Issue 77 | The Australian Wagyu Update, April 2021

Vol. 77 The Wagyu industry’s premier trade magazine produced by the Australian Wagyu Association

www.wagyu.org.au April 2021

INSIDE .... 2021 CONFERENCE AND TOUR | TOP GENETICS ON OFFER | 3-DAY TOUR THROUGH QLD

BREEDERS - WHEN TO KEEP OR LET GO? | THE POLLED GENE IN WAGYU | IMPACT OF PROGENY CARCASE DATA WAGYU DEMAND REMAINS STEADY - LOCAL /EXPORT MARKETS | A DESTINATION EATING EXPERIENCE

CONTENTS 6

Committed to delivering on core business

8

Continuing with genetics excellence

11

Bringing together all components of the Wagyu sector

15

Supporting our Industry, supporting our partners

18

Top Wagyu genetics on offer

21

WagyuEdge Tour - Goshu Wagyu thrives at Shamrock Vale Station

15 21

25 WagyuEdge Tour - Australian Country Choice providing a Wagyu service

32

29 The mature cow - when to keep her, when to let her go

#

32 The polled gene in Wagyu ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR

APRIL 29 - 3 MAY 2020

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND

34 Is your breeder herd accelerating or limiting your genetic progress?

47

47

Wagyu demand remains steady

53 Wagyu a destination eating experience

53

# ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR

APRIL 27 - 3 MAY 2021

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND

Publisher THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU ASSOCIATION (AWA) office@wagyu.org.au 02 8880 7700 Consulting Editor DEBORAH ANDRICH deb@wagyu.com.au 0400 855 040 Contributing Writers CHARLIE PERRY, Dr MATT McDONAGH and CAREL TESELING Art Direction HEATHER FRAZIER heather@wagyu.org.au 0432 949 764 GENERAL ENQUIRIES AWA Chief Executive Officer Dr MATT McDONAGH office@wagyu.org.au 02 8880 7700 Wagyu Update advertising enquiries HEATHER FRAZIER heather@wagyu.org.au 0432 949 764

ON THE COVER

How well your calves thrive is due in part to the mother - her genetics as well as her rearing capabilities. See page 29.

The Australian Wagyu Update magazine is printed by Litho Art Pty Ltd. Materials used to produce the magazine have been selected to reflect our sensitivity towards the natural environment on which our 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 renewability for generations to come. We encourage you to recycle all paper based products after use.

All content is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed in The Australian Wagyu Update magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers. Acceptance of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of any product or service by the magazine or the association, nor support any claims by the advertisers. Every effort is made to ensure information contained in this

CONNECT WITH US

magazine is correct at the time of publishing.

ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

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ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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president

CHARLIE PERRY

COMMITTED TO DELIVERING ON CORE BUSINESS Dear Members, The countdown is officially on for the

AWA members noted. The sustained and

to the project. You can read more about

highly anticipated 2021 WagyuEdge

continued increase in DNA testing is a

the AWA-PTP in the CEO report, along

Conference and Tour. The conference is

testament to the members confidence in

with plans for how the AWA will enable

the annual highlight for the Wagyu sector

our industry at this point in time.

nomination for the 40 bulls and 6 cow

and we have secured an outstanding

In line with increasing confidence across

herds (total of 2,000 breeders) for year 1

line up of Australian and international

the Wagyu sector and delivery of AWA

– starting in 2021.

speakers to provide our members with the

core services, the Board were pleased to

latest in technology advances and thought

approve 33 new AWA members for the

leadership. I look forward to greeting you

second quarter reporting period.

there along with the AWA team and Board.

The WagyuEdge Tour will span three days and six stops through southern and central Queensland. This represents a rare opportunity to see operations on some of Australia’s largest and most progressive Wagyu supply chains, prior to arriving at

SHARED RECOGNITION OF REGISTRATION STATUS ACROSS WAGYU ASSOCIATIONS

BUSINESS EVENT GRANT AWARDED

In late November 2020, the South

As announced within AWA promotional

African Wagyu Society hosted a virtual

items in December and January, the AWA executive team was successful in securing an Australian Government Business Event Grant for the 2021 WagyuEdge

Wagyu World Conference. This event reinvigorated the World Wagyu Council – a voluntary council of members representing different global Wagyu

Rockhampton for Beef 2021.

Conference. This will allow our corporate

AWA BOARD ACTIVITIES

of their eligible costs associated with the

An item of concern to some Australian

The AWA Board has returned its focus to

2021 Conference and Tour.

Members has been the difficulty in

ensuring that the AWA is delivering on its Strategic Plan and its core member and project service requirements. The Board met in February 2021 to review delivery against the second quarter objectives for the 2020-2021 operational plan.

sponsor partners to claim back up to 50%

NEW AWA PROGENY TEST PROGRAM APPROVED FOR IMPLEMENTATION During the February 2021 Board meeting, the Board approved the implementation of the AWA-Progeny Test Program (AWA-PTP). This project is scoped

registration bodies.

registering their AWA registered animals with some overseas registration bodies.

This item is currently under consideration by the AWA Board, to develop ways of simplifying the transaction between AWA members and overseas registration bodies.

CORE BUSINESS ON TRACK

to enable progeny testing of 250 sires

I look forward to seeing you at the

I am pleased to report that at the midpoint

across seven breeding years. The primary

Gold Coast.

of the financial year, the AWA is tracking

objectives of the project are to enable

well against all operational and service

development of high accuracy EBVs for

metrics. The AWA core business is meeting

the next generation of sires and to allow

budget, with significant increases in DNA

participation for a broad range of AWA

testing and performance recording by

members through submission of sires

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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

Charlie Perry AWA President

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ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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ceo update

Dr. MATTHEW McDONAGH

CONTINUING WITH GENETICS EXCELLENCE Dear Members, In December 2020, the Australian Government announced a stimulus package to support the events sector. We have been fortunate to succeed with an AusTrade Business Event Grant to support the WagyuEdge conference in April 2021.

Along with the reducing risk relating to outbreaks of COVID-19 and government border or travel restrictions, this has provided AWA with the confidence to proceed with a 2021 live and online WagyuEdge Conference. I look forward to greeting many of you at the 2021 WagyuEdge Conference. It will have been two years since most of us have had the chance to connect in person and share learnings through our WagyuEdge platform.

AWA BOARD UPDATE 23RD FEBRUARY 2021 MEETING The AWA Board met for its second quarter meeting on the 23rd of February 2021 to review half yearly performance and items including: 1. Delivery against operational KPIs was on track across the whole of the business, with a number of new members and DNA testing undertaken by members significantly ahead of year to date forecasts. This is a continuation of the increasing growth in the registered Wagyu sector including the number of producers and the number of DNA tested and verified animals.

2. Financial performance against budget year to date was reviewed, noting satisfactory performance for the first six months against all targets and maintenance of AWA balance sheet and net asset position.

3. The meeting reviewed and approved the 2021 AWA investment strategy for current retained assets.

4. The Board reviewed and approved 33 new members, included 29 Full Members and 4 Associate Members.

5. The meeting approved the final full budget and project plan for the 2021 – 2031 AWA-Progeny Test Program. The CEO was authorised to implement a communications strategy with AWA members and Wagyu sector participants to enable commencement of the project within 2021 (see later item in this CEO report).

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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

6. Terms of Reference for an AWA-Progeny Test Program Consultative Committee were agreed to, with the memberbased committee to be implemented to ensure member engagement and oversight of the program.

7. The meeting approved a Supplier Risk Assessment process to formally review performance and security of AWA contracts with major service providers.

8. The performance of DNA testing service delivery through AWA approved laboratories was reviewed. DNA testing services provided by Xytovet through the AWA were suspended pending development of a new service agreement.

9. The meeting approved a pedigree change of the Fullblood male WKS Michtisuru WKSFU0006 following review of parentage data for this animal by the AWA Genetic Improvement Committee. The pedigree review noted that based on new qualifying SNP parentage data, the pedigree of WKSFU0006 on the dam side was changed from Hisako (FB16885) to Hisako (FB5767). This change makes the AWA Fullblood Herdbook pedigree for WKSFU0006 consistent with that displayed in the American Wagyu Association Herdbook.

