Issue 77 | The Australian Wagyu Update, April 2021
www.wagyu.org.au
Consulting
02 8880 7700
ANDRICH
0400 855 040 Contributing
0432 949 764
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 magazine is correct at the time of publishing.
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president CHARLIE PERRY
COMMITTED TO DELIVERING ON CORE BUSINESS
Dear Members,
The countdown is officially on for the highly anticipated 2021 WagyuEdge Conference and Tour. The conference is the annual highlight for the Wagyu sector and we have secured an outstanding line up of Australian and international speakers to provide our members with the latest in technology advances and thought leadership. I look forward to greeting you 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 Rockhampton for Beef 2021.
AWA BOARD ACTIVITIES
The AWA Board has returned its focus to 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.
CORE BUSINESS ON TRACK
I am pleased to report that at the midpoint of the financial year, the AWA is tracking well against all operational and service metrics. The AWA core business is meeting budget, with significant increases in DNA testing and performance recording by
AWA members noted. The sustained and continued increase in DNA testing is a testament to the members confidence in our industry at this point in time.
In line with increasing confidence across the Wagyu sector and delivery of AWA core services, the Board were pleased to approve 33 new AWA members for the second quarter reporting period.
BUSINESS EVENT GRANT AWARDED
As announced within AWA promotional items in December and January, the AWA executive team was successful in securing an Australian Government Business Event Grant for the 2021 WagyuEdge Conference. This will allow our corporate sponsor partners to claim back up to 50% of their eligible costs associated with the 2021 Conference and Tour.
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 to enable progeny testing of 250 sires across seven breeding years. The primary objectives of the project are to enable development of high accuracy EBVs for the next generation of sires and to allow participation for a broad range of AWA members through submission of sires
to the project. You can read more about the AWA-PTP in the CEO report, along with plans for how the AWA will enable nomination for the 40 bulls and 6 cow herds (total of 2,000 breeders) for year 1 – starting in 2021.
SHARED RECOGNITION OF REGISTRATION STATUS ACROSS WAGYU ASSOCIATIONS
In late November 2020, the South African Wagyu Society hosted a virtual Wagyu World Conference. This event reinvigorated the World Wagyu Council – a voluntary council of members representing different global Wagyu registration bodies.
An item of concern to some Australian Members has been the difficulty in 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. I look forward to seeing you at the Gold Coast.
Charlie Perry AWA President
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).
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.
2021-2031 PROGENY TEST PROGRAM
During the past 12 months, the AWA team have been scoping and developing a project plan for a long-term Sire Progeny Test Program. The primary goal of the project is to enable the large-scale testing and proving of the next generation of Wagyu sires.
The Australian Wagyu Association –Progeny Test Program (AWA-PTP) aims to test 250 sires across 2,000 Fullblood 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 large number of current and new sires, benchmarked against existing highperformance sires. In addition to carcase trait EBVs, new meat quality and carcase yield EBVs will be developed on male slaughter progeny. For female progeny, new calving and reproduction traits will be a focus.
The AWA-PTP will be the key genetic development project for Wagyu for the next decade. The AWA will be undertaking a communications strategy regarding the project from April 2021 and be seeking to engage with members and Wagyu sector participants to contribute to the project
shortly. AWA members will be able to nominate sires for the project, along with cow herds.
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.
The establishment of a Wagyu Fellowship was for the advancement of younger people involved in the Wagyu industry, including producers and academics. A Wagyu Fellowship provides funding to undertake travel intrastate, interstate or overseas for a minimum of four and a maximum of about eight weeks to conduct research into a topic that the applicant is passionate about and has experience in. Its objectives are to:
1. Develop younger leaders for the Wagyu industry.
2. Increase the education, experience and skills within the Wagyu industry.
3. Develop lasting friendships across the international Wagyu industry.
4. Advance knowledge and learning in the Wagyu industry.
This year, the AWA will again be awarding a traditional Wagyu Fellowship, along with considering applicants for Wagyu Fellowship – Postgraduate Scholarships in research projects aligned to the Wagyu Industry. The awards will facilitate research and training in areas of practical value to the Australian Wagyu industries in Genetics, Meat Science, Human Nutrition, Management and Production, Reproduction and Breeding.
