to cause

which have been sourced locally and is

infection and disease in both cattle and

manufactured in Australia. The Australian

humans, Ultravac® 7in1’s unique mode of

Lepto hardjo strain used in Ultravac®

action is the only way to stop new infections

7in1 elicits a strong cell mediated immune

occurring and clear the disease out of the

response which is necessary to prevent

herd. By preventing urinary shedding of

infection of the kidneys of cows and

Lepto, you will also be providing a safe

subsequent urinary shedding. When used

workplace for staff.

prior to natural exposure, Ultravac® 7in1

To provide protection to cattle, it’s essential

prevents urinary shedding of Leptospira,

to begin vaccination early in life. Figure 1

breaking the cycle of infection in cow herds

gives a good representation of this:

Dr Matthew Petersen BVetBiol, BVSc Veterinary Operations Manager, Zoetis

and stopping the spread of new infections.

He has extensive clinical experience in mixed animal practice and lives in southern NSW

FIGURE 1 Vaccination requirements of cattle

ULTRAVAC® 7IN1 ALSO PROTECTS AGAINST THE 5 KEY CLOSTRIDIAL DISEASES AFFECTING CATTLE IN AUSTRALIA: TETANUS, BLACKLEG, ENTEROTOXAEMIA, MALIGNANT OEDEMA AND BLACK DISEASE.

ZOETIS RECOMMENDS ULTRAVAC® 7IN1 AS THE CORE VACCINE FOR CATTLE. IT’S SIMPLE TO IMPLEMENT AND HIGHLY EFFECTIVE.

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

23

UNLOCK YOUR MOST PROFITABLE GE NETICS JOIN STOCKYARD’S NET FEED INTAKE TRIAL

In conjunction with MLA and the AWA we are offering you the chance to gain unprecedented access to data on the feed efficiency of your cattle.

Our program arms you with individual animal data, and the analytic tools and support you’ll need to maximise profits and enable selection for feed efficiency, without jeopardising marbling performance or other desirable traits. With upgraded analytical software and added in-pen weighing cells, joining the trial now will give you improved granularity and accuracy of data.

CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION GEORGE LUBBE General Manager Feedlot Operations george@stockyardbeef.com.au 0408 502 787 PHOEBE JENKINS Genetic Improvement Officer phoebe@stockyardbeef.com.au 0439 221 469

24

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

COHORT DATES 25 August, 2021 8 December, 2021 23 March, 2021 6 July, 2021 19 October, 2022 Limited placements available in trial

TEN-YEAR MILESTONE FOR WAGYU BRANDED BEEF COMPETITION 2021 marked a 10-year milestone for the Wagyu Branded Beef Competition (WBBC)

#World’sLuxuryBeef GRAND CHAMPION BOARD award commenced in 2014

presented by the Australian Wagyu Association. The 2021 competition saw the

2014

Andrews Meat Industries

largest number of entries and not one, but three back-to-back champions within the

2015

AACo

competition classes.

The WBBC represents the pinnacle of achievement for Australian Wagyu brands and celebrates the hard work of early pioneers and newcomers within the Wagyu sector.

We congratulate all the winners in this year’s competition and commend them for

2016 Pardoo Beef Corporation 2017 Andrews Meat Industries 2018 Mort & Co

continuously striving to advance the worlds luxury beef.

2019 Mayura Station

Class three, Commercial Wagyu steak MS 5-7, sponsored by Hughes Pastoral was taken

2020 Stone Axe Pastoral Company

out by Pardoo Beef Corporation for the second year in a row. The animal was fed for

2021

Stone Axe Pastoral Company

420 days, slaughtered at 36 months, and ended up with a digital marbling percentage of 35% and an eye muscle area of 102 cm2. Judges described the steak as a delightful balance of clean flavours, fresh aroma, and buttery tenderness with lasting juiciness.

Direct Meat Company, Connors Wagyu were crowned the champions in Class Two, open crossbred Wagyu steak, sponsored by Bovine Dynamics. Spending 390 days on

GOLD MEDAL WINNERS 2012 - 2021 mulitple wins across steak classes

feed and slaughtered at 36 months, judges described this steak as having a wonderful

Stockyard Beef .............................. 14 golds

well balanced rich and clean beefy flavours with lasting juiciness, tenderness, and

AACo ................................................ 9 golds

abundant fine marbling. The steak recorded a digital marbling of 45%, with 69.0

Mayura Station............................... 8 golds

digital marbling fineness and a total eye muscle area of 78cm2.

Jack’s Creek ................................... 7 golds

The best of the best in Fullblood Japanese Black branded beef programs battled it

Rangers Valley............................... 7 golds

out for the title of Class One champion, sponsored by Zoetis. The winner of this class, for the second-year running was Stone Axe Pastoral, with an entry that had a digital

Mort & Co........................................ 6 golds

marbling of 54%, digital marbling fineness of 75.1 and an eye muscle area of 99 cm2.

Andrews Meat Industries............. 5 golds

The animal was fed for 350 days and was slaughtered at 32-34 months, the judges

Direct Meat Company ................... 5 golds

described this steak as having unbelievable richness, complex flavours of sweetness,

Pardoo Beef Corporation............. 5 golds

dairy and cereal, melt in your moth juiciness with an exquisite tender and silky finish.

Stone Axe Pastoral’s, Fullblood Japanese Black entry went on to be crowned Grand Champion Wagyu, in a first for the competition after them also receiving this award last year. This is the second year Stone Axe Pastoral have entered the WBBC and they

Hamblin Pty Ltd............................. 4 golds Jac Wagyu....................................... 2 golds Kilcoy Global Foods....................... 2 golds

have come away with two Grand Champion Awards, Stone Axe Pastorals Managing

Poll Wagyu ..................................... 2 golds

Director, Scott Richardson was extremely proud to accept the award in front of a large

Stone Axe Pastoral Company ..... 2 golds

contingent of his team.

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

25

10-year milestone for Wagyu Branded Beef Competition

both domestically and internationally.

We are very humbled to be awarded 2021 Grand Champion, and to be the first brand ever to win the award for two consecutive years. As a young company we are proud to have achieved this major industry accolade in our first seven years of operation.

Mr Richardson says like most in the industry, the company faced

Scott Richardson, Managing Director, Stone Axe Pastoral

<<< from page 25 Established in 2014, the original Stone Axe Wagyu herd was 885 Full Bloods in June 2017. Stone Axe has achieved significant short-term growth with a herd now of more than 15,000 head.

Stone Axe Wagyu has fast become one of the leading Full Blood Wagyu brands in Australia and is becoming highly sought after

significant challenges in the recent droughts, bush fires and now COVID. The consecutive Grand Champion awards are the result of the hard work and dedication of the business.

The win reflects the company’s unwavering commitment to their vision to produce the best Wagyu in the most environmentally friendly way, and he credits the win to a team committed to excellence and “Stone Axe’s holistic approach to premium Wagyu beef production incorporating genetic purity and product quality control, along with the outstanding commitment from our team, are all to thank for this major industry accolade,” he says.

“Producing Wagyu of the highest quality and achieving these awards takes good people, superior genetics and committed financial support, underpinned by an unwavering commitment to the science and art of Wagyu raising,” says Mr Richardson.

OFFICIAL 2021 WAGYU BRANDED BEEF COMPETITION SPONSORS

WAGYU BRANDED BEEF COMPETITION

CLASS GOLD MEDAL WINNERS 2012–2020 FB JAPANESE BLACK

OPEN CROSSBRED

Stockyard Beef

3

7

4

AACo

5

2

2

Mayura Station

8 6

1

GOLD MEDAL 2019 FULLBLOOD WAGYU 100 %

Jack's Creek

2

5

Mort & Co

1

4

1

Andrews Meat Industries

2

2

1

Direct Meat Industries

3

2

Pardoo Beef Corporation

3

Hamblin PtyLtd

4

Jac Wagyu

1 1

Poll Wagyu Stone Axe Pastoral Company

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

2016 onwards

Rangers Valley

Kilcoy Global Foods

26

COMMERCIAL STEAK MS 5–7

1 1

2 2

2

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

27

# ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR

APRIL 27 - 3 MAY 2021

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND

2021 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE MR GEOFF WILLETT Alan Hoey (L) and Geoff Willett

It is with great honour that the AWA were able to induct, Geoffrey Willett, Maydan Feedlot into the Hall of Fame at this years WagyuEdge Conference. Geoff ’s integrity, tenacity and dedication to Wagyu in Australia has paved the way for many in the Wagyu sector to prosper and produce the worlds luxury beef.

In conversations about the early pioneering days of Australian Wagyu, a number of names would often be mentioned, Geoff was among those, all of these visionary people having played their part in shaping the Australian Wagyu sector to what it is today.

Geoff was quick to pick up on the value that the Wagyu breed could bring to the Australian Beef Industry and was an early adopter in aligning his operation to provide specialised Wagyu Feeding programs.

Former AWA President, Joe Grose

The challenges faced by those early pioneers included stoic opposition to Wagyu as a new and misunderstood breed, finding markets for Wagyu beef and F1 live exports, understanding the genetics and how to feed them.

Recognising that nutrition was a vital component of successful Wagyu production necessitated research into Japanese feeding regimes and applying the knowledge in a local context.

Former AWA president, Joe Grose said that Geoff was quick to pick up on the value that the Wagyu breed could bring to the Australian Beef Industry and was an early adopter in aligning his operation to provide specialised Wagyu Feeding programs.

Advocating for the quality of Wagyu beef, Geoff championed the cause with AUS-MEAT to extend the marble score rating to 7, 8 and 9 to accommodate the higher levels achieved in Wagyu.