10. A new AWA Genetic Recessive Discovery Project was approved to undertake high density genotyping on tissue samples from calves that are born dead or die shortly after birth. Following the release of information to members regarding the IARS disorder, AWA members have shown a keen interest in DNA testing dead calves. To participate in the AWA Genetic Recessive Discovery Project, please contact the AWA Technical Services Manager – Mr Carel Teseling at carel@wagyu.org.au 11. International Herdbook Reciprocal Recognition: The AWA accepts the pedigree and registry information from other recognised reciprocal Associations, including the American, South African, German and British Wagyu Associations.

Each association has moved to SNP-based parentage verification and has implemented systems for sharing genotype information for the purposes of registration - consistent with the agreed resolution of the 2015 World Wagyu Congress.

The American Wagyu Association does not provide reciprocal

recognition of the Australian Fullblood Herdbook. The AWA Board approved engagement with the American Wagyu Association to address full reciprocal pedigree recognition.

shortly. AWA members will be able to

of the Australian Wagyu industry, the

nominate sires for the project, along

AWA is seeking applicants for the Dr

with cow herds.

Simon Coates Scholarship for Veterinary

2021 WAGYU FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES – STILL OPEN The Wagyu Fellowship is the AWAs mechanism to provide development opportunities for young people within the Wagyu Industry and is supported by Member donations through the annual AWA Charity Auction.

2021-2031 PROGENY TEST PROGRAM

The establishment of a Wagyu Fellowship was for the advancement of younger people

and Reproductive Science. The ongoing scholarship will be available to students who are studying veterinary science or researching reproduction and breeding related to Wagyu.

NEW FACES AT THE AWA Natalie Poole AWA Member Services Officer As reported in the Issue 76 December 2020 Wagyu Update and in this CEO Report,

During the past 12 months, the AWA team

involved in the Wagyu industry, including

have been scoping and developing a project

producers and academics. A Wagyu

plan for a long-term Sire Progeny Test

Fellowship provides funding to undertake

Program. The primary goal of the project is

travel intrastate, interstate or overseas for a

to enable the large-scale testing and proving

minimum of four and a maximum of about

of the next generation of Wagyu sires.

eight weeks to conduct research into a topic

The Australian Wagyu Association –

that the applicant is passionate about and

Progeny Test Program (AWA-PTP) aims

has experience in.

to test 250 sires across 2,000 Fullblood

Its objectives are to:

Wagyu sector and is keenly interested in

1. Develop younger leaders for the Wagyu industry.

learning more about genetics and Wagyu.

females over a seven breeding cycles. The design of the project will be optimised to obtain optimal progeny numbers from 40 sires per year (including link sires) within large contemporary groups to maximise the value of genetic information to compare and prove the genetic merit of bulls.

The AWA-PTP will enable development of accurate data-backed EBVs for a

2. Increase the education, experience and skills within the Wagyu industry.

we have seen a large increase in members through FY2020 that is continuing into FY2021. This trend has extended to increased registrations and DNA testing.

As a result, we have appointed Natalie Poole as a new Member Services Officer to support delivery of core services to our members.

Natalie has extensive experience within the

Laura Penrose AWA Genetic Projects Manager With the AWA-Progeny Test Program ready

3. Develop lasting friendships across the international Wagyu industry.

to commence in 2021, we will be seeking

4. Advance knowledge and learning in the Wagyu industry.

members to participate in our next chapter

contributor herds and sires from AWA of Wagyu sector genetic gain. We are pleased to announce that Laura Penrose has

large number of current and new sires,

joined our team to manage this project and

benchmarked against existing high-

This year, the AWA will again be awarding

performance sires. In addition to carcase trait

a traditional Wagyu Fellowship, along with

EBVs, new meat quality and carcase yield

considering applicants for Wagyu Fellowship

the AWA-Progeny Test Program data.

EBVs will be developed on male slaughter

– Postgraduate Scholarships in research

Laura has first class honours in genetics

progeny. For female progeny, new calving

projects aligned to the Wagyu Industry.

and has worked in the NSW DPI Southern

and reproduction traits will be a focus.

The awards will facilitate research

Multibreed team for the past two years.

The AWA-PTP will be the key genetic

and training in areas of practical value

development project for Wagyu for the next

to the Australian Wagyu industries

decade. The AWA will be undertaking a

in Genetics, Meat Science, Human

communications strategy regarding the

Nutrition, Management and Production,

project from April 2021 and be seeking to

Reproduction and Breeding.

engage with members and Wagyu sector

In honouring the late Dr. Simon Coates

participants to contribute to the project

and his pivotal role in the development

assist with genetic research and analysis of

Laura brings outstanding experience in the logistics, management and genetic design of large progeny test programs.

Dr Matt McDonagh AWA CEO ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

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# ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR

APRIL 29 - 3 MAY 2020

BRINGING TOGETHER ALL COMPONENTS OF THE WAGYU SECTOR

# ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR

APRIL 27 - 3 MAY 2021

CONFERENCE PROGRAM

IN-PERSON – ONLINE – ON DEMAND The Wagyu sector’s annual conference and tour is the largest conference on the beef industry calendar. Organised by the Australian Wagyu Association, it attracts between 400 and 600 attendees annually. This year with online attendance being made possible, we are expecting to exceed these numbers.

The annual WagyuEdge Conference and Tour is a mecca for the global Wagyu industry. The AWA now has more than 150 international members. Each year, a large contingent of international Wagyu breeders and supply chain representatives attend the conference, as the Wagyu sector’s leading global event.

The conference is an opportunity to bring together all components of the Wagyu sector in a forum of learning and networking to help our industry to advance Wagyu – the World’s Luxury Beef.

The Australian Wagyu sector is the leading producer and exporter of Wagyu to international high-end markets. Delegates from Australia can attend in person, with those from around the world attending virtually to hear speakers with a high level of expertise in Wagyu production, genetics and marketing.

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND



DAY 1 TUESDAY 27 APRIL

Sponsored by Vetoquinol/Repro 360

AWA 2021-2031 PROGENY TEST PROGRAM

SESSION 1

1pm – 2.30pm

Charlie Perry, President AWA Presidents welcome, Recognition of 25 year AWA members Dr Matt McDonagh, CEO AWA 2021-2031 Wagyu Progeny Test Program Dr Sophia Edwards, Vetoquinol Optimising Breeding Programs for Wagyu

WAGYU GENETIC IMPROVEMENT TOOLS

SESSION 2

3.15pm – 5.15pm

Caroline Triebe, Technical Services AWA Updates on AWA systems Emily Rabone, Technical Services AWA Updates on AWA systems Carel Teseling, Technical Services AWA Technical update Prof Rob Banks, Director AGBU Population structure and insights into Australian Wagyu Dr Kirsty More, Research Geneticist AGBU Investigating Net Feed Intake and trait relationships in Wagyu ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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# ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR

Conference program

<<< from page 11

DAY 2 WEDNESDAY 27 APRIL Sponsored by Advantage Feeders

HALL OF FAME RECIPIENT 8.30am PRESENTED BY CHARLIE PERRY, AWA PRESIDENT

APRIL 27 - 3 MAY 2021

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND

DAY 3 THURSDAY 28 APRIL Sponsored by AXIchain

VIEW FROM ABROAD

SESSION 1

8.30am – 10.30am

WAGYU MARKETS AND OPPORTUNITY

Bob Estrin, Lone Mountain Ranch USA LMR - progress in genetic development of USA Fullblood herd

Presenters

Gerard Hickey, CEO Firstlight Farms NZ Firstlight Farms F1 Wagyu production systems

SESSION 1

8.45am – 10.30am

Jason Strong, Managing Director MLA Market Overview for premium beef exports Scott Richardson, Managing Director StoneAxe Pastoral StoneAxe Pastoral Wagyu Program Anthony Lee, CEO Australian Country Choice Diversification and Wagyu Opportunities

Brian Angus, South Africa Establishing South African Wagyu Production and Woodview Wagyu