In honouring the late Dr. Simon Coates and his pivotal role in the development
of the Australian Wagyu industry, the AWA is seeking applicants for the Dr Simon Coates Scholarship for Veterinary 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, 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 Wagyu sector and is keenly interested in learning more about genetics and Wagyu.
Laura Penrose
AWA Genetic Projects Manager
With the AWA-Progeny Test Program ready to commence in 2021, we will be seeking contributor herds and sires from AWA members to participate in our next chapter of Wagyu sector genetic gain. We are pleased to announce that Laura Penrose has joined our team to manage this project and assist with genetic research and analysis of the AWA-Progeny Test Program data.
Laura has first class honours in genetics and has worked in the NSW DPI Southern Multibreed team for the past two years. Laura brings outstanding experience in the logistics, management and genetic design of large progeny test programs.
Dr Matt McDonagh AWA CEO
Academy International P107
Highest performing current Kumomoto Red Bull on BREEDPLAN in numerous traits
Weight on grass at months 688 kg (1.2 kg /day)
Ideal for stud breeding
IMUFN2124 SHIGEMARU (IMP USA)
HBCFV2141 HEART BRAND RED STAR (IMP USA) (ET)
PEDFA2120 MTA AKIKO FB2120
KALFC0402 KALANGA RED STAR C402 (AI) (ET)
IMUFN2455 HIKARI J251830R (IMP JAP)
KALFU0036 KALANGA HIKAHOMARE VW36 (AI) (ET)
RWAFS0002 RWA HOMARE BLUE 2 (IMP USA) (AI) (ET) AWSFP0107 ACADEMY INTERNATIONAL P107 (ET)
IMUFN2455 HIKARI J251830R (IMP JAP)
TWAFS0363 TWA KAJIKARI (AI) (ET)
PEDFM251352 UME MTA 251352
KALFB0647 KALANGA KAJIMIKO B647 (AI) (ET)
IMUFQ0502 HB BIG AL Q502 FB2998
KALFV2277 KALANGA ALMIKO V2277 (AI) (ET)
PEDFMU2118 NAMIKO
SEMEN FOR SALE
10 doses (min) AU $100/dose 11-99 doses AU $75/dose 1 00+ doses AU $50/dose
Export semen is available contact Barbara Roberts-Thomson for further information
dam KAJIMIKO B647
sire RED STAR C402
April 2021 Wagyu BREEDPLAN
APRIL 29 - 3 MA Y 202 0G OLD
BRINGING TOGETHER ALL COMPONENTS OF THE WAGYU SECTOR
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.
APRIL 27 - 3 MA Y 2021 202 1 G OLD CO AS T, QUEENSLAN D
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
APRIL 27 - 3 MA Y 2021 202 1 G OLD CO AS T, QUEENSLAN D
DAY 3 THURSDAY 28 APRIL
Sponsored by AXIchain
VIEW FROM ABROAD SESSION 1 8.30am – 10.30am
Bob Estrin, Lone Mountain Ranch USA LMR - progress in genetic development of USA Fullblood herd
Gerard Hickey, CEO Firstlight Farms NZ Firstlight Farms F1 Wagyu production systems
Brian Angus, South Africa
Establishing South African Wagyu Production and Woodview Wagyu
AXICHAIN DAY SPONSOR PRESENTATION
11.15 am Linda Woodford, AXIChain CEO Through Chain Data management and Trade solutions for Wagyu
BUILDING OR REBUILDING A HERD SESSION 2 11.35am – 1.15pm
Christrian Coffey, GM Rural with Australian Country Choice ACC Wagyu program development and integration
Matias Suarez, Regional Manager - Breeding & Genetics AACo AACo's innovation in breeding and genetics
Peter Gilmour, Managing Director Irongate Wagyu Optimising Irongate genetic progress
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.
WAGYU HERD
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 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.
The AWA encourages delegates to the WagyuEdge 2021 annual conference to take full advantage of the opportunity to meet with our sponsors.
Supporting our industry
<<< from page 15
VETOQUINOL
Vetoquinol’s Repro360o Team believe in breeding the best quality calves, and more of them! That’s why we not only supply the highest quality repro products, but 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.
GENETICS TESTING
Understanding and measuring the genetics available in your herd is a fundamental aspect of producing Wagyu that suits your production outcomes. DNA testing for diseases and parentage all assist with the decision making process for genetic improvement.
