Australianwagyuupdate vol 63 by Australian Wagyu Association

UPDATE

TH E AUSTRALIAN

WAGYU

Vol. 63 The Wagyu industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier trade magazine produced by the Australian Wagyu Association www.wagyu.org.au September 2016

AUSTRALIA'S FIRST WAGYU SIRE PROGENY TEST PROGRAM

u n d e r wa y

INSIDE ....

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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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Maydan Feedlot phone 07 4667 4785 (office) Geoff Willett (owner)

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CONTENTS 7

Wagyu sire progeny test underway

Year of tremendous change

Wagyu revolution hits the UK

Australian Wagyu strengthens links with Germany

The how and why of scour outbreaks

23 New test reveals Wagyu content 25 Wagyu influenced cattle registration 28 Wagyu numbers continue to grow 33 Wagyu sired weaners make 727 cents live 34 Wagyu semen at $3050 per straw 36 Big opportunity for genetic exporters 41

2016 conference largest ever

44 First tie entrant takes top award 46 Post-conference tour proves popular again 49 New horizons for Kuro Kin 50 Myths and misunderstandings about omega 3, oleic acids in beef need to be addressed

Publisher THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU ASSOCIATION (AWA) office@wagyu.org.au 02 6773 3355 Consulting Editor GEOFF PHILLIPS geoffphi@ozemail.com.au 0411 413 599 Contributing Writers GRAHAM TRUSCOTT, GEOFF PHILLIPS, CAREL TESELING, JON CONDON and ENOCH BERGMAN Art Direction HEATHER FRAZIER heather@squishcreative.com 0432 949 764 GENERAL ENQUIRIES AWA Marketing and Communications Manager GEOFF PHILLIPS geoffphi@ozemail.com.au

0411 413 599

AWA Chief Executive Officer GRAHAM TRUSCOTT office@wagyu.org.au

02 6773 3355

Wagyu Update advertising enquiries HEATHER FRAZIER heather@squishcreative.com 0432 949 764

34 ON THE COVER The Australian Wagyu Association and Kerwee Feedlot have launched a Wagyu Sire Progeny Test with a strong focus on Net Feed Efficiency. See page 7. The Australian Wagyu Update magazine is printed by Litho Art on paper stock derived from sustainable forests that are managed to ensure their renewability and preserve natural eco-systems for generations to come. All content is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission from the publisher. 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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opinion

PERSONS NAME

CELEBRATING A MILESTONE FOR WAGYU GENETICS

TITLE FOR ARTICLE

Happy 90th Birthday to Mr Shogo Takeda Japan’s Premier Wagyu Breeder

With sincere acknowledgement of your visit to Western Australia in May this year thereby providing your seal of approval for our ‘Exclusively Pilbara Wagyu’ product. With gratitude for our privileged access to your genetics knowledge transfer, making it possible for Pardoo Beef Corporation to win the 2016 Wagyu Branded Beef Competition’s Grand Champion Wagyu Brand in the Hunter Valley. We look forward to growing the Exclusively Pilbara Wagyu Brand with your knowledge and support.

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

WAGYU SIRE PROGENY TEST UNDERWAY The Wagyu breed is set to benefit immensely from Australia’s first Wagyu sire progeny test program. Australian Wagyu Association and Kerwee Lot Feeders on Queensland’s Darling Downs have developed a comprehensive program with the first intake of 180 head representing nine sires in the feedlot since August 4. Kerwee has installed GrowSafe feed bins, the first in a commercial feedlot in Australia, in two feed yards with a total capacity of 180 head. Three intakes a year can be assessed. The first intake are all from Darren Hamblin’s Strathdale Wagyu operation in Central Queensland keen to quickly discover the genetic abilities, especially for feed efficiency, of a team of high indexing sires. “We are keen to support Kerwee as well as the industry which is set to gain so much from this project”, said Mr Hamblin who has an extensive growth and carcase database but this NFI testing will “ fill in a missing part of the financial puzzle”.

Until now we have been able to determine growth and carcase quality but this adds another element. GrowSafe feeder bins ready for the Wagyu steers at Kerwee.