AXICHAIN DAY SPONSOR PRESENTATION 11.15am Linda Woodford, AXIChain CEO

APPLYING WAGYU TO AUSTRALIA

Through Chain Data management and Trade solutions for Wagyu

Arthur Dew, Longford Wagyu Developing the Longford Herd and Future Directions

SESSION 2

Gerard Roney, Managing Director Advantage Feeders New feeding strategies for optimal Wagyu performance

Christrian Coffey, GM Rural with Australian Country Choice ACC Wagyu program development and integration

Jeremy Cooper, Wagyu Fellowship recipient Implementing learnings from Japan

Matias Suarez, Regional Manager - Breeding & Genetics AACo AACo's innovation in breeding and genetics

RESEARCH UPDATES IN JAPANESE BLACK

Peter Gilmour, Managing Director Irongate Wagyu Optimising Irongate genetic progress

SESSION 2

SESSION 3

11.15am – 12.35pm

1.35pm – 3.05pm

Prof Takafumi Gotoh, Researcher at Kyosho University Changing production systems in Japan Prof Kenji Oyama, Researcher at Kyoto University Genetic improvement of Japanese Black / overview of Japanese Breeding Programs Dr Brendon O'Rourke, NSW DPI genetic recessive expert Wagyu Genetic Recessives

ELITE WAGYU SALE 4pm SELLING AGENT, GDL RURALCO

Thank you to our major partners

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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

BUILDING OR REBUILDING A HERD 11.35am – 1.15pm

PANEL SESSION ON HERD REBUILDING Christian Coffey, Matias Suarez, Peter Gilmour, Arthur Dew, Scott Richardson

BREAKING IT DOWN - CUT x COOK SESSION

SESSION 3

2.00pm – 3.30pm

Wagyu Cuts and cut-up, Doug Piper MLA Conference wrap up and close presented by Dr Matt McDonagh, CEO AWA Note: The 2021 WagyuEdge program is subject to change.

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ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

# ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR

APRIL 27 - 3 MAY 2021

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND

SUPPORTING OUR INDUSTRY

Supporting our partners The AWA encourages delegates to the WagyuEdge 2021 annual conference to take full advantage of the opportunity to meet with our sponsors spanning the Wagyu sector supply chain. With specialists in nutrition, genetics, breeders and processors, and industries well aligned with our integrity and values, the trade expo of the conference has the Wagyu sector well represented.

NUTRITION AND ANIMAL WELFARE The pinnacle of Wagyu beef is realised with high levels of marbling, that in part is achieved with a strong attention to

The AWA encourages delegates to the WagyuEdge 2021 annual conference to take full advantage of the opportunity to meet with our sponsors.

nutrition for whole of life.

ADVANTAGE FEEDERS Advantage Feeders offers new feeding strategies for onfarm Wagyu performance. During the conference we will demonstrate how Creep Feeding (early rumen development) and Controlled Feeding (constant feed consumption) work to ensure optimal rumen performance, the key to achieving the best possible marble scores.

RIVERINA STOCKFEEDS The team at Riverina have extensive technical expertise to provide the most economic feed ration and well versed in the unique needs of Wagyu to achieve the optimum growth and carcase traits while maintaining the animal’s health throughout their life.

ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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Supporting our industry <<< from page 15

VETOQUINOL

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we are committed to working closely with AWA stakeholders including vets and AI technicians to help maximise the success of assisted breeding programs. Ask how we can help multiply your outcomes.

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ZOETIS The AWA’s much-anticipated Progeny Test

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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

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PRACTICAL SYSTEMS

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BREEDERS AND FEEDLOT

STONE AXE PASTORAL

While many in the industry were early pioneers,

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the past 30 years has seen a steady increase in

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members developing Wagyu herds to meet market

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luxury beef.

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ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

17

# ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR

APRIL 27 - 3 MAY 2021

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND

TOP WAGYU GENETICS ON OFFER THE AWA WITH OUR ONLINE PARTNER, ELITE LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS AND SELLING AGENT, GDL TO CONDUCT THE 9th ELITE WAGYU SALE LIVE AND ONLINE Thursday 28 April, 2021 at 4pm

The Elite Wagyu Sale showcases the top of Wagyu genetics outside Japan. Held on 28 April 2021 at 4pm (AEST) during the AWA WagyuEdge Annual Conference.

The number of lots has been be limited to 45. Interest in submission of lots into the sale was high. The Association would like to thank all vendors for putting forward their lots for consideration.

This year, the Association has strengthened the criteria for entry into the sale with live and genetics lots in the top 5% of EBVs and top 1% of Breed $Index values in Wagyu BREEDPLAN. Australian and international past bidders, please note, you can use your same user code when placing bids in the upcoming sale. New bidders will need to register with Elite Livestock Auctions. International new bidders will also need to also register with the Grant Daniel and Long (GDL).

 Top 5% of EBVs, top 1% of Breed $Indexes  Global vendors and buyers  45 lots (females, bulls, embryo, flush and semen lots on offer)

GET THE LATEST SALE DAY NEWS

wagyu.org.au/ews

18

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77



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

Step 1

Step 7

Simply go to e litelivestockauctions.com.au

Once an account has been created

using your desktop, laptop, iPad, i Phone or

you are all “Set to Bid”.

android device.

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

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

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

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

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

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

official Sale Catalogue.

Step 5 Click “Register”.

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

There is no need for software download.

Step 6

Step 12

You will then be notified by email that an

You will then be notified by email that

account has been created.

an account has been created.

ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

19

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

20

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

# ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR

APRIL 27 - 3 MAY 2021

Rockhampton

Emerald

Roma Dalby

 STOP ONE FRIDAY 30 APRIL, 2021

Gold Coast

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND

WAGYUEDGE TOUR GOSHU WAGYU THRIVES AT SHAMROCK VALE STATION

The Kerry Valley, Queensland is in no doubt

McVicker realised quickly that from a purely

a beautiful part of the world. The Shamrock

business perspective, the returns were not ideal.

Vale Station property is home to rich alluvial

A television program on Wagyu piqued his

soils, an abundance of water, plus Albert River

interest, and not just for the quality of the

running through.

meat, but also for the uniqueness of the brand

It is this vista that first attracted Robert

and Australia’s capacity to capitalise on export

McVicker to the property when looking for a

markets.

tree change property back in 2013.

After extensive research and conversations

Mr McVicker is the first to admit that he does

with the Wagyu fraternity, it became clear to

not come from a farming background, but his

Mr McVicker that the key factor in Wagyu

40 years of business ownership allows him to

production is quality genetics to produce high

see the potential in a new venture. In the early

performing seedstock and beef. With that in

days of the property, Shamrock Vale Station

mind, the first genetics for the SRV Wagyu herd

was home to a herd of Santa Gertrudis but Mr

were based on the Robels, Bar H and Shadai farm breeding females, with selected semen from the likes of Moyhu, Blackmores, World K’s and Kyoto Wagyu.

“Our farm manager at the time, Chris Lhars, spent a lot of time talking to people about establishing the right genetic line for SRV, to make sure it would set us up correctly for the long term,” said Mr McVicker.

“It was during this time, that he sought advice from Barbara Benjamin, who had developed the famous Goshu Wagyu herd in the early pioneer days of Wagyu. At the time, she was happy to sell the bulls, but not the herd. Chris gained her trust, and we agreed to buy the full herd and her equipment in 2017 giving her a full exit transition from Wagyu breeding.”

Goshu Wagyu is the premier Tajima herd outside of Japan. Goshu females are the direct descendants of the most famous bull for meat quality in Japan, Tajiri, born 1939.

ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

21

#

WagyuEdge Tour - Goshu Wagyu

ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR

APRIL 27 - 3 MAY 2021

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND

<<< from page 21 With more than 30 years of Tajima line breeding based

nutritional advice, but on the whole the property is capable of

on Japanese breeding patterns and carcase data, Barbara

supporting the backgrounding feed requirements.

developed the herd from scratch using select Tajima

Water on the farm is provided through two 250 megalitres

female lines such as the very rare Tajiri, Okudoi, Nakadoi

dams, nine bores and natural springs. Solar panels added in

Kumanami and Kikumi. The result is arguably one of the most comprehensive Tajima herds in the world and continues to build on that legacy.