According to John Hammond, the early days of the Certified Wagyu Corporation, a marketing company set up by Wagyu producers in the mid-1990s to fulfil the F1 live trade owes a lot of its success to the determination of Geoff.

The reputation of the man and his business is testament to his tenacity to overcome challenges and surround himself with people to advise him on the feedlot journey.

Starting from a humble 4 pens in 1984, his feedlot went on to represent the very best of Wagyu feeding programs, with many of those early pioneers staying with the program until its sale in 2017, where it housed at least 77 pens of premium Wagyu cattle.

Maydan Feedlot, and its owner, Geoff Willett were synonymous with premium Wagyu. According to Alan Hoey, who was there with Geoff as Maydan Feedlot Manager in the very beginning, it is the mistakes and the lessons learned by Geoff, that many feedlots today have benefited from, around the country.

28

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

29

# ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR

APRIL 27 - 3 MAY 2021

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS FOUNDING AWA MEMBERS RECOGNISED In recognizing the members below, the AWA acknowledges that some of its founding members contributed to development of the AWA’s original Constitution and Articles of Association – back in 1989.

The current electronic records of the AWA record membership from 1994 onwards.

The AWA celebrates the following 7 members.

PETER WINKLER

KOBEEF

AWA MEMBER 1994

Peter Winkler is the founding member of the Australian Wagyu Association and served as the first President between 1989-1994. As such, Peter’s membership starts with the AWA in about 1991 and predates current records.

In a search to produce high quality Australian beef to rival the famous Kobe beef, Peter was the first to import live Wagyu – a calf called Kinu - into the country. His herd went on to be a well‑recognised name for purebred Wagyu here in Australia and New Zealand. Through Peter’s vision for Wagyu in Australia, the breed society was enabled in 1989 and the Australian Wagyu industry grew domestically and internationally for both breeders and beef producers.

DAVID & JULIE BLACKMORE

BLACKMORE WAGYU

AWA MEMBER 1994

As a stock agent for dairy cattle, David Blackmore was well placed to assist the fledgling Wagyu industry develop in Australia, helping many of our pioneers get started with their herds including Sumo Cattle Company, Hammonds and Takeda Farms Blackmore Wagyu started its own enterprise in 1993 with F1 cattle but soon realised that increasing marble score could be readily achieved with grading up to Fullblood beef production. The result is a brand that is now renown around the world.

30

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

KEITH AND JOHN HAMMOND

AWA MEMBER 1994

ISLAND WAGYU (HAMMOND FARMS)

The Hammond family were one of the pioneers of the Australian Wagyu industry, establishing Robbins Island Wagyu on the remote northwest cape of Tasmania.

Like Peter Winkler, the Island Wagyu membership was one of the original few that started in 1991.

Development of the Purebred herd gave a number of polled calves, which has led to the development of their extensive Polled Wagyu herd.

As the third president of the Association between 1997-1999, Keith Hammond was an active part of the Board for more than 10 years and the industry as a whole.

John has also served on the AWA Board for many years.

ARTHUR & ESMA DUPEN

AWA MEMBER 1994

LINDAN WAGYU

Lindan Wagyu is a family company whose operation is based at Barrington, NSW. Their approach has been to produce high quality Fullblood Wagyu breeding cattle and embryos.

Lindan Wagyu is one of 5 AWA members registered first in 1994 who have maintained their membership since that date.

What are the benefits?

• Increased calf growth rates • Reduce the number of dry cows • Higher post weaning growth rates • Early weaning for flexibility in drought

ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

31

Celebrating 25 years

<<< from page 31

SIMON COATES – NOW THE COATES FAMILY AWA MEMBER 1994

SUMO PASTORAL CO

Dr Simon Coates is recognised for establishing one of the first Wagyu herds in Australia using imported Wagyu genetics from the US and Canada with the aim to establishing a seedstock source for Australian Fullblood genetics.

Simon was one of the few original 1991 members and was an integral part of promotion of Wagyu to Australian interests, participating in many fields days around the country to showcase the benefits of Wagyu to the beef industry.

As the second president of the Association between 1994 – 1997, Simon oversaw substantial growth in membership and public awareness. Simon was recognised in 2018 as a life member of the AWA and with his passing, AWA has initiated the Dr Simon Coates Scholarship for Veterinary and Reproductive Science. Through the Fellowship, we can continue to recognise the great contributions of one of our founding members and honour his passion for the advancement of Wagyu.

NICK AND VICKI SHER

SHER WAGYU

AWA MEMBER 1995

Nick and Vicki Sher are recognised as starting as an AWA founding member in 1991, with their current AWA membership commencing in 1995. They have made significant on the ground contributions to the Australian Wagyu industry, establishing the first crossbred herd with Holsteins, the first airfreighted carton beef export and forging many new markets in the early years of the Association.

The Sher philosophy has always been to source the right genetics to complement the traits that are present in their herd, rather than aligning with any specific supplier of genetics.

We can also thank Vicki for her vision for Wagyu with the design of the AWA logo in the early 90s, which is still in use today.

DAVID WARMOLL & THE WARMOLL/JACK’S CREEK FAMILY

AWA MEMBER 1995

JACK’S CREEK In 1991, David started with American Wagyu genetics across Angus to establish an F1 trade to Japan. The company, Australian Certified Wagyu Beef, trading as Jack’s Creek to market Wagyu beef. Now known as Jack’s Creek, the company is one of the first to be a vertically integrated operation from breeding through to market.

The brand, Jack’s Creek is probably more recognisable now as a result of the World Steak Challenge wins in the past few years, a testament to the faith David and Phillip Warmoll had in Wagyu beef.

With the sad news of David’s recent passing, we recognise David and his enormous contribution to the Wagyu Sector.

32

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

Providing

Customised Nutrition, Operation & Training Programs for clients within the Wagyu industry Focusing on...

 PERFORMANCE

 CARCASS QUALITY

 PROFITABILITY

 MANAGEMENT

IAP Nutrition assists producers to maximise the efficiency and profitability of their feedlot investment We achieve this by focusing on the implementation of sound management tools and programs tailored to our clients’ unique operations. These include:

Nutritional Programs From Conception to Carcass

Feed Management Programs

CONSULTING NUTRITIONISTS

For successful cattle feeding, managing feeding systems, feed manufacture and delivery are critical points in any nutritional program

John Doyle

Performance Audits Assesses biological and environmental influences on animal and carcass performance

BS, MS, DVM, PhD

Phil Dew BRurSc, MS

Robert Lawrence

Training and Education Programs

BRurSc(Hons), MRurSc, PhD

Tailored to maximise staff commitment and compliance within operations

Stephen Bonner

Address Email

70 West St, Toowoomba Q 4350 admin@iapnutrition.com

BAgSc(RuralTech), PhD

Tel +61 7 4659 6900 www.iapnutrition.com

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

33

THIRD & FOURTH GENERATION WAGYU PROVEN SIRES IS CARCASE DATA REALLY KING? WELL, IT DEPENDS IF IT IS USED IN A GENETIC ANALYSIS OF NOT

The purpose of this article is to challenge a couple of long-held myths in the Wagyu Sector.

THE FUNDAMENTALS

The first myth is that only the Foundation Sires (first generation sires out of Japan) are

Over the last ten years, the AWA members

proven sires for carcase traits. Through AWA BREEDPLAN, we have third and fourth-

have contributed more than 13,000

generation sires with 50 to more than 100 carcase progeny records. Though this article, we

Fullblood carcase records into the AWA

will explain the great volume of carcase data that AWA members have submitted for 780

BREEDPLAN evaluation.

sires so far.

The year on year increase for the last two

The second myth is that having raw carcase data for the sires in your herd is the most

years has been significant, at 30% additional

important information relating to that sire’s genetic merit. In busting the first myth above,

new records each year since 2019. These

where you have carcase data across consecutive generations of sires (e.g. first, second, third

trends are consistent with total performance

and fourth-generation sires), this adds substantial information to improving the genetic

recording for other major traits (Figure 1).

merit prediction of a sire through the pedigree of the animal.

In AWA BREEDPLAN, animals who have

If you are using raw carcase data for a sire in isolation or just in your own herd, you are

progeny in the Slaughter Register that

missing out on the true value of that data alongside the large volume of carcase data being

are recorded for carcase traits including

supplied by many AWA members. Combining this data within AWA BREEDPLAN is the best

Carcase Weight (Cwt) and Marble Score

way to achieve genetic merit estimation of your sire.

(MS) can be identified by viewing the EBV table of a registered animal.

FIGURE 1 Additive performance recording trends to June 2021.

50,000

Total performance records for each trait over time

45,000 40,000

44,478 35,419

38,453

35,000

20,000 20,798

5,000 0

34

600-Dwt

MS

25,000

10,000

200-Dwt

Cwt

32,287

30,000

15,000

Bwt

15,170

16,535

17,515 13,122 12,800

10,080 8,218

9,756

4,165 4,137 2015 2015

2016 2016

BWT

2017 2017

200 DWT

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

2018 2018

600 DWT

2019 2019

2020 2020

CWT

2021 2021

MS

Registering animals in the AWA Slaughter Register and providing the carcase data for these animals is FREE for AWA members. AWA covers all costs associated with this, except for DNA testing costs for parentage verification.

TABLE 1 EBV table for TF Itohana 2 (IMUFN2294) identifying the Carcase Progeny count for the sire.