NEOGEN AUSTRALASIA
Since the early pioneer days of Australian Wagyu, Neogen has been an integral part of the Wagyu DNA, providing a full suite of testing products for now and into the future. Have a chat with Mel, Karen and Sarah to discover what is available for DNA testing for your herd.
ZOETIS
The AWA’s much-anticipated Progeny Test Program is supported by Zoetis who will provide industry with technical support and products for key reproductive diseases and productivity outcomes. Interested in learning more, have a chat with the team.
SUPPLY CHAIN SUPPORT
The Wagyu supply chain would not be complete without the assistance
MOBILE APP FOR Breeders & Graziers Backgrounders
of affiliated industries to provide the necessary infrastructure – whether it be software or something more tangible – to ensure that our breeders and producers achieve the very best outcomes.
AXICHAIN
Providing an electronic end-to-end solution for the supply chain, AXIchain systems seamlessly link the supply chain from mNVD through to export through one simple application.
ENTEGRA SIGNATURE STRUCTURES
With an increasing awareness of animal welfare, the uniquely designed livestock structures from Entegra will give your herd the very best in animal comfort to improve productivity in all weather.
TRACEABILITY & INTEGRITY SYSTEMS
» Records bulk and individual animal movements
» Full treatment history and alerts for WHP, ESI, HGP etc
» Integrates with NLIS database PERFORMANCE MONITORING
» Calculates average daily gain (ADG)
» Full weight and performance history
» Records days on feed (DoF)
» Costings and financial data BREEDING & ANIMAL TRAITS
» Record joining detail and parentage
» Lactation and pregnancy status
» Calving data
» Breeding, structural and performance traits INTEGRATION
» Integrates with RFID readers, weigh scales and more REPORTING & MANAGEMENT
» Includes powerful reporting and export features
» Customisable stock reports, weight and exit forecasts
» Exports to StockaID
» Full multi-level user management
JUST COUNTRY – ARIAT
Synonymous with quality, the Ariat range of clothing is well suited to the Australian cattle industry, providing comfort, style and protection from the Aussie elements.
PRACTICAL SYSTEMS
Demystifying the data from your herd and integrating with DNA testing technology, the Practical Systems livestock management products and services will help with the accuracy of BREEDPLAN EBVs within the Wagyu sector.
BREEDERS AND FEEDLOT
While many in the industry were early pioneers, the past 30 years has seen a steady increase in members developing Wagyu herds to meet market needs from seedstock through to beef to satisfy the growing demand for genetics and the world’s luxury beef.
AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY CHOICE
A whole-of-chain operation, ACC feature on our Tour and provide seedstock production, cattle breeding, backgrounding, farming and lotfeeding and processing for the Wagyu sector.
SHAMROCK VALE/GOSHU WAGYU
A pioneer herd specialising in Tajima genetics, Goshu Wagyu is situated at Shamrock Vale and specialises in F1 crossbreeding for feedlots in Australia and Japan, focusing on best possible Wagyu beef outcomes.
STONE AXE PASTORAL
Our Gala Dinner sponsor, Stone Axe Pastoral were the 2020 Wagyu Branded Beef Competition grand champion. With operations on both the east and west of Australia, the Stone Axe operation is vertically integrated to produce Purebred and Fullblood Wagyu.
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 live and genetics lots in the top 5% of EBVs and top 1% of Breed $Index values in Wagyu
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
(females, bulls, embryo, flush and semen lots on offer)
SALE DAY NEWS
HOW TO REGISTER WITH ELITE LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS
HOW TO BID ONLINE WITHIN AUSTRALIA
Step 1
Simply go to elitelivestockauctions.com.au using your desktop, laptop, iPad, iPhone or android device.
Step 7
Once an account has been created you are all “Set to Bid”
Step 2
Click on the “Sign Up” page / link.
Step 3
Create a bidding profile using the bidder registration page. You can either register as a livestock agent, company or private buyer.
Step 4
Agree to the Elite Livestock Auctions Terms and Conditions and the Selling Agents Sale Terms and Conditions as printed in the official Sale Catalogue.
Step 5
Click “Register” Step 6
You will then be notified by email that an account has been created.
Step 8
Each auction can then be viewed by c licking “Live Auction” logo on the Elite Livestock Auctions website.