Shamrock Vale Station continues to uphold Barbara’s exemplary work with the Goshu Wagyu herd, while the SRV genetic line progresses quietly in the background in its own right.

cropping areas of the property. Water is not drawn from the Albert River.

Shamrock Vale Station is very productive and through this they only need minimal inputs of Cattle feeding requirements and with the expansion of cropping and improved pastures they

“The Goshu herd is well respected, and has earned bragging

are able to sell silage and other crop feeds that are excess

rights as it’s very own bull “Goshu Yasuzane” - a Yasufuku JR

to they’re needs.

son - sired the World’s Best Steak winners in 2015 and 2016, testament to the quality of the of the genetics, and we continue to focus on attaining the best possible carcase results.

“Genetic sales have also gained international interest with enquiries from Europe for semen. We also provide Fullblood bulls for the F1 market.”

Shamrock Vale has two Wagyu herd under SRV which are producing Fullblood blood feeders for the feedlots and Goshu Wagyu continue to produce Fullblood Bulls for F1 producers.

22

recent years provide the power required for irrigation of the

Shamrock Vale Station has ventured into Honey production which not only helps pollinate the crops it also produces wonderful honey. Not resting on their laurels they saw short comings with some of the hives and foundation sheets and not being able to source parts of good quality they produced the hives, frames and foundation sheets themselves, these they now sell to other happy honey producers.

“Delegates can expect to visit a really beautiful property example of Queensland, within an hour and half from Brisbane

FARM DIVERSITY

or 50 minutes to the Gold Coast.

The farm sits on 5,200 acres, is an all-encompassing enterprise

“We will have on hand the famous Goshu Wagyu herd, and of

growing crops and grasses for silage, which produces around

course one of the World’s Best Steak Sire “Goshu Yasuzane”,

95% of the cropping needs for the cattle, the most prominent

and take you around our extensive property to see how we

is corn silage and hay. The cattle have adapted well to the

manage the breeding and backgrounding of the cattle and

environment after moving from the colder climates of Victoria

our commitment to animal welfare.

to the more tropical environs of south eastern Queensland.

“Visitors can also see the bees and how we produce our natural

Occasional supplemental feeding is provided based on

honey and enjoy some time in the Kerry Valley.”

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

23

Grow with us.

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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 24 THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

5/3/21 12:48 pm

# ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR

APRIL 27 - 3 MAY 2021

Emerald

Rockhampton

Roma Dalby

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND

WAGYUEDGE TOUR

Gold Coast

AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY CHOICE PROVIDING A WAGYU SERVICE

 STOP FOUR

Australian Country Choice has been a mainstay of Australia’s major retail beef sales for

SATURDAY 1 MAY, 2021

more than 40 years, providing beef exclusively into one of the major supermarkets.

A vertically integrated, family-owned business, a contract was developed by owner Trevor Lee and Coles supermarkets in 1974. Trevor saw this as a way of providing the business with a known price and volume, rather than be dependent on the day’s price at the livestock sales.

As with any industry, business and market environments evolve and mature, and Australian Country Choice (ACC) and Coles have reached an agreement where that single-supply model will come to an end in mid-2021.

For ACC, the end of the contract period provides opportunities to develop other markets and how the company conducts its business. Gaining contracts with another supermarket and developing greater export capabilities has been part of that change.

ACC’s core strength lies in its ability to provide full cattle production capabilities to customer specification. With multiple properties throughout Queensland, the business can offer seedstock and breeding genetics, backgrounding and feedlots, as well as complete processing and cold chain distribution for retail-ready product.

Providing specialist feedlot, breeding and processing facilities for higher-end cattle, including Wagyu, has taken a larger focus for the company.

Currently, ACC provides those services to several well-known brands of Wagyu to meet the customers’ exacting specifications.

Recognising that Wagyu would give ACC further market opportunities, a joint venture was established in 2017, drawing on decades of experience in genetics, growing and processing. MB9+ was formed and the Hawkesbury herd under its JV management is still based and operated at Millmerran.

“Our Wagyu genetics are based on the Shadai and Hawkesbury herds,” said Anthony Lee, CEO of Australian Country Choice.

“We have started with a small herd, in order to ensure that our core nucleus of genetics is the best it can be. We aim to scale up with a measured approach to around 3000 Fullblood cows. In 2021, we expect to have around 1500 Fullblood calves born.”

ACC research that has gone into understanding Wagyu has shown the company that knowing what the customer wants, and the volume, will determine what is needed by the full supply chain. The recent impacts of COVID on the beef industry has revealed that Wagyu beef has had far greater resilience and has bounced back more than commodity categories, highlighting that market demand is still present and viable.

ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

25

#

WagyuEdge Tour - Australian Country Choice

ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR

APRIL 27 - 3 MAY 2021

GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND

<<< from page 25 The processing facility at Cannon Hill is one of the

embryo transfer techniques in a recipient herd to reach

largest in Australia, but was not suited to the larger

the target herd size effectively and efficiently.”

carcase frame and weights of Wagyu, requiring a re-fit

“We have been astounded at how well Wagyu adapt to our

for higher, stronger rails to accommodate the carcase.

environment,” said Anthony. “The herd was based in the

From Anthony’s point of view, it has provided far greater opportunity for niche processing to provide a point of difference for the company in a competitive industry.

The boning room is now capable of swapping between different specifications with relative ease.

Southern properties manager, Christian Coffey manages the Wagyu program. He said: “We have done significant research at understanding how we manage the genetic growth in our breeding herds and to find the best feeding

26

southern states, so there was a question mark for us as to how well they will thrive in Queensland. It seems Wagyu can be run anywhere from the Barkly Tableland up north to the Alps – and in commercial volumes.”

In the interim, while the Fullblood herd matures, ACC will continue to do what it does best – provide a supply chain service to customer specification.

Australian Country Choice Properties

regime to give the necessary rising plane of nutrition to

Delegates on the conference tour will have an opportunity

give consistent results.

to visit Brindley Park aggregation which spans 70,000

“We assess time in the feedlot, what supplements are

acres and is home to the Elite Shadai Fullblood Wagyu

needed and the nutrition content of the fodder around

herd currently under ACC management and development.

Brindley Park to give a target daily weight gain of 0.8kg

The property is home to young Fullblood Wagyu cattle on

for whole of life. Carcase weights aim to be 450kg, with

background feed in preparation for feedlot entry, as well as

an emphasis on high marble scores, without comprising

the breeding females. The site is home to the Brindley Park

fertility and growth performance.

Feedlot, with a carrying capacity of 22,000 head, before

“The whole herd is DNA-tested with 50K SNP and

processing at the Cannon Hill facility.

registered with the Australian Wagyu Association

The home of MB9+ Fullblood Wagyu spans 5500 acres

so that we can get genetic profiling.

at Millmerran, while the Opal Creek feedlot facility is

“We have a genetics consultant who is helping us e

comprised of four parcels, covering 7700 acres to carry

xpand our breeding program to get the right outcome

30,000 herd and includes cropping and developed pastures.

and minimise the risk of issues such as inbreeding.

In all, the ACC Group manages close to 2.42 million

We want to make sure that every animal is included

hectares (6 million acres) of pastoral, grazing and farming

in our data performance,” he said.

land with a carrying capacity of up to 300,000 cattle

“We started with around 300 breeding females and the

across 24 properties from southern Queensland to the

growth will be achieved using artificial insemination and

Barkly Downs, the furthest north property.