July 2021 Wagyu BREEDPLAN Rump Fat (mm)

Retail Beef Yield (%)

–3.8

+0.7

–2.4

+0.4

+0.03

97%

97%

94%

97%

94%

+1.4

–0.1

+0.0

+0.8

+0.17

Eye Scrotal Carcase Muscle Size Wt Area (cm) (kg) (sq cm)

Gestation Length (days)

Birth Wt (kg)

200 Day Wt (kg)

400 Day Wt (kg)

600 Day Wt (kg)

Mat Cow Wt (kg)

Milk (kg)

EBV

–1.3

+1.0

+4

+10

+11

+14

+7

+1.3

+27

Accuracy

97%

98%

98%

98%

98%

97%

98%

95%

98%

Marble Marble Fineness Score (%)

Breed Avg. EBVs for 2019 Born Calves EBV

+0.1

+0.1

+9

+16

+19

+22

+1

–0.1

+15

Traits Analysed: Genomics STATISTICS: Number of Herds: 71 Progeny Analysed: 1177 Scan Progeny: 190 CARCASE PROGENY: 265 Number of Dtrs: 328

An example is provided in Table 1 for the foundation sire TF Itohana 2

Fullblood sire animal identifier

(IMUFN2294), which shows that he has

ADBFA0139

“265 Carcase Progeny” registered in

WKSFM0164

the AWA Slaughter Register for which

IMUFQTF148

carcase data has been provided by

IMUFQTF147

different AWA members.

Using the AWA Slaughter Register, AWA members have contributed carcase progeny records for the 780 different sires with carcase progeny in AWA BREEDPLAN.

HOW MANY CARCASE PROGENY RECORDS DO WE REALLY HAVE FOR DIFFERENT SIRES?

IMUFN2294 ADBFZ0025 FIGURE 2 The AWA foundation, second and third Generation Sires.

1st to 25th ranked sires by number of Carcase Progeny Records.

DBDFZ0680 SMOFE0180 BDWFC1306 IMUFR3258 WKSFS0100 WESFZ0278

Figure 2 shows the top 25 sires ranked

GOSFC0457

FOUNDATION SIRES

by the number of carcase progeny

SMOFF0278

3RD GENERATION

records for each sire.

SBYFE0084

Each sire is also coded by its generation,

GOSFB0410

blue being foundation sires, red being

WKSFP0100

second-generation sires (i.e., the progeny of a foundation sire) and green being third-generation sires (progeny of a

CCOFG0113 WESFTH004

second-generation sire).

BDWFC1569

The 25th ranked sire (IMJFA2351) still has

ADBFH0602

more than 100 carcase progeny records.

IMJFAJ2810

Of note in Figure 2, is that over half of

WKSFP1593

the sires with the highest number of

BDWFC1255

carcase progeny records are the second-

IMJFAJ2351

generation sires.

2ND GENERATION

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

800

900

Number of BREEDPLAN carcase progeny records

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

35

Fullblood sire animal identifier

ADBFD0482 GOSFB0400

FIGURE 3 The AWA foundation, second, third and fourth Generation Sires.

26th to 50th ranked sires by number of Carcase Progeny Records.

IMUFLTF151 IMJFMJ068 WKSFP0001 WKSFM0139 ADBFD0454 GINFB0901 BDWFY0526 DBDFZ0626 SMOFE0410 IMUFQ2599

FOUNDATION SIRES

We also see that there are two third-generation

2ND GENERATION

sires in the top 25 ranked sires. This means

3RD GENERATION

IGWFB0006

4TH GENERATION

BDWFY0408

<<< from page 35

that there are third-generation sires with more than 100 carcase progeny records in AWA

YOKFG0143

BREEDPLAN.

BDWFJ4174 BYWFY0398

The ranking of the next 25 sires, being

GOSFB0404

numbers 26 to 50 based on carcase progeny

ADBFD0410

numbers, is shown in Figure 3. Again,

ADBFD0489

there are more second-generation sires (12)

GOSFB0377

compared to foundation sires (6).

LFDFD12558 IMUFP0036

There are just as many third-generation sires

GOSFC0485

(6) as there are foundation sires in this selection.

MIRFJ0650 0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Number of BREEDPLAN carcase records

Notably, a fourth-generation sire YOKFG0143 is the 40th ranked sire by number of carcase progeny records. The sire YOKG0143 has 59 of his own carcase progeny recorded, and there

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

Fullblood sire animal identifier

is a total of 790 carcase progeny collectively

IGWFC0018

recorded across his pedigree including progeny

GOSFZ0306

from his sire, grand sires, great grand sires,

SMOFD0024

and great-great grand sires.

GRSFF0146 BDWFM0495

FIGURE 4 The AWA foundation, second, third, fourth and fifth Generation Sires.

225th to 250th ranked sires by number of Carcase Progeny Records.

IMUFRTF96 WKSFW0015 WESFX0179 BYWFY0342 LFDFZ1194 LFDFZ0558 SWSFB0260

to number 250 based on carcase progeny numbers, is shown in Figure 4. Again, there are far more second-generation sires (14) compared to foundation sires (1). There are 7 third-generation sires as well as 2 fourthgeneration sires and one fifth-generation sire

MOYFB0346

FOUNDATION SIRES

SMOFC0158

2ND GENERATION

SMOFD0087

3RD GENERATION

RJHFF0030

4TH GENERATION

LFDFH0254

5TH GENERATION

ADBFJ0664 LFDFJ0396 WKSFN2892 SWSFE0025 LFDFG0958 LFDFA8316 KKWFB0399 PMGFL00047

0

36

The ranking of the sires from number 225

2

4

6

8

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

10

12

14

Number of BREEDPLAN carcase progeny records

who has 11 carcase progeny records recoded against him.

Third & fourth generation Wagyu Proven Sires

GETTING THE MOST VALUE OUT OF CARCASE DATA As stated earlier, AWA members have submitted carcase progeny records for 780 sires. 262 of these have 10 or more carcase progeny records of their own. However, as per the example of the fourth-generation sire YOKFG0143 (Figure 3), if we account for the contributions of the sires in the pedigrees of second, third, fourth and fifthgeneration sires, we get far greater power in our genetic analysis.

ree of Three-generation pedig mi F278 Sumo Cattle Itoshigena

Looking back at Figure 2, if we take the 14th ranked sire

PEDFA10632 SHIGES HIG

by number of carcase progeny as an example of a thirdgeneration sire - SMOFF0278 has 143 carcase progeny

IMUFOT F14 8 ITO SHIGEN

himself. These carcase records not only contribute to

SUMFX0081 SUMO ITO

Looking at the pedigree of the third-generation sire SMOFF0278 (Figure 5), we can see that in addition to his 143 own carcase progeny, there are a total of 1,152 carcase

SUMFT0250 SUMO FUK

all contribute to determining SMOFF0278’s genetic merit (his EBVs).

Likewise, SMOFF0278’s 143 carcase progeny records contribute to determining the genetic merit (EBVs) of every ancestor in his pedigree (sires and dams). This is one of the reasons why using a genetic evaluation to determine genetic merit is very important, rather than just looking at raw sire averages within a single data set.

Using AWA BREEDPLAN, the EBVs for SMOFF0278

9

(ET )

530

MIC HIF UKU

U T25 0 (AI) (ET )

AKE 22/4 (IMP USA ) (ET IMUFR3254 TF CHI YOT

within his pedigree. of the 1,152 carcase progeny in the pedigree of SMOFF0278

SHIGEN AMI X0081 (AI)

WK SFM016 4 WORLD K's

progeny from his sire, grand sires and great grand sires also Within the AWA BREEDPLAN analysis, the records of each

404

AMI (IMP USA )

PEDFA6 61 FUK UYUKI

determining his genetic merit (his EBVs), but also the genetic merit of the sires in his pedigree (Figure 5).

ENA MI JI0 632

SMOFF0278 SUMO CAT

TLE CO ITO SHIGEN AM

143

I F278

IMUFJT F40 TER UTA NI IMUFR3258 TF TER UTA

J2494 TF4 0 (IMP JAP)

NI 40/ 1 (IMP USA ) (AI)

PEDFA2453 TF DAI 2 KIN CCOFC0 418 COATES TAN

)

162

(ET )

NTOU 3

I C418 (AI) (ET )

IMUFM2 100 KIK UYA SU SUMFU2 179 SUMO YAS

5

400 (IMP JAP)

U U2179 (AI) (ET )

IMUFR3259 TF DAI 2 KIN

NTOU 35/ 3 (IMP USA )

also considers the genetic merit of the females that SMOFF0278 was mated to. In determining the genetic merit of SMOFF0278, half of the progeny outcome of his carcase progeny came from the female side. This can’t be determined from sire averages alone, but it can be accurately determined through AWA BREEDPLAN.

42

FIGURE 5 The three-generation pedigree of SMOFF0278, noting carcase records for himself (third-generation) and the sires in his pedigree, being the foundation and second-generation.

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

37

(ET )

Farm collected semen on sale now.

Sire of record breaking F1 Wagyu weaner steers sold April 2021 for 921.4c/kg returning $2,870/head.

Don’t miss this opportunity to secure commercial semen from the hottest sire on the market!