Step 9
Once you receive email notification that your account has been created please go to the sale you wish to bid at and click “Request to Bid”
Step 10
The sale agents will then approve your application to bid and on the sale catalogue you will see “ check Bid Request Approved”
Step 11
On Sale day simply login, click “Enter Auction” on the catalogue page and you can start bidding. There is no need for software download.
Step 12
You will then be notified by email that an account has been created.
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
THRIVES AT SHAMROCK VALE STATION WAGYUEDGE TOUR
The Kerry Valley, Queensland is in no doubt a beautiful part of the world. The Shamrock Vale Station property is home to rich alluvial soils, an abundance of water, plus Albert River running through.
It is this vista that first attracted Robert McVicker to the property when looking for a tree change property back in 2013.
Mr McVicker is the first to admit that he does not come from a farming background, but his 40 years of business ownership allows him to see the potential in a new venture. In the early days of the property, Shamrock Vale Station was home to a herd of Santa Gertrudis but Mr
McVicker realised quickly that from a purely business perspective, the returns were not ideal. A television program on Wagyu piqued his interest, and not just for the quality of the meat, but also for the uniqueness of the brand and Australia’s capacity to capitalise on export markets.
After extensive research and conversations with the Wagyu fraternity, it became clear to Mr McVicker that the key factor in Wagyu production is quality genetics to produce high performing seedstock and beef. With that in mind, the first genetics for the SRV Wagyu herd 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.
GOSHU WAGYU
Roma Dalby Emerald Gold Coast Rockhampton
<<< from page 21
With more than 30 years of Tajima line breeding based on Japanese breeding patterns and carcase data, Barbara developed the herd from scratch using select Tajima female lines such as the very rare Tajiri, Okudoi, Nakadoi 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.
“The Goshu herd is well respected, and has earned bragging rights as it’s very own bull “Goshu Yasuzane” - a Yasufuku JR 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.
FARM DIVERSITY
The farm sits on 5,200 acres, is an all-encompassing enterprise growing crops and grasses for silage, which produces around 95% of the cropping needs for the cattle, the most prominent is corn silage and hay. The cattle have adapted well to the environment after moving from the colder climates of Victoria to the more tropical environs of south eastern Queensland. Occasional supplemental feeding is provided based on
nutritional advice, but on the whole the property is capable of supporting the backgrounding feed requirements.
Water on the farm is provided through two 250 megalitres dams, nine bores and natural springs. Solar panels added in recent years provide the power required for irrigation of the 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 are able to sell silage and other crop feeds that are excess to they’re needs.
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 or 50 minutes to the Gold Coast.
“We will have on hand the famous Goshu Wagyu herd, and of course one of the World’s Best Steak Sire “Goshu Yasuzane”, and take you around our extensive property to see how we manage the breeding and backgrounding of the cattle and our commitment to animal welfare.
“Visitors can also see the bees and how we produce our natural honey and enjoy some time in the Kerry Valley.”
WagyuEdge Tour - Goshu Wagyu
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.
WAGYUEDGE TOUR
AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY CHOICE
PROVIDING A WAGYU SERVICE
STOP FOUR
SATURDAY 1 MAY, 2021
Australian Country Choice has been a mainstay of Australia’s major retail beef sales for 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.
Roma Dalby
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WagyuEdge Tour - Australian Country Choice
<<< from page 25
The processing facility at Cannon Hill is one of the largest in Australia, but was not suited to the larger carcase frame and weights of Wagyu, requiring a re-fit for higher, stronger rails to accommodate the carcase.
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 regime to give the necessary rising plane of nutrition to give consistent results.
“We assess time in the feedlot, what supplements are needed and the nutrition content of the fodder around Brindley Park to give a target daily weight gain of 0.8kg for whole of life. Carcase weights aim to be 450kg, with an emphasis on high marble scores, without comprising fertility and growth performance.
“The whole herd is DNA-tested with 50K SNP and registered with the Australian Wagyu Association so that we can get genetic profiling.
“We have a genetics consultant who is helping us e xpand our breeding program to get the right outcome and minimise the risk of issues such as inbreeding. We want to make sure that every animal is included in our data performance,” he said.
“We started with around 300 breeding females and the growth will be achieved using artificial insemination and
embryo transfer techniques in a recipient herd to reach the target herd size effectively and efficiently.”