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

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ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

27

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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

THE MATURE COW WHEN TO KEEP HER, WHEN TO LET HER GO

The ideal maternal female is capable of becoming

in a shorter time frame. For beef production,

pregnant, giving birth unassisted, providing

there will be an emphasis on EBVs for improved

ample milk for the calf until weaning, and then

performance in carcase traits.

readily going back into her cycles, all while

Given the complexity of Wagyu breeding

maintaining a good body condition on pasture.

programs to develop the maternal cow herd,

Scrotal Size, Gestation Length, Birth Weights,

whist maximising the production output

Milk and Mature Cow Weight Estimate

from the steer (slaughter) progeny, many AWA

Breeding Values (EBVs) are all considerations

members are now using the MateSel program

when choosing appropriate females for your

provided by AWA. This enables optimised

herd. The age of the female may also be a

individual breeding solutions for each female

consideration and can be dependent on the

to ensure long-term gain in all target breeding

production system undertaken.

areas. Please contact the AWA Technical Service

A ‘Days to Calving” EBV estimates the interval

Manager to access MateSel for your herd.

between calves, which has been shown to be

Given that the realisation of carcase

heritable in other cattle breeds. This EBV is not

performance from breeding decisions can take

currently available for Wagyu, but is planned

four years after breeding, retaining older cows

for development through the upcoming AWA

can have a long-term impact on the herd’s

Progeny Test Program.

production performance. Hence, making sure

Measuring cow fertility and reproductive

they are contributing positively to production

capacity is about data collection and analysis,

early on is vital.

to calculate EBVs. While there is no currently

According to Southern Beef Technology Services

available direct measure of fertility in maiden

(SBTS), the ideal maternal female, “will have

heifers, positive Scrotal Size EBVs are known

shorter Gestation Length EBVs, while having a

to correlate with early maturity in females.

larger Scrotal Size EBV, while moderate Birth

Research is ongoing to investigate the

Weight and Mature Cow Weight EBVs are

correlation between fertility and post-partum

preferable for long-term breeding strategies.”

anoestrus – how quickly a cow cycles after

Selecting females with positive Milk EBVs

calving. In addition to these measures, a cow’s

will enable increased ability for the cowherd to

maternal behaviour towards her calf will

provide nutrition to the calf up to weaning.

contribute to how well it thrives.

Wagyu, compared to other breeds, are known

Most Wagyu seedstock breeders are also

for lower birth weights, giving greater calving

commercial producers. The focus on genetic

ease, a docile temperament and high fertility,

progress within the herd, will require increasingly

with many cycling before 12 months of age.

higher performing heifers and younger cows who

However, large ranges in birth weight EBVs

show improved EBVs with successive generations

exist and breeders need to be aware of their

ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

29

<<< from page 29 joining decisions, such as high birth weight bulls over heifers. This is particularly important to manage such that high birth weight bulls are not put over heifers with high birthweight EBVs themselves.

Anecdotally with maturity, Wagyu cows are good mothers and can remain productive – producing calves typically until at least 12

The advantage of an older cow that has had calves before is that she is proven in terms of fertility and raising her calf – you know she can breed...

The trade-off is that if the herd is making genetic progress, an older cow will likely be of lower genetic merit than the younger females.

The EBVs of a young cow or heifer, may not

of older cows can outweigh the cost

have the same accuracy as an older female

of introducing heifers.

but are still worth considering for continuous

Environmental factors including nutrition,

improvement strategies for the herd.

will play a role in the success of a mum

calves before is that she is proven in terms of

SBTS colleague, Boyd Gudex says that the

raising a calf to weaning. Where grass

fertility and raising her calf – you know she

situation can be different for non-registered

is plentiful and nutritious, her ability to

can breed,” says Catriona Millen, Technical

herds, such as commercial purebred herds

maintain her own body condition and

Officer, SBTS.

that do not have access to EBVs for their

provide adequate milk for the calf should be

“The trade-off is that if the herd is making

cows. In these herds, the majority of the

achievable compared to a cow that needs to

genetic progress, an older cow will likely be of

genetic improvement is going to be driven by

graze greater distances on poorer pasture.

lower genetic merit than the younger females.”

bull choice(s), thus the proven performance

The timing of calving in terms of available

years of age. EBVs for traits such as gestation length and birth weight are indicative of calving ease.

“The advantage of an older cow that has had

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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

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The mature cow

pasture may also be a factor – spring calving when pasture

important trait,” she said. “We recommend that Wagyu

is at its peak, may give both cow and calf better conditions

producers consider all of the maternal trait EBVs that are

but there will still be variation between the different

of relevance to their production system whilst they are also

regions. A cow with good body condition is also more likely

optimising production for carcase or growth traits.”

to cycle and become pregnant. In general weaning occurs

EBVs can be used to highlight which females in the herd

around 6-9 months, but may occur earlier should feed be

are not contributing to genetic improvement and therefore

inadequate for the mother and calf needs. With all breeds,

which can be culled sooner, rather than culling progeny that

there will be a peak period of fertility and milk within the

are under-performing. By culling the progeny, the problem

cow’s lifespan, but it is likely to decrease with age.

is still within the herd through the parents.

Catriona explained that there are relationships between the

“The best indication of how long to keep an older cow is

maternal traits and other traits; ignoring these relationships

based on how she is contributing to genetic improvement

can have unintended consequences. A case in point is the

plus her body condition and ability to raise a calf,” said Boyd.

dairy industry, where historically selection for increased

“If a calf is not thriving as well as its’ cohorts; the cow’s

milk production was done without monitoring fertility. This led to a dramatic decline in fertility. With the dairy industry

ability to forage is reduced because she is losing teeth and her genetic merit is sitting in the lower levels of your

now considering both traits in animal selection, they have

analysis, it may be time to move her on. There may be

managed to improve fertility without negatively impacting

exceptions to the assessment of the cow, for example if she

upon milk production.

has a good temperament and a calming influence on the

“This example shows the consequences of selecting for a

herd and would make a good auntie for the younger cows,

single trait without considering the effect on another, equally

it may be worth keeping the cow for a little longer.”

ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

31

THE POLLED GENE IN WAGYU ALSO KNOWN AS THE CELTIC POLLED ALLELE

In late 2020, the Cattle Council of Australia released information on pain relief options for cattle operations, particularly for dehorning and debudding.

The practice is employed to lower the risk of bruising and injury to other cattle and animal handlers during holding, feedlots and loading. With approval for the use of Trisolfen for dehorning and debudding, farmers can now apply pain-relief in animal husbandry without the need for veterinary supervision.

Dehorning is still a painful procedure, it is recommended that dehorning and debudding occur when the calf is less than two months old, before the horn has attached to the skull. Pain relief and proper practice are recommended to minimise the impact of the procedure on the animal along with reducing the incidence of poorer animal performance in the following weeks.

The pain relief guide notes that producers are encouraged to find non-surgical alternatives, such as breeding for the polled gene.

The polled gene is another name given for the Celtic polled allele. It is not naturally present in Japanese Black Fullblood Wagyu, but has been introduced to Purebreds through crosses with other breeds.

The polled gene is dominant, such that homozygous (has two copies of the poll gene) polled sires are most desirable as they will always breed polled progeny, even if the

32

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

Within the Australian Wagyu herd, a number of producers have opted to focus on the polled gene for Purebreds, without detriment to other traits. progeny themselves are heterozygous (carrying one copy of the polled gene).

If a breeder started with a Fullblood sire over Angus

POLLED TESTING

females, 100% of the F1 progeny would be heterozygous

Wagyu breeders can test their animals for

polled and would carry one copy of the poll gene from the

heterozygous or homozygous polled status. If you

Angus female and one non-polled gene from the Fullblood

are breeding for polledness in Wagyu animals, then

Wagyu sire.

identification of a homozygous polled bull will be

Successive upgrade crosses of F1 females to Fullblood

very valuable as it will produce 100 percent of polled

Wagyu to produce F2 would give 50% phenotypically

progeny if mated to horned cows. A heterozygous

polled, and F3 would result in 25% of the progeny as

polled bull will produce only 50 percent of polled

polled. Continuing to Purebreds (or F4) would result in

animals when mated to horned cows.

12.5% being phenotypically polled. mating of a heterozygous polled Purebred sire to a

RESULTS FOR THE POLLED DNA TEST ARE REPORTED AS

heterozygous polled Purebred dam gives a probability of

» PcPc means the test result shows two Pc (polled

Once you have phenotypically polled purebred females,

75% of progeny being phenotypically polled and 25%

Celtic mutation) alleles indicating the animal is

of the progeny being genetically homozygous polled.

homozygous polled and phenotypically polled

Mating of a homozygous polled Purebred sire to a

» HPc means the test result shows one H (Horn)

heterozygous polled Purebred dam gives a probability

allele and one Pc (polled Celtic mutation) allele

of 100% of progeny being phenotypically polled and 50%

indicating the animal is heterozygous polled and

of the progeny being genetically homozygous polled.

phenotypically polled.