LIMI TED QU ANT IT Y AV AIL ABL E ST R IC TL Y COM M ERCIAL U SE O NL Y

July 2021 Wagyu BREEDPLAN Eye Gestation

200

400

600

Retail

Scrotal Carcase Muscle Rump

Mat

Beef

Marble

Yield Marble Fineness

Length Birth Wt Day Wt Day Wt Day Wt Cow Wt Milk

Size

Wt

Area

Fat

(days)

(kg)

(kg)

(kg)

(kg)

(kg)

(kg)

(cm)

(kg)

(sq cm)

(mm)

(%)

Accuracy

-1.2 64%

+3.8 70%

+26 71%

+55 72%

+80 77%

+77 63%

+3 65%

+1.4 50%

+74 64%

-0.4 50%

-0.5 53%

+0.5 44%

0.0 56%

-0.02 51%

EBV

+0.1

+1.0

+9

+16

+1.4

-0.1

+0.0

+0.8

+0.17

EBV

Score

(%)

Breed Avg. EBV for 2019 Born Calves +19

+22

+1

-0.1

+15

SELECTION INDEX VALUE Market Target

キア オラ スタッド Contact Bronwyn Roberts : +61 438 126 106 wagyu@kiaorastud.com.au | www.kiaorastud.com.au @kiaorastud

@kiaorastud

Index Value

Breed Average

Wagyu Breeder Index

+$ 273

+$ 141

Self Replacing Index

+$ 235

+$ 142

Fullblood Terminal Index

+$ 185

+$ 120

F1 Terminal Index

+$ 135

+$ 110

KIA ORA STUD SPRING SALE 2021 KIA ORA STUD will be conducting a herd reduction sale this spring. Located on-farm at Bungendore, NSW, this is a sale not to be missed. All lots must go to make way for the next generation… that’s right…

NO RESERVE! Follow us on Facebook or subscribe to our newsletter for updates.

38

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

Third & fourth generation Wagyu Proven Sires

<<< from page 37

SUMMARY STATISTICS FOR AWA BREEDPLAN CARCASE DATA There are 262 sires that have 10 or more carcase progeny records in AWA BREEDPLAN. Many of these sires inform each other through shared pedigrees to generate genetic merit estimates through EBVs and to create higher accuracy EBVs. Summary statistics for all sires that have 10 or more carcase progeny records in AWA BREEDPLAN are shown in Table 2.

As shown in Table 2, 11 of the top 262 sires are fourth-generation or higher with an average of 23 carcase records and Marble Score (MS) EBV accuracy of 79% and Carcase Weight (Cwt) EBV accuracy of 85%. These accuracies are the same as the average of the 60 third-generation sires, who have on average 29 carcase records. This is due to the high accuracy of sires within the pedigrees of the fourth-generation sires.

The largest number of sires in the top 262 are second-generation sires (the progeny of Foundation sires). There are 169 second-generation sires that have an average of 39 carcase progeny records each and average MS and Cwt EBV accuracies of 81% and 86% respectively.

On average, the 22 first-generation (foundation) sires have 118 carcase records per sire, but these range from a minimum of 11 records (WKSFN2892 World K’s Takazakura: Figure 4) to a maximum of 564 records (WKSFM0164 World K’s Michifuku Figure 1).

The average accuracy of the MS and Cwt EBVs for foundation sires are 91% and 94% respectively. The MS and Cwt EBVs for the foundation sires reflect both the carcase progeny records for these sires and the contribution of the carcase records from second, third, fourth and fifth-generation sire progeny of the foundation sires.

TABLE 2 Summary Statistics for Sires with more than 10 carcase progeny.

TOTAL NUMBER OF SIRES 262

SIRE GENERATION

No. OF SIRES

Ave. BIRTH YEAR

No. OF FB CARCASE RECORDS

Ave. CARCASE RECORDS PER SIRE

Ave. MS EBV ACCURACY

Ave. Cwt EBV ACCURACY

FOUNDATION SIRES

22

1994

2,592

118

91%

94 %

2ND GENERATION SIRES

169

2007

6,665

39

81%

86 %

3RD GENERATION SIRES

60

2009

1,711

29

79 %

85 %

4TH OR HIGHER GENERATION SIRES

11

2010

256

23

79 %

85 %

2007

11,224

42.8

81%

86 %

AVERAGE OF SIRES WITH 10 OR MORE RECORDS

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

39

Third & fourth generation Wagyu Proven Sires

<<< from page 39 FIGURE 6 Comparison of Marble Score and Carcase Weight EBV accuracy: Sires with 2 carcase records vs Males with 0 carcase records.

GETTING STARTED WITH CARCASE PROGENY RECORDING Even small numbers of carcase progeny can start to impact a sires EBVs and

Average EBV accuracy

their accuracy. There are 102 sires

80%

in AWA BREEDPLAN that have 2

70%

Wagyu genetic analysis.

60%

As shown in Figure 6, the average accuracy of MS EBV for these sires (blue bar) is 67%. This compares to average accuracy of the MS EBV of newly born male calves (orange bar) with no carcase progeny at 50%.

Average EBV Accuracy

carcase progeny records used in the

The average Cwt EBV accuracy for sires with 2 carcase progeny records used in AWA BREEDPLAN is 72%, compared to average accuracy of the MS EBV of newly born male calves

50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% MS EBV accuracy

Cwt EBV accuracy

Sires with two carcase progeny records

Males with 0 carcase progeny records

with no carcase progeny at 60%.

SUMMARY AND IMPLICATIONS 1. There are more second and third-generation sires with significant numbers of carcase progeny then there are foundation sires with significant numbers of carcase progeny.

We also have third and fourth-generation sires with 50 to more than 100 carcase progeny records.

2. Using raw averages for sires within your own herd has limited utility in determining genetic merit. Together, AWA members have submitted carcase progeny data for 780 sires.

Through the AWA BREEDPLAN genetic analysis, the 13,000 carcase progeny records on these sires are used to generate high accuracy EBVs that take into account carcase data across up to 5 generations of sires (and dams) within a pedigree.

3. Even low numbers of carcase records are beneficial in contributing to the EBV of the sire and the accuracy of those EBVs. Compared to males with no carcase progeny, the MS and Cwt EBVs of sires with only 2 carcase progeny records are on average 17% higher.

40

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

THE AWA-PROGENY TEST PROGRAM 2021-2031 There are 262 sires in the AWA BREEDPLAN genetic analysis with 10 or more carcase progeny The AWA-PTP is specifically designed to add another 250 sires to this number, which will bring the total number of sires with greater than 10 carcase records to more than 500.

If you are a small breeder and have found it difficult to obtain carcase progeny records on your sires, the AWA-PTP will allow you to obtain significant carcase progeny records for your sire. The AWA-PTP was open to sire nominations from all AWA members.

ARE YOU STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE IN YOUR HERD?

We work with producers, vets and AI technicians to maximise the success of assisted breeding programs.

Ask Julie Pocock how we can help improve your results and multiply your outcomes.

Ph 0423 828 050 Vetoquinol Australia Pty Ltd Unit 302.2, 6-12 Boronia Road, Da Vinci Business Park Brisbane Airport Queensland 4008 Phone: 1800 032 355 Email: vetoquinol-contact.com.au www.vetoquinol.com.au

Follow repro360 at #APartnershipForLife

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

41

WHAT DO PREFECTURES TELL US ABOUT THE GENETICS OF WAGYU CATTLE IN AUSTRALIA? BACKGROUND Wagyu and Wagyu-derived cattle in Australia originate from Japan, and within Japan, from a breeding population originally structured around prefectures.

Prefectures are basically regions of Japan which had breeding programs for the cattle. Those programs included infusing exotic (non-Japanese) cattle genetics into the native cattle (themselves imported from a range of countries in earlier times), and then involving some mix of local focus coupled with infusions from other prefectures.

The result being what might be considered “strains” of Wagyu – sub-populations that could all interbreed. These shared genes in common, but at the same time had some degree of differentiation in performance traits.

meaning the prefectural origin could not be determined).

AWA FULLBLOOD JAPANESE BLACK FOUNDATION ANIMALS = 364 INDIVIDUALS

There had certainly been some progeny testing in Japan –

Although it is estimated that

When Wagyu cattle were imported to Australia, animals were sourced from at least 7 prefectures (as well as “unknown” –

within prefectures – and that had identified some sires with

genetics from approximately

superior genetic merit for carcase traits, including such as

220 individuals were actually

Tajiri (Founder of the Tajima line, from Hyogo prefecture),

exported from Japan, the

Dai 7 Itozakura (a nationally influential sire in Japan) and

pedigree analysis undertaken

Kedaka (an influential sire himself from Tottori prefecture).

has demonstrated that these

These “bloodlines” represent the majority of Japanese Black Wagyu genetic background in the registered AWA population. Other minor influences are from the Okayama,

Dr Yuandan Zhang and Prof. Robert Banks Animal Genetics Breeding Unit (AGBU)

42

animals trace back to 364 individual animals registered with the Japanese Wagyu

Shimane, and Hiroshima prefectures.

Registry. We therefore have the

Note that when breeders refer to an animal as a founder, it

genetic information contained

usually implies that the animal has been heavily used within

within these 364 foundation

the population over a period of time, and that usually means

animals represented in the AWA

some amount of inbreeding, whether deliberate or not.

Japanese Black Fullblood herd.

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

FIGURE 1 The AWA Herdbook – the largest Herdbook registry outside of Japan.

Prefectural composition (%)

60

Australian Wagyu Prefectural Composition since 1989 TAJIMA

50

KEDAKA TOTTORI

40

ITOZAKURA SHIMANE OKAYAMA

30

HIROSHIMA UNKNOWN

20

10

0

'85

'90

'95

'00

'05

'10

'15

'20

AGBU RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

... Reducing the available diversity from the 364 individuals down to 7 prefectures or bloodlines results in a significant loss of useful pedigree information that is beneficial for managing genetic gain and maintaining genetic diversity. Prefectural analysis ignores the genetic diversity between individuals of given prefectural composition.

registry outside of Japan (Figure 1).

we have focussed on two questions:

The picture is clear: the animals identified

1. Can we determine the prefectural makeup of each animal, given that we have been provided with prefectural composition data on foundation animals in Australia?

in the Australian database did not change

2. Can we analyse performance data to assess how useful knowing the prefectural composition is in describing

the population for other prefectures being

genetic merit of an animal?

consistent way until about 1997, and from then on there has been a clear increase in % Tajima, to around 50%, with the % across relatively stable since then.