“We have been astounded at how well Wagyu adapt to our environment,” said Anthony. “The herd was based in the 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
Delegates on the conference tour will have an opportunity to visit Brindley Park aggregation which spans 70,000 acres and is home to the Elite Shadai Fullblood Wagyu herd currently under ACC management and development.
The property is home to young Fullblood Wagyu cattle on background feed in preparation for feedlot entry, as well as the breeding females. The site is home to the Brindley Park Feedlot, with a carrying capacity of 22,000 head, before processing at the Cannon Hill facility.
The home of MB9+ Fullblood Wagyu spans 5500 acres at Millmerran, while the Opal Creek feedlot facility is comprised of four parcels, covering 7700 acres to carry 30,000 herd and includes cropping and developed pastures.
In all, the ACC Group manages close to 2.42 million hectares (6 million acres) of pastoral, grazing and farming land with a carrying capacity of up to 300,000 cattle across 24 properties from southern Queensland to the Barkly Downs, the furthest north property.
THE MATURE COW
WHEN TO KEEP HER, WHEN TO LET HER GO
The ideal maternal female is capable of becoming pregnant, giving birth unassisted, providing ample milk for the calf until weaning, and then readily going back into her cycles, all while maintaining a good body condition on pasture.
Scrotal Size, Gestation Length, Birth Weights, Milk and Mature Cow Weight Estimate Breeding Values (EBVs) are all considerations when choosing appropriate females for your herd. The age of the female may also be a consideration and can be dependent on the production system undertaken.
A ‘Days to Calving” EBV estimates the interval between calves, which has been shown to be heritable in other cattle breeds. This EBV is not currently available for Wagyu, but is planned for development through the upcoming AWA Progeny Test Program.
Measuring cow fertility and reproductive capacity is about data collection and analysis, to calculate EBVs. While there is no currently available direct measure of fertility in maiden heifers, positive Scrotal Size EBVs are known to correlate with early maturity in females. Research is ongoing to investigate the correlation between fertility and post-partum anoestrus – how quickly a cow cycles after calving. In addition to these measures, a cow’s maternal behaviour towards her calf will contribute to how well it thrives.
Most Wagyu seedstock breeders are also commercial producers. The focus on genetic progress within the herd, will require increasingly higher performing heifers and younger cows who show improved EBVs with successive generations
in a shorter time frame. For beef production, there will be an emphasis on EBVs for improved performance in carcase traits.
Given the complexity of Wagyu breeding programs to develop the maternal cow herd, whist maximising the production output from the steer (slaughter) progeny, many AWA members are now using the MateSel program provided by AWA. This enables optimised individual breeding solutions for each female to ensure long-term gain in all target breeding areas. Please contact the AWA Technical Service Manager to access MateSel for your herd.
Given that the realisation of carcase performance from breeding decisions can take four years after breeding, retaining older cows can have a long-term impact on the herd’s production performance. Hence, making sure they are contributing positively to production early on is vital.
According to Southern Beef Technology Services (SBTS), the ideal maternal female, “will have shorter Gestation Length EBVs, while having a larger Scrotal Size EBV, while moderate Birth Weight and Mature Cow Weight EBVs are preferable for long-term breeding strategies.” Selecting females with positive Milk EBVs will enable increased ability for the cowherd to provide nutrition to the calf up to weaning.
Wagyu, compared to other breeds, are known for lower birth weights, giving greater calving ease, a docile temperament and high fertility, with many cycling before 12 months of age. However, large ranges in birth weight EBVs exist and breeders need to be aware of their
<<< 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 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 calves before is that she is proven in terms of fertility and raising her calf – you know she can breed,” says Catriona Millen, Technical Officer, SBTS.
“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 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 have the same accuracy as an older female but are still worth considering for continuous improvement strategies for the herd.
SBTS colleague, Boyd Gudex says that the situation can be different for non-registered herds, such as commercial purebred herds that do not have access to EBVs for their cows. In these herds, the majority of the genetic improvement is going to be driven by bull choice(s), thus the proven performance
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of older cows can outweigh the cost of introducing heifers.