The scurred condition (small, loose, horny growths in the

» HH means the test result shows two H (Horn) alleles

skin where horns would be) is controlled by a different gene

indicating the animal is homozygous horned and

to the polled gene and scurs are only expressed (visible)

phenotypically horned.

in polled cattle with two copies of the scur gene. The scur gene is sex linked and is dominant in males and recessive in females. Breeding polled animals therefore makes it possible to select against the scurred gene and long-term selection for polledness will help to identify and eliminate scurs if scurred animals are culled.

Within the Australian Wagyu herd, a number of producers

If you wish to discuss the use of the horn/poll test or breeding polled Wagyu cattle, please contact AWA’s Technical Services Manager, Carel Teseling.

have opted to focus on the polled gene for Purebreds, without detriment to other traits. The AWA currently holds some 2,000 registered polled Purebred Wagyu.

ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

33

IS YOUR BREEDER HERD ACCELERATING OR LIMITING YOUR GENETIC PROGRESS? RECORDING PROGENY PERFORMANCE

Better understanding and managing the genetic range in your

DATA HAS A LARGE IMPACT ON COW EBVs

cowherd can have an enormous impact on your commercial productivity and profitability. Your females are the base of your production. You can quickly change the sire genetic contribution to your next generation of females, but the genetic contribution of your established cow herd has a long-term impact.

It is a fact that the next generation of calves get half their genetics from the sire and the other half from the dam. Due to the number of progeny a bull can generate in one year, it is much easier to collect large numbers of progeny performance records for bulls compared to cows. This means that it is easier to generate high accuracy and data driven EBVs for bulls.

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for finishing Wagyu cattle on pasture.

To view our full range of products visit

www.riverina.com.au 34

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

Your females are the base of your production.

In Wagyu Update Magazine Issue 76 - What happened to Shigeshigetani’s marble score EBV? We had a look at a few specific examples of how progeny performance data can impact the EBVs and accuracy of a few sires.

In this article, we will look at how progeny performance data impacts the EBVs of

REGISTRATION OF STEER PROGENY WITH THE AWA IS FREE

dams. With some Wagyu females living to more than 20 years old and having more

Once you have a DNA test result for

than 12 calves, there is significant opportunity to use data on progeny within your

steer progeny, AWA undertakes the

herd to prove your females.

parentage verification and the progeny

There have been instances where breeders have indicated to the Australian Wagyu

can be registered against the sire and

Association, that they haven’t registered some cows as those cows only had steer

dam at no charge to you.

progeny and no registerable female progeny yet. This practice of selective registration

This enables yearly calving records for

(and performance recording) of animals, will have a serious negative impact on

all females to be accurate and for

complete data collection for your herd and will significantly reduce the ability to

performance data through growth and

accurately estimate the genetic merit of all animals in the herd – particularly your cows.

slaughter to contribute to the female EBVs.

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ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

35

<<< from page 35

IMPACT OF PROGENY CARCASE DATA ON THE MS EBVs OF DAMS It is a general assumption that it is difficult to change the EBVs or index values of a dam

and then compared to the analysis after

It is clear that there is a strong relationship

the data was added.

between the old and new EBVs. However, addition of progeny data for the dams in

Figure 1 compares the Marble Score EBV

by recording carcase data on its progeny.

To test the impact of performance recording on the EBVs of females, the EBV and

this analysis has changed the Marble Score

of a dam before progeny carcase records were added as the “OLD EBV” on the X-axis

EBV for some animals significantly.

In Figure 1, the dots above the green line

accuracy results of dams were analysed over

relative to the “NEW EBV” on the Y-axis -

successive years. Dams which had up to two

after the progeny carcase data was added.

progeny carcase data added to the Wagyu

In the case of Marble Score, if the carcase

database in the past two years were analysed.

data of the progeny had little or no impact

Carcase Weight (CWT) and Marble Score

on the dam’s EBVs, the dots on the graph

which had the same MS EBV of 0.2 before

(MS) EBVs and accuracies of dams were

that represent individual dams, would

progeny carcase data was added and then

extracted from the Wagyu BREEDPLAN

all sit on the black diagonal line running

with the addition of data, one moved up to 1

analysis before the progeny data was added

through the middle of the data.

and the other down to -0.7, a difference of 1.7.

or below the red line indicate dams where their MS EBVs have moved up or down by more than 0.5 of a marble score. The two highlighted dots in Figure 1 show two dams

New EBV

Marble Score EBV

2.5 2.0

1.0 MS EBV after progeny carcase data was added

1.5 1.0 0.5

0.2 MS EBV before progeny carcase data was added

0 -0.5

FIGURE 1 Comparison of Dam Marble Score EBVs before (OLD EBV) and after (NEW EBV) progeny carcase data was recorded and loaded.

-1.0

-0.7 MS EBV after progeny carcase data was added

-1.5 -2.0 -2.5 -2.5

-2.0

-1.5

-1.0

-0.5

0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5 Old EBV

36

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

Is your breeder herd accelerating or limiting your genetic progress?

The overall trend for how dam EBVs have changed before and after progeny Marble Score data entry in Figure 1 show the general impact of progeny Marble Score data on dam EBV values. The distribution of Marble Score EBV change is shown in Figure 2.

Overall, 80% of records change less than + or – 0.2 MS units, meaning that the EBVs were doing a very good job of estimating genetic merit for Marble Score prior to performance data being added. However, the Marble Score EBVs change by more than plus or minus 0.3 MS EBV units for 20% of dams. As shown in Figure 2, in some cases, the change is by more than 0.7 MS EBV units.

These levels of change can assist breeders in identifying proven high performing Marble Score EBV cows. Equally, animals that are poor performers can be identified and managed out of the herd if that is important to you.

No. of animals

Distribution of Marble Score EBV change

80% of records

1000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300

FIGURE 2

200

Distribution of Dam MS EBV changes resulting from the addition of progeny carcase data.

100 0

< -0.5

-0.4

-0.3

-0.2

-0.1

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

>0.7

Carcase Weight EBV change

ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

37

Is your breeder herd accelerating or limiting your genetic progress? <<< from page 37

IMPACT OF PROGENY CARCASE DATA ON THE CARCASE WEIGHT EBVS OF DAMS In the case of Carcase Weight (Figure 3), we see a similar trend to that observed for Marble Score. When progeny data is added, the EBVs of the dams can change significantly. Again, there is a strong relationship between the old and new EBVs, with the vast majority of EBVs changing less than plus or minus 6kg (Figure 4). However, some dams are identified where the change in Carcase Weight EBV the exceeds 20 kg up or down after progeny carcase data was added. These animals sit outside the red and green lines on Figure 3.

New EBV 80

60

40

20

Carcase Weight EBV FIGURE 3

0

Comparison of Dam Carcase Weight EBVs before (OLD EBV) and after (NEW EBV) progeny carcase data -20 was recorded and loaded.

-40 -40

-20

0

20

No. of animals

40

60

80 Old EBV

80% of records

1000 900 800 700 600 500

Distribution of Carcase Weight EBV change

400

FIGURE 4

200

Distribution of Dam MS EBV changes resulting from the addition of progeny carcase data.

100

300

0

< -18

-15

-12

-9

-6

-3

0

3

6

Carcase Weight EBV change 38

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

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122

15

18

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ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

39

Is your breeder herd accelerating or limiting your genetic progress?

New Acc (%)

Marble Score EBV Accuracy

85% 80% 75%

<<< from page 38

IMPACT OF PROGENY CARCASE DATA ON THE CARCASE EBV ACCURACY OF DAMS Another measure of the “value” of addition of progeny data for dam EBVs is to look at the change in accuracy of the EBVs after carcase data is loaded against dams. This is displayed for Marble Score in Figure 5 and Carcase Weight in Figure 6.

It is very encouraging to note there are a

70% 65% 60% 55% 50%

FIGURE 5 Increase in Dam Marble Score EBV accuracy before (OLD Acc) and after (NEW Acc) progeny carcase data was recorded and loaded.