The second question is perhaps the key question – can we use prefectural composition to help us determine or predict

took the data on prefectural origin for

genetic merit? We examined this question

the foundation 364 animals, and spread

in a number of ways:

that information down through the entire

» Observing trends in phenotypic

we have two parents and we know their prefectural origin:

X

proportions of different prefectures in any

To address the first question, Dr Zhang

pedigree. The principle is simple – assume

SIRE

50% prefecture A 50% prefecture B

In our work relating to prefectural analysis,

DAM

25% prefecture A 25% prefecture B 50% prefecture C

performance to see whether there is any relationship with prefecture » Analysing the entire performance

=

PROGENY

37.5% prefecture A 37.5% prefecture B 25% prefecture C

database to see how well prefecture explains variation, and compare that with how well EBVs explain variation (EBVs based on pedigree relationships) In terms of trends in phenotypic performance, we found weak associations between Prefecture % and observed

Starting with the original imported animals,

carcase weight and observed carcase

this allows us to determine prefectural

marbling. Weak means there was an overall

makeup for all animals with pedigree. The

pattern, but there is lots of spread around

most interesting outcome of this work is the

that pattern: the relationship between

patterns in prefectural composition over time

prefectural composition and the trait is not

in the AWA Herdbook – the largest Herdbook

a very good explanation of what we see.

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

43

What do prefectures tell us about the genetics of Wagyu cattle in Australia?

80%

PREDICTING PERFORMANCE

PREFECTURAL ANALYSIS REDUCES THE AVAILABLE DIVERSITY FROM INDIVIDUALS IN EACH PREFECTURE

70% 60% 50%

100% of prefectural or bloodline

40%

information is inherited from the parents. Reducing the available

30%

diversity from the 364 individuals

20%

down to 7 prefectures or bloodlines results in a significant loss of

10%

useful pedigree information that is

0% Prefecture %

EBV

FIGURE 2 The AWA Herdbook – the largest Herdbook registry outside of Japan.

EBV + Prefecture % Carcase wt

Marbling

beneficial for managing genetic gain and maintaining genetic diversity.

Prefectural analysis ignores the genetic diversity between individuals of given prefectural composition.

<<< from page 43

The result is quite dramatic – prefectural composition is nowhere near as good at predicting performance as is an EBV ...

Taking this one step further, we determined

that is simply not the case.

the relationships between prefectural

EBVs take account of how good or bad

composition, EBV, or EBV plus prefectural

every animal in the population is, and

composition, and carcase weight and carcase marbling – in all cases, taking account of contemporary group structure and age of the animal.

The result here is quite dramatic. As shown in Figure 2, prefectural composition is nowhere near as good at predicting

of the genes themselves. (Incidentally, genomics takes this even further).

This also means that knowledge of the actual pedigree (whether as recorded, or as calculated using DNA) is a much better

adding prefecture information to EBV in

basis for managing inbreeding and diversity

the analysis reduces the ability to predict

– because we track the actual genes of

genetic merit.

individuals across pedigrees, and pick up

The height of the bars in Figure 2 tells

differences at that level amongst animals that

how well that analysis is predicting

seem to have the same prefectural makeup.

performance. For example, Prefecture %

IN SUMMARY

with approximately 12% accuracy, whereas EBV predicts it with approximately 75% accuracy – it’s a much better guide.

An important question is “why is the EBV so much better at predicting

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

animals, obtains a picture of the value

performance as is an EBV, and in fact,

predicts carcase marbling performance

44

by looking at the performance of related

Prefectural analysis is possible and has been completed but doesn’t add any information you don’t already have either in terms of genetic diversity, inbreeding, or Genetic merit.

performance?” The answer is simple –

Balancing diversity and genetic progress is

using prefectural composition is based on

best done using mate selection (MateSel),

assuming that all animals of a particular

based on the information in recorded

prefecture are genetically the same, and

pedigrees, or genomics, coupled with EBVs.

GLOBALLY PATENTED AUSTRALIAN TECHNOLOGY

IS YOUR cattle under cover?

TM

MAKE IT A RIDGEBACK COOLER, DRIER, MORE COMFORTABLE

PRE ENGINEERED SIZES READY CUSTOM SIZES AVAILABLE You can request a free site inspection of an existing high performance facility. For a copy of a case study or a walk through video, email: adam@entegra.com.au

Call 1300 296 206 Visit Entegra.com.au

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

45

DELIVER YOUR WAGYU WAGYU BRANDED BEEF

WAGYU BRANDED BEEF

WAGYU BRANDED BEEF

GOLD MEDAL

GOLD MEDAL

GOLD MEDAL

2019

2019

2018

FULLBLOOD WAGYU 100 %

CROSSBRED WAGYU

FULLBLOOD WAGYU 100 %

COMPETITION

COMPETITION

COMPETITION

We have longterm customers waiting for your fullblood and crossbred Wagyu for delivery to hotels and resorts, restaurants and supermarkets both large and small.

We have no shortage of customers only a shortage of cattle.

FOR MORE DETAILS, CONTACT DMC JOE PUGLIA Ph 0407 243 689 WAYNE BELL Ph 0427 012 610 or email sales@directmeatcompany.com.au

DIRECT MEAT COMPANY

www.directmeatcompany.com.au

YOU FEED | WE BUY AND PAY | WE PROCESS AND DELIVER ATTRACTIVE GRID PRICES BASED ON HSCW AND MARBLE SCORE | ATTRACTIVE PAYMENT TERMS

46

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

# ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR

APRIL 27 - 3 MAY 2021

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND

WAGYUEDGE TOUR Emerald

Rockhampton

Roma Dalby

Gold Coast

DATA, AN ESSENTIAL PART OF BREEDING DECISIONS Twenty-two years ago, John and Robin McCosker, under the guidance of Simon Coates, established the Codenwarra Fullblood Wagyu herd through embryo transfer and AI programs. Presently, the Codenwarra herd has more than 1000 registered Fullblood Wagyu cattle with a focus on well-balanced high growth and good carcase quality cattle.

Located in the Emerald region of Central Queensland, Codenwarra has been in the McCosker family since the 1920s and until 2000 included 14 butcher shops and an abattoir. Codenwarra originally ran sheep, Hereford, and later Brahman before John and Robin met with Simon Coates to learn about Wagyu in the late 1990s –this was in the period when Simon conducted field days in conjunction with Elders to espouse the value of Wagyu.

A trip to Japan cemented the idea, and the Codenwarra Fullblood herd commenced in 2000, based largely on the genetics of Michifuku and Hirashigetayasu. John and Robin expanded their operation in 1978 with the purchase Conaghan’s (sold in 2019) to accommodate and grow the Wagyu herd.

CODENWARRA & MARATHON WAGYU

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

47

<<< from page 47 Codenwarra uses natural matings and

With these cropping abilities, Marathon

the Codenwarra herd now numbers in

Wagyu is able to economically grow

the order of 350+ Fullblood breeders,

a high-quality feed ration which

turning off 330+ weaners each year. Over

backgrounds the animals through to

the last few years, the steers have been

finishing at a feedlot down south which

purchased by Marathon Wagyu.

is closer to abattoirs. “This allows us to

Marathon Wagyu, established in 2018,

collect the final and most important lot

owned and managed by Michael and Sue

of data to continue to improve our herd,”

McCosker used three foundation breeders

Lucy Thomson, daughter of Michael and

from Codenwarra as well as outsourced

Sue McCosker.

genetics to produce a well-rounded

“With the level of data we collect and

herd based on temperament, growth and carcase traits using AI and ET techniques. Marathon Wagyu purchases the Codenwarra steers at 18 months to be finished through a feedlot with the aim of producing important slaughter data for the herd. This year’s slaughter data averaged 8.7 marble score.

Given the chain of progression through Codenwarra and Marathon, data has become an essential part of breeding decisions to produce the well balanced

submit to BREEDPLAN along with genomics, it gives us a greater level of confidence when selecting future joinings and where we can continue to improve our herd through outsourced genetics,” Laine Thomson, Genetics Manager for Marathon Wagyu.

During the 2021 WagyuEdge conference tour, delegates saw first hand the two herds, but were also highly interested in the weaner education program run by

herd, and valued carcases. This has been

the Marathon Wagyu team.

achieved by collecting all data from

The program aims to educate and handle

each year’s cohort and submitting into

animals in a stress-free, safe environment

BREEDPLAN, including weight and

for everyone involved. The result is a herd

carcase data.

that knows what to do when the gate is

Marathon, Lake Nash and Codenwarra

open. The calves are in a paddock within

have overhead and flood irrigated

a week of weaning, and the dams are back

cropping paddocks growing cotton, wheat,

on grass, regaining condition. For staff,

chickpea, barley, corn silage, sorghum and

it provides a much safer environment to

oaten hay.

operate in.

48

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

With the level of data we collect and submit to BREEDPLAN along with genomics, it gives us a greater level of confidence when selecting future joinings and where we can continue to improve our herd through outsourced genetics.

Data, an essential part of breeding decisions

Laine Thomson explains, “Joinings are also held back until the heifers are two years old, to give the best possible outcome based on maturity of the animal. Past experience has shown that a more mature heifer is a better mum and holds her condition better when times are a bit tough.