Environmental factors including nutrition, will play a role in the success of a mum raising a calf to weaning. Where grass is plentiful and nutritious, her ability to maintain her own body condition and provide adequate milk for the calf should be achievable compared to a cow that needs to graze greater distances on poorer pasture. The timing of calving in terms of available
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pasture may also be a factor – spring calving when pasture is at its peak, may give both cow and calf better conditions but there will still be variation between the different regions. A cow with good body condition is also more likely to cycle and become pregnant. In general weaning occurs around 6-9 months, but may occur earlier should feed be inadequate for the mother and calf needs. With all breeds, there will be a peak period of fertility and milk within the cow’s lifespan, but it is likely to decrease with age.
Catriona explained that there are relationships between the maternal traits and other traits; ignoring these relationships can have unintended consequences. A case in point is the dairy industry, where historically selection for increased milk production was done without monitoring fertility. This led to a dramatic decline in fertility. With the dairy industry now considering both traits in animal selection, they have managed to improve fertility without negatively impacting upon milk production.
“This example shows the consequences of selecting for a single trait without considering the effect on another, equally
important trait,” she said. “We recommend that Wagyu producers consider all of the maternal trait EBVs that are of relevance to their production system whilst they are also optimising production for carcase or growth traits.”
EBVs can be used to highlight which females in the herd are not contributing to genetic improvement and therefore which can be culled sooner, rather than culling progeny that are under-performing. By culling the progeny, the problem is still within the herd through the parents.
“The best indication of how long to keep an older cow is based on how she is contributing to genetic improvement plus her body condition and ability to raise a calf,” said Boyd.
“If a calf is not thriving as well as its’ cohorts; the cow’s ability to forage is reduced because she is losing teeth and her genetic merit is sitting in the lower levels of your analysis, it may be time to move her on. There may be exceptions to the assessment of the cow, for example if she has a good temperament and a calming influence on the herd and would make a good auntie for the younger cows, it may be worth keeping the cow for a little longer.”
The mature cow
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
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 females, 100% of the F1 progeny would be heterozygous polled and would carry one copy of the poll gene from the Angus female and one non-polled gene from the Fullblood Wagyu sire.
Successive upgrade crosses of F1 females to Fullblood Wagyu to produce F2 would give 50% phenotypically polled, and F3 would result in 25% of the progeny as polled. Continuing to Purebreds (or F4) would result in 12.5% being phenotypically polled.
Once you have phenotypically polled purebred females, mating of a heterozygous polled Purebred sire to a heterozygous polled Purebred dam gives a probability of 75% of progeny being phenotypically polled and 25% of the progeny being genetically homozygous polled.
Mating of a homozygous polled Purebred sire to a heterozygous polled Purebred dam gives a probability of 100% of progeny being phenotypically polled and 50% of the progeny being genetically homozygous polled.
The scurred condition (small, loose, horny growths in the skin where horns would be) is controlled by a different gene to the polled gene and scurs are only expressed (visible) 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 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.
POLLED TESTING
Wagyu breeders can test their animals for heterozygous or homozygous polled status. If you are breeding for polledness in Wagyu animals, then identification of a homozygous polled bull will be very valuable as it will produce 100 percent of polled progeny if mated to horned cows. A heterozygous polled bull will produce only 50 percent of polled animals when mated to horned cows.
RESULTS FOR THE POLLED DNA TEST ARE REPORTED AS
» PcPc means the test result shows two Pc (polled Celtic mutation) alleles indicating the animal is homozygous polled and phenotypically polled
» HPc means the test result shows one H (Horn) allele and one Pc (polled Celtic mutation) allele indicating the animal is heterozygous polled and phenotypically polled.
» HH means the test result shows two H (Horn) alleles indicating the animal is homozygous horned and phenotypically horned.
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.
IS YOUR BREEDER HERD ACCELERATING OR LIMITING YOUR GENETIC PROGRESS?
Better understanding and managing the genetic range in your 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. RECORDING PROGENY PERFORMANCE
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Your females are the base of your production.
progeny and no registerable female progeny yet. This practice of selective registration (and performance recording) of animals, will have a serious negative impact on complete data collection for your herd and will significantly reduce the ability to accurately estimate the genetic merit of all animals in the herd – particularly your cows.
REGISTRATION OF STEER PROGENY WITH THE AWA IS FREE
Once you have a DNA test result for steer progeny, AWA undertakes the parentage verification and the progeny can be registered against the sire and dam at no charge to you.
This enables yearly calving records for all females to be accurate and for performance data through growth and slaughter to contribute to the female EBVs.
<<< 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 by recording carcase data on its progeny.