45%

large number of dams where the addition of progeny carcase data increases the accuracy

40%

of the dam EBVs by more than 10% (above the green lines on the graphs).

It is interesting to note that, in the case

35% 35%

40%

45%

50%

55%

60%

65%

70%

75%

80%

85%

Old Acc (%)

of Carcase Weight EBV accuracy, there are more dams where their accuracies have increased by more than 10%. This is to be expected as Carcase Weight has a higher heritability than marble score and therefore additional CWT data will have a higher impact on Dam Carcase Weight EBVs and accuracies.

New Acc (%)

Carcase Weight EBV Accuracy

85% 80% 75%

Taken together with changes in the actual EBVs of dams, increases in the EBV

70%

accuracy for dams provides a significant opportunity to highlight your best and

65%

worst performing females with greater confidence. Identify your top performing

60%

female genetics will allow you to accelerate your breeding program and genetic gain

55%

based on using these animals within embryo programs.

50%

Equally important is identifying your poor performing females with higher accuracy

FIGURE 6

45%

Increase in Dam Carcase Weight EBV accuracy before (OLD Acc) and after (NEW Acc) progeny carcase data was recorded and loaded.

and potentially removing them from your herd. These females and their progeny can

40%

persist within your herd for many years and contribute to decreasing production and profitability.

40

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

35% 35%

40%

45%

50%

55%

60%

65%

70%

75%

80%

85%

Old Acc (%)

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ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

41

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4 & 5. The active bacteria produce new spores which are excreted in the animals faeces

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42

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

Is your breeder herd accelerating or limiting your genetic progress?

New Index ($)

Self Replacing $Index

325

$215 SRI after progeny carcase data was added

275 225 175

<<< from page 40

$140 SRI before progeny carcase data was added

125

IMPACT OF PROGENY CARCASE DATA ON THE SELF REPLACING $INDEX VALUE OF DAMS

75

$85 SRI after progeny carcase data was added

25

As discussed through this article, the impact of recording progeny carcase data on the EBVs of your female breeders is important.

-25

It provides insight into the performance of 50% of your genetics (your females) and this

-75 -75

-25

25

75

125

175

225

275

50% is the genetics that you are left with

325

every time you change bulls.

Old Index ($)

To take this one step further; in Figure

FIGURE 7

7 the changes in the dam Self Replacing

Comparison of Dam Self Replacing $Index before (OLD Index) and after (NEW Index) progeny carcase data was recorded and loaded.

$Index are shown by comparing the before and after values of the dams. The green and red line representing animals that moved $50 up or down from one analysis to the next with the inclusion of progeny carcase data. This analysis may be shown for the

Distribution of Self Replacing $Index change No. of animals

Wagyu Breeder $Index providing a very

80% of records

similar result.

1000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300

FIGURE 8

200 100 0

< -40

-30

-20

-10

0

10

20

30

40

>40

Distribution of Dam SRI changes resulting from the addition of progeny carcase data.

Self Replacing $Index Change ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

43

<<< from page 43

SUMMARY The changes observed in EBVs, accuracy and $Index values of dams after progeny carcase data has been recorded, loaded, and analysed by Wagyu BREEDPLAN clearly indicates that an understanding of the genetic merit and range within a breeder herd can benefit enormously from recording and submitting progeny data.

Improved understanding of the genetic merit of a dam, albeit good or bad, will allow for more informed selection and mating decisions to be made. The impact of high performing females on a herd can be accelerated, whilst the impact of low performing females can be minimised.

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robbinsislandwagyu.com.au 44

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

Is your breeder herd accelerating or limiting your genetic progress?

Improved understanding of the genetic merit of a dam, albeit good or bad, will allow for more informed selection and mating decisions to be made.

Number of cows

5 - 10 PROGENY

11 - 15 PROGENY

16 - 25 PROGENY

26 - 50 PROGENY

More than 50 PROGENY

8,592

1,076

747

333

29

TABLE 1 Cows in each of the number of progeny categories.

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cow can have has been increased dramatically.

Table 1 shows the number of cows that had 5 or more progeny registered.

Large numbers of progeny performance records are very helpful to quickly increase the accuracy of an animal’s EBVs. However, it is also important to remember that any performance data recorded on an animal and loaded in the Wagyu database will help BREEDPLAN to more accurately estimate the genetic merit of the animal’s sire and dam.

For the performance data from embryo calves to contribute to the EBVs of a Wagyu sire and dam, the recipient female needs to be recorded with the AWA and the breed type and the age (birth year) of the recipient female need to be recorded.

.

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ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

45

PA RT N E R W I T H AU S T R A L I A’ S M O ST AWA R D E D B E E F BRAND Be part of a established supply chain Family owned & operated, over 60 years in industry Consistent feedback and insights into cattle performance Acclaimed global brand recognition and customer demand

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46

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

GEORGE LUBBE FEEDER PURCHASES P: 07 4692 2277 M: 0408 502 787 E: george@stockyardbeef.com.au

1/03/2021 10:22:57 AM

WAGYU DEMAND REMAINS STEADY

Twelve months ago, the hospitality and food service industries were in dire straits as

Wagyu F1 vs Feeder indicators (MLA) FY 2020 - 2021 Source: AuctionsPlus, MLA

restaurants right around the world closed doors overnight in the wake of COVID-19.

With government support and the slow return to the new COVID normal, food service is showing some signs of recovery. The exception, are those heavily reliant on tourism such as hotels.

While the fine dining sector has suffered, uptake through retail in local and export markets has stabilised premium beef markets. Quick service restaurants and locally owned restaurants have taken up much of the downturn.

The recent increases in the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator have been an indication that

The December 2020 quarter reports

produced product.

cattle herds are rebuilding across the beef

from ABARES indicate that exports

sector, helped in part with the recent rain.

The F1 Wagyu sales since June 2020

for agriculture were down compared

Although representing only a small fraction

to 2019, but sit within the three year

of F1 Wagyu feeder cattle sold to supply

average. Two factors have contributed to

chains, the movement of F1 Wagyu through

overall decreases into China and Japan

AuctionsPlus indicates that Australian Wagyu

particularly, with the increased cost

markets continue to strengthen.

of beef production here in Australia,

The MLA Lot Feeding Brief for the December

and the high exchange rate to the $US.

560c/kg, compared to a slower trend

2020 quarter shows that the number of cattle

For China, trade tensions continue to

increase for MLA heavy feeders closing

on feed in NSW, Victoria and SA increased

be challenging more so in commodity

out at around 420c/kg. Clearance of sales

compared to the previous quarter, while

beef, while the Japanese government

of F1s through AuctionsPlus has averaged

Queensland remanded relatively steady.

continues with subsidies for domestically

around 73% for the same time frame.

on AuctionsPlus show a starting point at approximately 410 c/kg, while the feeder indicator sat slightly below 400 at the same time. At the end of February 2021, the F1 sales have trended upwards toward

ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

47

A Taste of Pardoo

Pilbara, Western Australia

For further information contact Hossam Shabayk on 0417 973 755, via email hossam.shabayk@pardoo.com or visit our website www.pardoo.com

48

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

Wagyu demand remains steady

While our overall beef exports to China dropped last year, our chilled exports actually increased nine per cent in volume terms.” <<< from page 47

CHINA

UK, EU AND BREXIT

Rabobank expects that trade tensions between

The final signing of the Brexit deal was

China and the US as well as between China

completed late 2020 by the British government

and Australia will continue to hit the meat industry hard in 2021 but Angus Gidley Baird, Rabobank Senior Animal Protein Analyst says that there are still massive opportunities ahead

and for many industries, what that represents for market access into the UK and European Union is still to be negotiated.

for Australian exporters.

According to Mr Gidley Baird, the intricacies

“What has been interesting and will continue to

are hidden in the details of how the quotas will

be so is the mix of product going into China.

be apportioned between the 27 countries within

We used to send a lot of forequarter cuts into

the EU and the UK.

that market, but they are now picking up on

“For Australia it means that for beef, we have

ground beef with increased westernisation as well as the very premium Wagyu and highly marbled beef,” Mr Gidley-Baird said.