Sadly, the McCosker family farwelled Robin in May this year. Codenwarra Wagyu was built proudly by the late brothers, John and Robin McCosker and their legacy will continue through Codenwarra Wagyu.

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

49

# ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR

APRIL 27 - 3 MAY 2021

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND

PROFESSOR KENJI OYAMA RESEARCHER, KOBE UNIVERSITY

CHANGING AND IMPROVING JAPANESE BLACK PRODUCTION AND BREEDING TWO LEADING JAPANESE PROFESSORS SHARE THEIR INSIGHTS The WagyuEdge 2021 annual conference was privileged to have two leading

Kenji Oyama finished his Bachelor degree at Miyazaki University in 1992, and completed his doctorate at Kobe University in 1997. He is now with the Food Resources Education and Research Center of Kobe University where he is now a professor and manages the University farm, raising approximately 100 Tajima cattle. His interest is in genetic improvement of Wagyu cattle through statistical genetics. He serves as many public committee members. They include national agriculture committee or a head of Central Judgement Committee of Wagyu Registry Association.

Japanese Professors share their insights into production systems and breeding to meet future demand by Japanese consumers of Wagyu beef.

Typically, the production system for Japanese Black in Japan is for animals to be housed in small groups in pens and usually fed a high-concentrate diet from 11 months to 30 months with the aim of producing higher levels of intramuscular fat. During the finishing period, the cattle are provided as much concentrate as possible to fatten for slaughter at 28-30 months.

According to Professor Takafumi Gotoh, the Japanese Black are fed a high energy diet two or three times per day where the feed mix percentage increases from 36.8% to 86.4%, with decreasing volumes of roughage from 11 months to slaughter. Typically, total feed consumption during the fattening period is 4,000-5,000kg/per head.

Professor Kenji Oyama explained that in the past 20 years, carcase traits have changed noticeably, with little change in subcutaneous fat thickness, however the carcase weight has increased by 64kg in the same period.

(Figure 1, see page 51). The change in meat quality are more noticeable in imagery taken during the Zenkyo events, held every five years.

“The photos of marbling in 1987 compared to 2017, show that marbling has increased, when slaughtered at the same age,” said Professor Oyama.

“The top middle image, from 1987 is the winner for the size of the rib eye, while the left was awarded for its marbling. You can see a clear difference when compared to the images of 2017.” (Figure 2 , see page 51).

50

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

PROFESSOR TAKAFUMI GOTOH RESEARCHER KAGOSHIMA UNIVERSITY, GUEST PROFESSOR KYUSHU UNIVERSITY, JAPAN

Professor Gotoh specialises in functional anatomy, nutritional physiology and management of Japanese Black cattle (Wagyu). His research topic is the ‘creation of beef production systems by using metabolic programming in Wagyu’ by understanding marbling and production systems.

FIGURE 2 The top middle image, from 1987 is the winner for the size of the rib eye, while the left was awarded for its marbling.

CHANGE OF BEEF MARBLING

FIGURE 1 Change in carcase traits over the past 20 years.

CHANGE OF CARCASS TRAITS IN JAPANESE BLACK STEERS

25 prefectures, some of which use the results to establish beef brands and conduct genetic evaluation.

Further to the changes in production costs and carcase traits, a noticeable downward trend of milk production has occurred, causing calves to be weaker before weaning, which inevitably lead to greater difficulties in raising the calf. Professor Oyama The cost to produce a calf to 9 months

domestic production, safety and taste.

has increased from AUD$5,000 to

Heeding the message, the Japanese

AUD$7,000, while finishing a steer has

Ministry of Agriculture (MAFF) set

soared to $16,000 from its previous level

targets in 2020 to expand beef production

of $9,000. There are two reasons – first

with high yield and rapid growth, while

the initial cost of calf itself, plus the price

improving production efficiency (including

of feed, which represents around 30% of

reproduction, feed intake and ability to

more even spread of genetics to the overall

production costs, of which the majority

fatten earlier) and improve the taste of the

herd, but currently, the Hyogo prefecture

(about 90%) is imported.

beef. In addition, strengthening genetic

represents some 50% of the gene pool,

However, market surveys suggest that

diversity is given special attention.

while Tottori contributes a further 30%.

the Japanese consumers no longer prefer

One measure of beef quality is the

The remaining genetic diversity is spread

heavily marbled beef and the buyer decision

monounsaturated fats (MUFA) which

among the remaining regions and continues

is more likely to be around price, freshness,

Professor Oyama says is collected by some

to decrease in population.

conceded that studies into MUFA and milk production will continue.

Genetic diversity in Japanese Black, has however, become a concern for the MAFF. In the 1940s, each region contributed a

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

51

... research will focus on isolating the different strain populations based on relationship coefficient, relatedness and genomic information. This does not mean a prefectural origin focus.

GENETIC DIVERSITY OF JAPANESE BLACK

IMPROVING MEAT QUALITY AND ALTERNATIVE PRODUCTION SYSTEMS The observations by Professor Oyama on Japanese Black carcase development and consumer preference were reiterated by Professor Takafumi Gotoh particularly increased marbling, but with consumers looking for leaner meat in recent times.

The cost of production has increased significantly and created challenges for the industry in Japan. Professor Gotoh sees grass fed production systems as a potential solution toward lowering the

FIGURE 3 Genetic diversity of Japanese black.

cost of production. However, to validate the hypothesis, research has been conducted to assess nutritional management to

<<< from page 51

maintain the current level of desired traits

“As a consequence, the Hyogo prefecture

genomic information. This does not mean

inbreeding is reaching 25%, the

a prefectural origin focus. From there, the

equivalent of progeny produced between

idea is to use relationship coefficients and

father and daughter, or full siblings,”

genomic relatedness to equalise the strains

said Professor Oyama.

where possible, balancing ‘good’ traits to

“This means that the Japanese Black

strengthen each strain.

are becoming more homogenous as

“This is not without its problems as there

breeders are choosing sires with prominent

will always be a trade-off between increasing

traits such as high marbling, and we are

genetic diversity and promoting specific

losing genetic diversity.” (Figure 3)

traits, so a balance will need to be found.

To combat the diminishing genetic

“For many years, Wagyu have responded to

production systems. The results showed

diversity, research will focus on isolating

the changes in demand from draught animal

that Wagyu had a two-fold percentage of

the different strain populations based on

to premium beef, I am sure, with time that

IMF compared to Holsteins due to the

relationship coefficients, relatedness and

we will resolve many of these issues.”

genetic differences between the two breeds.

52

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

and moderate marbling.

Parts of Japan are home to extensive grazing land. However, Wagyu production on grass in Japan have produced poor beef quality and lower quantities. A strategy was needed to explore the possibility of grass fattening.

In the past, Professor Gotoh and his team have performed comparisons between Holstein and Wagyu to assess intramuscular fat under the same

Changing and improving Japanese Black production and breeding

By employing the concepts of Developmental Origins of

months, and at 30 months the body weight was around 50kg

Health and Disease (DOHaD), or metabolic programming,

different. Marbling of the test group was found to produce

Professor Gotoh believes that nutrition duration during

satisfactory results.

gestation and the early growth stages will affect the

Analysis of the genes responsible for fat formation showed an

constitution of the adult animal.

increase in expression of these genes up to 10 months of age.

Using two groups – one was given 60% of nutritional needs,

Between 11 months and 20 months, the results plateaued before

while the second group was given an additional 20% of the

increasing again to 30 months.

nutritional needs during gestation and as a calf.

“We also have conducted preliminary studies on the rumen

For the 120% group, the body weight of the foetus was 1.4 times larger; fat weight at 2.1 times; bone weight at 1.2 times and organ weight as much as 1.8 times the 60% group. Professor Gotoh concluded that maternal nutrition did have an impact on IMF, and therefore was an important consideration for grass fed production systems.

By introducing a special milk replacer with high protein and high fat for metabolic programming, a Wagyu calf was fed for three months on the formula before transitioning to feed at 10 months, followed by roughage and grazing to 30 months.

of these animals to see if imprinting occurs with the microorganisms, as some can produce energy for growth. We did see evidence that these micro-organisms were present in the metabolic imprint group, but further research is needed,” said Professor Gotoh.

“I believe that metabolic programming would be a good system to maximise the potential of grass-fed Wagyu, with a more sustainable production system. I also believe that this system would not only improve meat quality and quantity but also the immune system, reproduction and temperament of Wagyu.

The next research I will undertake will be to look at foetal

Comparing to a control group, it was clear that the calves in

programming and neonatal, to perhaps produce better quality

the two groups had significant differences by the age of 10

grass fed wagyu beef.”

Clevecourt Feedlot in conjunction with Jac Wagyu are looking for 380+ Day Wagyu cattle with a competitive grid in place.

Opportunities are available to join our supply network. We currently supply Australian supermarkets as well as key overseas buyers wanting our Jac Wagyu brand.

Our family-run operation has expanded to include: • “Clevecourt Feedlot” Registered for 1000 head based at Bingara

NSW with EU accreditation.

• Ten oversized pens, with ample shade and water to cater for large

wagyu.

• Custom Feeding Opportunities Available.

• A proven track record for performance and animal health

standards.

• Joint processing and buy backs offered. We are currently sourcing

further wagyu trim and wagyu loins for long term production agreements.

Enquiries: Att. Jason Lewis M. 0428 672 941 T. 02 67294158 E. info@jacwagyu.com.au

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

53

RELIABILITY OF AUSTRALIAN BACKED WAGYU GENETICS SETS A GLOBAL TREND 2021 ELITE WAGYU SALE

The 2021 Australian Wagyu Association’s Elite Wagyu Sale held on 28 April 2021, continued to highlight the global strength of the Association’s Wagyu BREEDPLAN estimated breeding values (EBVs) and genomic analysis to an everincreasing domestic and international Wagyu sector market.