To test the impact of performance recording on the EBVs of females, the EBV and accuracy results of dams were analysed over successive years. Dams which had up to two progeny carcase data added to the Wagyu database in the past two years were analysed. Carcase Weight (CWT) and Marble Score (MS) EBVs and accuracies of dams were extracted from the Wagyu BREEDPLAN analysis before the progeny data was added
and then compared to the analysis after the data was added.
Figure 1 compares the Marble Score EBV of a dam before progeny carcase records were added as the “OLD EBV” on the X-axis relative to the “NEW EBV” on the Y-axisafter the progeny carcase data was added. In the case of Marble Score, if the carcase data of the progeny had little or no impact on the dam’s EBVs, the dots on the graph that represent individual dams, would all sit on the black diagonal line running through the middle of the data.
It is clear that there is a strong relationship between the old and new EBVs. However, addition of progeny data for the dams in this analysis has changed the Marble Score EBV for some animals significantly. In Figure 1, the dots above the green line 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 which had the same MS EBV of 0.2 before progeny carcase data was added and then with the addition of data, one moved up to 1 and the other down to -0.7, a difference of 1.7.
1
FIGURE
Comparison of Dam Marble Score EBVs before (OLD EBV) and after (NEW EBV) progeny carcase data was recorded and loaded.
-0.7 MS EBV after progeny carcase data was added
1.0 MS EBV after progeny carcase data was added
0.2 MS EBV before progeny carcase data was added
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.
Distribution of Marble Score EBV change
Distribution of Dam MS EBV changes resulting from the addition of progeny carcase data.
FIGURE 2
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.
FIGURE 3
Comparison of Dam Carcase Weight EBVs before (OLD EBV) and after (NEW EBV) progeny carcase data was recorded and loaded.
Distribution of Carcase Weight EBV change
FIGURE 4
Distribution of Dam MS EBV changes resulting from the addition of progeny carcase data.
Carcase Weight EBV
Old
<<< 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 large number of dams where the addition of progeny carcase data increases the accuracy of the dam EBVs by more than 10% (above the green lines on the graphs).
It is interesting to note that, in the case 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.
Taken together with changes in the actual EBVs of dams, increases in the EBV accuracy for dams provides a significant opportunity to highlight your best and worst performing females with greater confidence. Identify your top performing female genetics will allow you to accelerate your breeding program and genetic gain based on using these animals within embryo programs.
Equally important is identifying your poor performing females with higher accuracy and potentially removing them from your herd. These females and their progeny can persist within your herd for many years and contribute to decreasing production and profitability.
5
Increase in Dam Marble Score EBV accuracy before (OLD Acc) and after (NEW Acc) progeny carcase data was recorded and loaded.
6
Increase in Dam Carcase Weight EBV accuracy before (OLD Acc) and after (NEW Acc) progeny carcase data was recorded and loaded.
FIGURE
FIGURE
STABLE IN THE FEED
GERMINATE RUMEN ACTIVITY
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2. Spores germinate inside the animal’s GIT
1. D ormant Bacillus spores ingested via licks, block or feed source
3. Billions of Bacillus bacteria multiply and secrete digestive enzymes and can assist in pathogen inhibition via competitive exclusion and mucin production
4 & 5. The active bacteria produce new spores which are excreted in the animals faeces
ENERGY TO GROW
Bovacillus does its best work in the gastro intestinal tract. Ingested by the animal as spores in the feed source, the billions of Bovacillus bacteria grow and multiply once in the animal’s gut, secreting enzymes that help break down fibre and improve digestibility.
6. Bacillus spores return to the earth as the faeces break down
$215 SRI after progeny carcase data was added
Is your breeder herd accelerating or limiting your genetic progress?
$85 SRI after progeny carcase data was added
$140 SRI before progeny carcase data was added
7
Comparison of Dam Self Replacing $Index before (OLD Index) and after (NEW Index) progeny carcase data was recorded and loaded.
$Index change
<<< from page 40
IMPACT OF PROGENY CARCASE DATA ON THE SELF REPLACING $INDEX VALUE OF DAMS
As discussed through this article, the impact of recording progeny carcase data on the EBVs of your female breeders is important. It provides insight into the performance of 50% of your genetics (your females) and this 50% is the genetics that you are left with every time you change bulls.