“While our overall beef exports to China dropped last year, our chilled exports actually increased nine per cent in volume terms.”

a country specific quota for high quality beef which is 7,150 tonnes which was the quota into Europe so, based on the average of the last three years, 65 percent of that volume will be allocated to the UK and 35 percent to Europe.

A sentiment that Andrew Cox, International

“But we also supply into a global quota as well

Business Manager, MLA agrees with. “The

and that quota, based on volumes over the last

demand for Australian chilled grain fed beef

three years, has a much higher volume going

actually grew in China, and it is likely that

into Europe and it is this aspect that leads me to

Wagyu in particular is performing well. While

anticipate that there will be minimal change for

some suppliers may be experiencing difficulties

our beef exports to these markets at the moment.

with recent bans into China, the assumption is that other brands have filled the gap. What is difficult to gauge is whether the volume

“The Australian Government is in the process of negotiating Free Trade Agreements with

is reflective of demand or value; it will be

both the UK and the EU the terms of which, if

interesting to see what the China statement,

favourable, could see increased access for our

due out in April will be around export values.”

exporters in the future,” Mr Gidley-Baird said.

ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

49

Wagyu demand remains steady

<<< from page 49

COMPETITORS AND OPPORTUNITIES Brazil continues to grow globally and have the advantage of a

“On the flip side, any increase in US supply to China would

lower price point to capture market share, however it is mostly

create opportunities for Australia in markets such as Japan

in the commodity beef category, not in high value premium beef.

and Korea. And the US is not as strong in countries such

For markets such as China, US Prime poses the greatest

as Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, providing

challenge to Australian Wagyu, said Andrew.

opportunity to develop further in these markets. Strong

“US production of Wagyu is not as high as it is in Australia, and domestically there is sufficient demand to utilise US Wagyu locally.

“What you do see on the menu alongside Australian Wagyu brands, is US Prime at a similar price point. With China looking for new, competitive sources to fill the premium beef category, and the capacity to provide the cuts demanded, there is a threat.

economic growth and population forecasts across Southern Asia means that there will be an increasing number of households with money to spend.”

Korea was not a huge market for tenderloins, but data suggests the country is taking more than Japan. With that, there has been a noticeable trend of retailers asking for support to show how to cut, cook and sell Australian product.

THE YEAR AHEAD MLA forecasts for 2021 indicate that the national cattle herd is expected to increase with the rebuild phase, however slaughter levels may continue to fall as producers retain younger cattle. As a consequence, it is likely that beef production will be below 2019 levels, but similar to those seen in the last herd re-build of 2017.

Export levels are expected to lift 2%, but will continue to be affected by demand in key markets and food service activity.

As China’s recovery from African Swine Fever evolves, the protein deficit fulfilled with commodity beef may see those suppliers spill into other markets where Australia has considerable market share.

In the feedlot, the forecast is for a continued increase in numbers within the system. Currently feedlot cattle accounts for 37% of national slaughter. Long fed Wagyu now represents a greater proportion of cattle in feedlots and expected to increase with the lower cost in grain.

“Given that Wagyu is found in fine dining and high-end food service, you would expect that export markets for the product would have suffered in 2020,” said Andrew.

“It will be reassuring for Australian Wagyu producers that Wagyu has performed better than expected with many consumers still looking for high end meals and spending more time at home to prepare those meals.

“The challenges in China and the uncertainty of Brexit trade negotiations will be ongoing, but with that there is clear evidence that Australian Wagyu has an opportunity to gain market share in new markets in South East Asia and Korea.”

50

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

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ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

51

52

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

WAGYU A DESTINATION EATING EXPERIENCE Hospitality in Australia is well on the road to recovery, allowing the opportunity for diners to experience the full fine dining experience once more.

Australia’s fine dining restaurants are once again receiving patrons to taste the very best food and produce on offer, and Wagyu is no exception.

Well-known restaurant Moo Moo’s Wine Bar & Grill has received many awards in recent years and offers diners the very best produce available, including truffles, seafood and beef.

The restaurant has two venues, at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast, and Brisbane CBD, and owned by Steve and Autumn Adams. Trent Robson is the Group Executive Chef, overseeing the highly trained chefs at both sites.

Trent describes the a la carte menu as traditional in a culinary sense, but reflects the current trends in presentation and cooking methods. It is the beef that is the star of the show, with the Specialty Beef Menu items describing the brand, cut, age and feeding regime.

Regular appearances on the menu include Westholme, Rangers Valley and 2GR utilising cuts such as striploin, cube rolls, flat iron and rump caps. In addition, the Kyushu Satsuma A5 Japanese Black Wagyu brand rounds out the specialty Wagyu offerings. With each option, the brand, the Japanese bloodline, Marble Score, feed regime and feedlot (for example grainfed for 300 days), and age at slaughter are included in the description.

ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

53

Wagyu, a destination eating experience

<<< from page 53 “We aim to source the best beef we can find. Not every steak can be $100, but it will be a benchmark product with proven consistency,” said Trent.

“We have a good relationship with some of the biggest Wagyu producers in Australia, where we have built up relationships with them, so when the market gets tighter, which it does every year, we get the first pick, because they know we will look after their brand and treat the beef well.”

The volumes of Wagyu are significant through both restaurant sites therefore quality and consistency are an important aspect for suppliers.

To balance the orders, one brand of cut will be used in Broadbeach, and another brand in Brisbane in order to fully utilise the range of cuts.

When diners choose their Wagyu, it is served with a simple garnish, often a Ponzu sauce (a traditional Japanese sauce served with shabu shabu).

Sides are then ordered separately. While ultimately the choice of side is the diner’s choice, Trent said his staff are well versed in advising the most appropriate side based on the cut and marble score of the Wagyu ordered.

“For example, if you were choosing a highly marbled cut, adding a rich bearnaise sauce with mashed potato would be too much. We would suggest something that is more acidic, such as a salad with a sharp vinaigrette dressing, that compliments and cuts through the fattiness of the meat. Or alternatively, a side that has a more traditional Asian flavour.”

When Trent started with Moo Moo’s seven years ago, it was not uncommon to explain to diners the meaning of marble score and what to expect from Wagyu beef. Now, he says, that is no longer the case where most diners understand that Wagyu beef sets the benchmark for quality steak. The restaurants now have a loyal customer base that come specifically for exceptional beef, and expect the Wagyu to be a destination meal.

The specials offer of AACo’s A11 and A12 Wagyu is

We aim to source the best beef we can find.

Not every steak can be $100, but it will be a benchmark product with proven consistency”

54

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77

testament to that eating experience, as too the Japanese A5. Often diners will order a share platter of these dishes to share between the table to savour the luxuriousness of Wagyu beef.

“Moo Moo’s has come to represent the very best in Australian beef, and particular the range of cuts and marble score for Wagyu, which has set a benchmark for us to provide a fine dining experience, that people came back for time and again.”

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 Breeding objectives are crucial in any commercial herd, tailoring important genetic traits for sustainable production that meets specific market requirements.

We uphold strict criteria for our breeding objectives Above herd average (EBV) for milk, 200, 400, 600 day and CW. High fertility (short gestation length). Consistently high quality marbling (inc fineness) based on raw carcase data and EBVs. Free from all know genetic recessive diseases. Genetic diversity (low inbreeding coefficients).

Please direct your enquiries to Pete Bishop

PETE BISHOP Owner Bishop Wagyu | Director Quality Genetics International

contact @bishopwagyu.com 0429 454 189

FINALIST FIN AL IST

FIN AL IST

FINALIST

PROVEN GENETICS

TWO POWERFUL SIRES - ONE LOT

ELITE WAGYU SALE 28 APRIL 2021 Semen straw package from dream team sires G113 (2 straws) and Y408 (2 straws)

Macquarie Wagyu Using our 10+ years of carcase data records, we measure and select only the best performing genetics to grow our Wagyu herd.

INVEST IN THE M AC Q U A R I E WAG Y U B R A N D

Progeny of CCOFG0113 x BDWFC1637

OF THE LONG FED LOT FEEDING OF WAGYU

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0428 952 264 office@macquariewagyu.com www.macquariewagyu.com