Consistent with prior years, the international interest in the Sale was high, with international buyers bidding on almost all Lots, and taking seven of the 45 Lots on offer – to the UK, Switzerland, Ireland and the US. More than 160 registered bidders participated in the live and online auction.

Topping the sale, was a Fullblood heifer PSKFR0007 from Sunnyside Wagyu, snapped up for $65,000 by Amberoo Wagyu. The 10-month-old heifer whose bloodline traces back through Macquarie Wagyu’s Coates Itoshigenami G113, was recently joined to a son of Macquarie’s Y408, who features in the top 1% of the 600-day weight gain EBV. The dominance of new generation genetics was on display, including Macquarie Wagyu’s G133 who as a third-generation carcase sire with 127 Fullblood carcase progeny records, has 60% of his progeny achieve a marble score of more than 9.

The semen straws topped the semen lots at $50,000 per straw, sold to US based Synergy Wagyu.

In the bull category, the top price was gained for Olive Grove Wagyu’s OGWFR18, a Fullblood son of Sumo’s Michifuku L195 with a Self-Replacing Index value of more than $300, achieving a $55,000 sale price at the fall of the hammer.

Switzerland’s Marcel Merz continued to strengthen the genetics of his Top Wagyu herd, with the top bid of $2,900 per embryo for a Lot of four embryos offered by Amberoo Wagyu. Of the flush Lots, UK Wagyu buyer Paul Angelides bought two Lots at $18,000 each from Shokunin Wagyu.

Australian Wagyu Association CEO, Dr Matt McDonagh, said that: “It is clear that the international and domestic market for elite Wagyu genetics is strong and has been reflected in the level of interest shown in the 2021 Elite Wagyu Sale, and in recent private Wagyu sales. It is a credit to our members that our Herdbook and EBVs provide the global benchmark for Wagyu Genetic evaluation and the core resource for continued progress in Wagyu.”

54

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

SALE RESULTS Total sales Sold 40/45 lots – clearance 89% Total $749,100 Average per lot $18,728 Females Sold 6/11 lots – clearance 55% Total $196,500 Average per lot $32,750 Top lot $65,000 Bulls Sold 6/6 – clearance 100% Total $164,000 Average per lot $27,333 Top lot $55,000

Embryos Sold 26/26 (embryos) – clearance 100% Total $39,400 Average per lot $1,515 per embryo Top lot $2,900 per embryo Semen Sold 184/184 (straws) – clearance 100% Total $300,700 Average per lot $1,634 per straw Top lot $50,000 per Straw Flush Sold 3/3 – clearance 100% Total $48,500 Average per lot $16,167

FOR SALE

475 WATERFALL WAY Armidale, NSW

375 Acres | 150 Hectares

• Large homestead • Covered barn, cattle facilities • Fifteen paddocks, abundance of feed. Town water, troughs • Permanently running Commissioners Waters. Irrigation licence • Minutes from CBD, University, airport, schools

www.academyredwagyu.com 0447 777 122 Expressions of Interest by 15th September 2021

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

55

AUGUST UPDATE

2021 – 2031 AWA PROGENY TEST PROGRAM UNDERWAY WAGYU’S LARGEST PROGENY TEST PROGRAM OUTSIDE OF JAPAN The 2021 -2031 AWA Progeny Test Program

The purpose of the AWA-PTP is to further bolster the already highly successful

(AWA-PTP) has received tremendous support

Wagyu BREEDPLAN genetic analysis and test progeny from promising,

since it was announced in April at the 2021

emerging Wagyu sires for current and new high-value Wagyu-specific traits.

WagyuEdge Conference on the Gold Coast. Sire

This will be achieved through large-scale testing of sires from the diverse Global

and herd nominations from AWA members

Wagyu sector and females from the Australian Wagyu cow herd.

have now been completed to enable the first year

The AWA-PTP will be the key genetic development project for Wagyu for the

AWA-PTP breeding program to commence.

next decade. The Net Feed Intake (NFI) Sire Progeny test will be expanded

There are 262 sires in the AWA BREEDPLAN

through the AWA-PTP, with the expansion of the collection of feed intake data

genetic analysis with 10 or more carcase progeny

from feedlots with Growsafe units.

The AWA-PTP is specifically designed to add another 250 sires to this number, which will bring the total number of sires with greater than 10 carcase records to more than 500.

If you are a small breeder and have found it difficult to obtain carcase progeny records on your sires, the AWA-PTP will allow you to obtain significant carcase progeny records for your sire. The AWA-PTP was open to sire nominations from all AWA members.

PROJECT BACKGROUND Progeny test programs have been the backbone of the beef industry’s genetic improvement for the past 30 years and have demonstrated to be highly beneficial to several other breeds. To date, the AWA has not run a formal progeny test program that has collected data on all traits of importance to the Wagyu breed.

Rather, the unique vertical integration and relationships within the Australian Wagyu sector has enabled AWA to build its current genetic database and reference population.

High-quality commercial genotype and performance data continues to be submitted by AWA members into the Wagyu BREEDPLAN genetic evaluation.

Data submission of key growth and carcase traits has increased significantly over the 2015 – 2020 period (see article – Third & Fourth Generation Wagyu Proven Sires page 34) and this combined with the introduction of genomics in 2017

56

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

Ave. EBV accuracy %

Average EBV accuracy for key traits for calves born in each year

70 65 60 GROWTH TRAITS Bwt

55

200-Dwt 400-Dwt

50

600-Dwt CARCASE TRAITS

45

CWt EMA

40

MS

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

FIGURE 1 Average EBV accuracy for calves born each year from 2015 – 2020.

PROJECT PLAN has had a positive influence on increasing the accuracy and

The project will run for 10 years from 2021-2031 and aims to

reliability of key Wagyu Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs)

join approximately 40 Fullblood Wagyu sires per year to 2,000

(Figure 1). The AWA Progeny Test Program will consolidate

Herdbook registered Wagyu females for seven breeding years,

on this progress and provide a formal program which aligns

to produce seven progeny cohorts. The female progeny from

with Goal Two of the 2020 – 2025 AWA Strategic Plan:

these cohorts will be naturally joined for two breeding years,

Advance and Protect Our Critical Genetic Resources.

and the male progeny will all be steered for slaughter (Table 1).

TABLE 1 10-year AWA-PTP Project plan, including seven progeny cohorts that will either be joined for two consecutive years (heifer progeny) or slaughtered (male progeny).

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

COWS

2,000

2,000

2,000

2,000

2,000

2,000

2,000

2028

2029

2030

2031

SIRES

40

40

40

40

40

40

40

ONE

TWO (2)

THREE (3)

FOUR (4)

FIVE (5)

SIX (6)

SEVEN (7)

50 | 50

50 | 50

50 | 50

50 | 50

50 | 50

50 | 50

50 | 50

C1

C1

C2

C3

C4

C5

C6

C7

C5

C6

C7

C7 second calf born

C2

C3

C4

C1

C2

C3

C4

C5

C6

COHORTS (C) PROGENY

STEERS | HEIFERS

JOIN

SLAUGHTER

C7

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

57

<<< from page 57 AWA has partnered with Vetoquinol

In addition to carcase trait EBVs, feed

Australia’s Repro360° to support

efficiency, new meat quality and carcase

Sires and Contributor Cow Herds

Contributor Herds with the joining of

yield EBVs will be developed for slaughter

which will benefit the rest of the Wagyu

nominated females through fixed time

progeny. For female progeny, new calving

population through genetic linkage

artificial insemination (FTAI), and Zoetis

ease and fertility EBVs will be the focus.

and the use of genomic analysis.

Animal Health to ensure best practice

The key objectives of the Project are:

management of herd health treatments.

All AWA-PTP progeny will be genomically SNP tested and comprehensively performance recorded to provide quality data on existing and new traits for the

1.

Generate comprehensive progeny test data on approximately 250 emerging Wagyu bulls.

2. Capture data on approximately 3,500

Wagyu BREEDPLAN analysis and

female progeny for new and hard to

ultimately prove and benchmark the Sires.

measure traits including female fertility

PROJECT OBJECTIVES The AWA-PTP will enable the development of accurate data-backed EBVs for about 250 current and new sires, benchmarked against existing high-performance sires.

PHI0975-Wagyu half page Ad.indd 1

58

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

4. Produce high-accuracy EBVs for Project

5. Improve outcomes of breeding decisions and increase rate of genetic gain within the Wagyu breed.

6. Expand the diversity and size of the reference population for the Wagyu breed, leveraging the AWA genomic, pedigree and performance data.

and maternal performance.

3. Capture data on approximately 3,500 steer progeny for feed efficiency and structure as well as new carcase and eating quality traits.

Nominations for AI Sires and Contributor Cow herds closed in July 2021 with sires submitted for consideration and Contributor Herds nominated from a range of Australian production environments.

6/7/21 4:11 pm

2021 – 2031 AWA Progeny Test Program underway We have prepared the current average EBV values1

note that, for all traits, the “Sire Ave. EBV” is in the

of the nominated2 sires to share with our members

Top 30% or higher when compared to breed average.

to demonstrate:

Once Sires and Contributor Cow Herds have been

1.

finalised, it is anticipated that the first round of joining

The high genetic merit of these emerging sires.

to produce Project progeny (Cohort 1) will begin in

2. The benefit our Contributor Herds will receive from

Spring 2021 with our Southern-based herds. We

participating in the Project.

look forward to keeping you updated as the Project

The average EBV values for the nominated sires can

progresses.

be seen in Table 2 below and it is very encouraging to

TABLE 2 Average EBVs of 2021 AWA-PTP nominated sires are in at least the top 30% of the breed percentile table for the traits listed below, where the breed average is calculated from 2019 born calves.