To take this one step further; in Figure 7 the changes in the dam Self Replacing $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 Wagyu Breeder $Index providing a very similar result.
FIGURE 8
Distribution of Dam SRI changes resulting from the addition of progeny carcase data.
FIGURE
<<< 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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Improved understanding of the
merit of a dam, albeit good or bad, will allow for more informed selection and mating decisions to be made.
DID YOU KNOW EMBRYO CALVES CAN CONTRIBUTE TO EBVs?
During the past 30 years, through the use of embryo transplant technology, and in more recent years oocyte collection and IVF, the number of progeny a 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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WAGYU DEMAND REMAINS STEADY
Twelve months ago, the hospitality and food service industries were in dire straits as 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 cattle herds are rebuilding across the beef sector, helped in part with the recent rain. Although representing only a small fraction of F1 Wagyu feeder cattle sold to supply chains, the movement of F1 Wagyu through AuctionsPlus indicates that Australian Wagyu markets continue to strengthen.
The MLA Lot Feeding Brief for the December 2020 quarter shows that the number of cattle on feed in NSW, Victoria and SA increased compared to the previous quarter, while Queensland remanded relatively steady.
Wagyu F1 vs Feeder indicators (MLA) FY 2020 - 2021
Source: AuctionsPlus, MLA
The December 2020 quarter reports from ABARES indicate that exports for agriculture were down compared to 2019, but sit within the three year average. Two factors have contributed to overall decreases into China and Japan particularly, with the increased cost of beef production here in Australia, and the high exchange rate to the $US. For China, trade tensions continue to be challenging more so in commodity beef, while the Japanese government continues with subsidies for domestically
produced product.
The F1 Wagyu sales since June 2020 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 560c/kg, compared to a slower trend increase for MLA heavy feeders closing out at around 420c/kg. Clearance of sales of F1s through AuctionsPlus has averaged around 73% for the same time frame.
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
Rabobank expects that trade tensions between China and the US as well as between China 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 for Australian exporters.
“What has been interesting and will continue to be so is the mix of product going into China. We used to send a lot of forequarter cuts into that market, but they are now picking up on 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 sentiment that Andrew Cox, International Business Manager, MLA agrees with. “The demand for Australian chilled grain fed beef actually grew in China, and it is likely that Wagyu in particular is performing well. While some suppliers may be experiencing difficulties with recent bans into China, the assumption is that other brands have filled the gap. What is difficult to gauge is whether the volume is reflective of demand or value; it will be interesting to see what the China statement, due out in April will be around export values.”
UK, EU AND BREXIT
The final signing of the Brexit deal was completed late 2020 by the British government and for many industries, what that represents for market access into the UK and European Union is still to be negotiated.
According to Mr Gidley Baird, the intricacies are hidden in the details of how the quotas will be apportioned between the 27 countries within the EU and the UK.
“For Australia it means that for beef, we have 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.
“But we also supply into a global quota as well and that quota, based on volumes over the last three years, has a much higher volume going into Europe and it is this aspect that leads me to anticipate that there will be minimal change for our beef exports to these markets at the moment.
“The Australian Government is in the process of negotiating Free Trade Agreements with both the UK and the EU the terms of which, if favourable, could see increased access for our exporters in the future,” Mr Gidley-Baird said.
<<< from page 49
COMPETITORS AND OPPORTUNITIES
Brazil continues to grow globally and have the advantage of a lower price point to capture market share, however it is mostly in the commodity beef category, not in high value premium beef.
For markets such as China, US Prime poses the greatest challenge to Australian Wagyu, said Andrew.
“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.
“On the flip side, any increase in US supply to China would create opportunities for Australia in markets such as Japan and Korea. And the US is not as strong in countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, providing opportunity to develop further in these markets. Strong 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.”
have longterm customers waiting for your fullblood and crossbred Wagyu for delivery to hotels and resorts, restaurants and supermarkets both large and small.
have no shortage of customers only a shortage of cattle.
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.
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“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.
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”
The specials offer of AACo’s A11 and A12 Wagyu is 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.”
Perfecting the production of quality Wagyu
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
PROVEN GENETICS
SALE 28 APRIL 2021 Semen straw package from dream team sires G113 (2 straws) and Y408 (2 straws)
Using our 10+ years of carcase data records, we measure and select only the best performing genetics to grow our Wagyu herd.
