Australian Wagyu Association Releases New Wagyu Breeder Index

The Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) has announced the implementation of a new BreedObject Selection Index. The Wagyu Breeder Index (WBI) was released in the June 2020 Wagyu BREEDPLAN analysis and brings the number of selection indexes published by AWA to four. Other selection indexes available to Wagyu breeders are the Self-Replacing Breeding Index (SRI), the Fullblood Terminal Index (FTI) and the F1 Terminal Index (F1 Index).

The AWA CEO, Dr Matt McDonagh affirmed that each of the Wagyu Selection Indexes are targeted specifically to a defined production and market scenario and that members should identify and use the index that best suits their purpose. It is not appropriate to compare index values of different Indexes as they are based on different production model assumptions. “It is not the index with the highest dollar value that you should use; it is the index that best reflects your production system,” Matt said. The new Wagyu Breeder Index is described below:

Wagyu Breeder Index (WBI) estimates the genetic differences between animals in net profitability per cow joined in a commercial Fullblood or Purebred self-replacing herd that has a low-input, grass-based production, typical of Australian pastoral systems. Heifers are retained for breeding and steers and surplus females are sold as feeders for feedlot finishing. Steers are assumed to be slaughtered at 32 months after 550 days of feedlot finishing targeting 460kg carcases. Heifers are retained for breeding and therefore maternal traits are of importance. Marbling is targeted at breed average to optimise growth and maternal traits.

Further information on the new Wagyu selection indexes can be found on the AWA website: https://www.wagyu.org.au/formembers/wagyu_breedobject_indexes. Alternatively, contact Carel Teseling, SBTS Technical Officer for Wagyu on (02) 8880 7703 or via email carel@wagyu.org.au.