SIRE AVE. EBV PERCENTILE BAND (%)

GL days

200-Dwt kg

400-Dwt kg

Cwt kg

EMA cm2

RBY kg

MS

MF %

WBI $

SRI $

FTI $

F1TI $

-0.4

+14

+23

+33

+3.7

+0.5

+1.8

+0.32

+242

+252

+217

+202

30

25

25

15

15

25

5

10

5

5

5

5

1 Over the course of the Project, these values are expected to change as trait measures are collected.

2 There is no guarantee that all sires will be accepted to be used in the Project.

Transport of Livestock, Liquids and All Agricultural Machinery and Commodities

Please phone 0427 619 881 or 0407 737 565 Page 4

Transport of Livestock, Transport of Livestock,

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

59

MIJ CARCASE CAMERA APPROVED BY AUS-MEAT

The MIJ-30 digital carcase camera has now been granted conditional approval by AUS-Meat for objective grading for high marbling carcases for marble scores 0-9+.

The camera is the first to be approved by AUS-Meat for the full marbling range. The approval is conditional on maintaining the standards required in the AUS-Meat regulations, which includes documentation for in-plant quality assurance systems and ongoing validation testing.

Developed by Meat Image Japan, the camera has been recognised by the Australian Wagyu Association as an enormous benefit to the Wagyu beef industry for grading of high quality carcases. The AWA identified that MIJ is recognised as the gold standard for marbling and carcase quality grading technologies. The platform was first developed

by Professor Keigo Kuchida of Obihiro, based on 30 years of scientific development and evaluation.

Using image capture analysis, the MIJ-30 camera provides measurement on yield, quality colour and fat percentage.

More than 30,000 carcases across multiple Australian supply chains have been assessed to build a reference set for the MIJ

60

The MIJ-30 camera will be able to assess marble score for MSA through to 9+ as well as fineness, colour and eye muscle area, important attributes for prime quality beef consumers.

cloud-based carcase grading system.

Allan Bloxsom, Chairman of AUS-MEAT

attribute important to Wagyu quality. The proprietary

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

As a commercial grading tool, the MIJ-30 is ideal for routine industrial use in supply chains across the full range of marble scores. AWA CEO Dr Matt McDonagh said that the Association has conducted independent trials using the camera extensively across many processor sites during the past three years to develop the Australian reference data for the MIJ analysis and AUS-Meat accreditation.

Professor Kuchida said that a unique attribute of the MIJ30 is its measurement of marbling fineness, which is a key methods for measuring marbling fineness with the MIJ-30

were established on Wagyu in Japan and form

THE ACCREDITATION PROCESS

the foundation of quality assessment.

The purpose of an AUS-MEAT objective technology accreditation

Allan Bloxsom, Chairman of AUS-Meat said that

trial, is to interrogate and validate accuracy, repeatability and

the accreditation of the MIJ-30 is a welcome

reliability of potential new grading technologies against MSA

addition for graders to validate intramuscular fat

expert graders and industry graders.

content in Wagyu.

To do this, the technology (in this case, a cut-surface grading

“Most graders would rarely see Wagyu on a regular basis, so to have technology that enables them to grade higher marbling beef, is a plus,” he said.

camera) is evaluated against experienced graders for a given trait as follows for marbling:

1. Data needs to be collected from a minimum or 200 carcases

“The measurement of IMF takes the guess work

per day over a minimum of three days, giving a minimum

out of grading, by giving a scientific measurement

analysis set of 600 carcases.

that can then be attributed to a marble score. I

2. In applying for 0 to 9+ Marble Score Accreditation, carcases

am sure many in the supply chain will welcome

across the full AUS-MEAT marble score range of 0 to 9+ must

the data available from this system to provide

be well represented.

producers and buyers an accurate assessment of the carcase, particularly for a high value product such as Wagyu beef.”

The development of carcase assessment through technology has had a long history in Australia, with ViaScan, E+V and MEQProbe amongst others all undergoing extensive research to reach accreditation level with AUS-MEAT, and others are still in the early stage of development. Each

3. Three different camera units are required to be operated by three different camera operators during the trial to assess between-camera technology repeatability.

4. Each camera is required to image each of the 600 carcases three times to test for within camera repeatability.

5. All 600 carcases must be graded by two MSA expert graders and one industry grader.

6. All camera and grader data are supplied to an independent

of these systems has limitations, particularly in

group for statistical analysis against the minimum

assessing marble score, with some aiming to meet

requirements published by AUS-MEAT for the specific trait.

the standards for MSA grading.

7. A report is provided by the independent group to AUS-

The MIJ-30 camera will now be able to assess

MEAT along with an application for accreditation from the

the 0-6 marble score for MSA plus higher marble

technology owner company.

scores (through to 9+) as well as fineness, colour

8. The report is reviewed and approved or otherwise by the

and eye muscle area, important attributes for

Australian Meat Industry Language and Standards Committee

prime quality beef consumers.

prior to AUS-MEAT accreditation.

ISSUE 78 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

61

MIJ-30 HIGH MARBLING (0-9+)

AUS-MEAT ACCREDITATION THE PROCESS AND THE FINDINGS

The accreditation was done over a range of Australian beef carcases

During early 2021, Meat Image Japan (MIJ) in partnership

to ensure that there was a full spread of AUS-MEAT carcase

with the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) applied to the

grades to fulfill the statistical and minimal requirements for each

Australian Meat Industries Language and Standards Committee

AUS-MEAT traits described in the “AMILSC approved minimum

(AMILSC) and AUS-MEAT to accredit the MIJ-30 objective

requirements of accuracy standards for cut surface cameras”.

surfacing grading camera. AUS-MEAT provided a list of

During the trial, 861 beef carcases were imaged by 3 different

objectives, standards and processes that would be required to be

camera operators in triplicate. This gave a trial analysis set of

met before, during and after the accreditation process. A formal

7,749 images. The triplicate images of each of the 3 cameras was

accreditation trial was then conducted over 4 days in February

used to demonstrate within camera repeatability. Comparing

2021 within a major Australian beef processing facility under

the triplicate images across each of the three cameras showed

commercial conditions.

repeatability between cameras. All MIJ-30 data was compared to industry grading data, which was collected from two expert Meat Standards Australia graders and one independent industry grader.

TRIAL RESULTS During the four-day trial process, 861 phenotypically diverse carcases were imaged at the 12th-13th rib AUS-MEAT grading site. The carcases were chosen to ensure that there was a statically appropriate distribution to describe accuracy and

• SPEED UP YOUR SELECTION PROGRAM • INCREASE PROFIT • USE SEXED SEMEN COSTEFFECTIVELY Bovine IVF Technology √ Innovative programs: IVF. MOET, AI and bulls √ Australia-wide service from Brisbane Laboratory √ DAFF accredited for embryo export √ Obligation-free advice & quotes

Results is what matters

The average from July 15 to January 17 for the last 4000 embryos transferred in 37 different farms from July of 2015 to January of 2017 is 48.5% of pregnancy

www.igtbovineivf.com.au

.

Dr Julio Ribeiroo 00412 412 175 725 Luiz Porto 0477 477 691 412

variation within and between MIJ-30 cameras for the complete 0-9+ AUS-MEAT grading range. The average marble scores for the trial returned by the camera’s were 3.31, 3.16 and 3.28. This gives a difference of averages between camera operator of 0.2 for the whole 0-9+ AUS-MEAT marble score trait range.

When comparing the marble score of the MIJ-30 cameras to the expert graders, the result of each camera was within 1 Marble Score of the expert graders 91.1, 93.7, and 91.1% of the time respectively. All data was provided to AUS-MEAT and a report submitted for approval by the AMILSC for 0-9+ accreditation.

DISCUSSION When comparing the repeatability within camera, or between camera, there were extremely high correlations within replicates taken by each camera and between the different cameras used by independent camera operators. This demonstrates the technology’s ability to supply highly comparable, repeatable and reliable results across the 0-9+ AUS-MEAT marble score range.

The AMILSC approved the application for 0-9+ marble score accreditation for the MIJ-30.

62

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 78

P e r f e c t i n g t h e p r o d u c t i o n o f q u a l i t y Wa g y u Need a Bull for your Joinings?

QGI Q122 officially

We’ve commenced calving for our progeny test

nominated for the AWA

on elite sires Mayura Pioneer and QGI’s Q122.

PTP as a link sire.

Contact Pete and Pip to discuss

PETE AND PIP BISHOP Owners of Bishop Wagyu | Director of Quality Genetics International

contact @bishopwagyu.com 0429 454 189 0427 454 189

2014

FEEDLOT OF THE

YEAR

QUALITY WAGYU GENETICS AVAILABLE

PRODUCT EXCELLENCE

CUSTOM FEEDING SERVICE

QUALITY GENETICS

CONTACT ANTHONY WINTER FOR DETAILS

OF THE LONG FED LOT FEEDING OF WAGYU

Macquarie Wagyu A feedlot devoted to product excellence.

Our dedicated team of experts measure and manage every aspect of the breeding and feeding process maximising Wagyu’s breeding traits.

BROAD WATER DOWNS PTY LTD

+61 400 337 472 (Anthony) office@macquariewagyu.com www.macquariewagyu.com