“We could have sires that are equal for growth and carcase but we have not been able to identify which one converts feed to weight most efficiently. “Initial data indicates weight gains in the trial are pretty much in line with what our previous data is telling us,” he said. To make this first intake even more interesting for the Wagyu industry, three widely used industry link sires are among the nine sires with progeny in the first cohort. They are Industry link sires: ITOSHIGENAMI (imp USA) IMUFQTF148 ........ 57 progeny ITOSHIGEFUJI (imp USA) IMUFQTF147 ........ 7 progeny WORLD K’S MICHIFUKU WKSFM0164 ........ 23 progeny WORLD K’S MICHITSURU WKSFU0006 ........ 11 progeny The other six sires represented in the inaugural trial have eight to 20 progeny each. At least five progeny from each of two Wagyu sires per property are required to be part of the program. The next intake is at the end of October with entries required by the end of September. Each intake is restricted to 180 head and bookings are being taken now. The first cohort of 180 head will have been

Staff at Kerwee Feedlot collecting data for the Wagyu sire progeny test program.

on feed for 100 days and the second cohort will be settling in when a Wagyu field day/ workshop will visit Kerwee on Monday November 14 when the program will be explained and demonstrated in detail. Kerwee is responsible for a 28 day settling in period, NFI testing over 70 days, custom feeding for another 350 days, regular weighing and provision of data to owners and the AWA to use in BREEDPLAN EBV generation. Carcase analysis will include digital imaging through a camera specially developed in Japan to assess Wagyu-type carcases for eye muscle area, marbling percentage and marbling fineness with an accuracy much greater than through visual assessment. AWA technical services manager Carel Teseling said because Wagyu were long fed on grain, feed efficiency is crucial. “High ranking Wagyu bulls are in demand and the early adopters of this new testing procedure to identify superior sires will be the ones to benefit,” said Mr Teseling. He used as an example the sale of 10 straws of semen for the breed’s leading Fullblood Terminal Index sire at the 2016 Wagyu Conference for $30,500 or $3050/straw. The buyer was from overseas. “The industry is hungry for proven genetics”, he said. Kerwee Feedlot general manager Steve Martin said the data collection was important to his company which specializes in long fed high quality beef production and efficient cost of gain was crucial to their operation. “Feed efficiency can vary up to 15% between animals and in the case of a Wagyu on feed for 400 days, can result in 6% or $240/ head difference in current production costs. >>> THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

WAGYU SIRE PROGENY TEST SCHEDULE

2016 START DATE

Entries close Cattle arrival and induction Hair samples collected Genotyping Net Feed Intake induction Net Feed Intake Testing NFI data Load to AWA NFI results report to member NFI report to AWA conference Custom feeding Transport and kill Carcase assessment and sale Carcase results report to member Final results report - AWA conference

Cohort one Cohort two

2017 O

www.beefcorp.com.au Ph 03 5368 2345

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

2018 A

30-06-16 30-09-16 13-07-16 18-10-16 13-07-16 18-10-16 13-07-16 18-10-16 10-08-16 22-11-16 07-09-16 13-12-16 15-11-16 22-02-17 21-11-16 24-02-17 01/05/17 01/05/17 26-11-16 08-03-17 15-11-17 08-03-18 17-11-17 10-03-18 20-11-17 11-03-18 09-05-18 09-05-18

For an entry form for the next intake or for more information about the project visit www.wagyu.org.au/progenytesting

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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

ceo update

GRAHAM TRUSCOTT

REFLECTIONS ON A YEAR OF TREMENDOUS CHANGE What a remarkable year the Australian Wagyu industry has had. As we finalise our financial year it is sobering to reflect on a year of excitement, growth and tremendous change. Wagyu feeder prices hit record levels at $6.56/kg live through AuctionsPlus. Semen sold to $3050/straw at the Wagyu Fullblood 100% International Sale. Over 400 people experienced the amazing Wagyu energy at the Wagyu Revolution Conference. 160 people saw full supply chain operations in the Wagyu at Work in the Hunter Tour. Registrations hit 8050 by end 2015 lifting Wagyu to number 6 against all other beef breeds. 2016/17 promises to be all this and more as the Australian beef industry awakens to the profound benefit of Wagyu to the national beef turn-off.

CORPORATE 2016/17 BUSINESS PLANS AND BUDGET The 2016–2020 Strategic Plan has provided the foundation for the AWA Business Plans and Budget for 2016/17, approved by the Board in June. All Corporate Goals will be advanced and the budget turn-over lifted by 38% to a turn-over of $1.83 million.

MARKETING

thirds of the 160 attendees being new to

the latest Wagyu commercial production

Wagyu, getting the good oil on the entire

projections to 2020 (no. head) below:

registrations process from Senior Registrar Sarah Balla and BREEDPLAN data entry and use from Technical Services Manager

»» 276,000 head turn-off (74,000 tonnes beef)

Carel Teseling. Excellent supply chain

While this supply looks remarkably

recording information was also provided

high, MLA Managing Director Richard

on tagging by Allflex, herd management

Norton reported extensive domestic and

systems by Practical Systems, scours

international market analysis with the

management by veterinarian Enoch

finding showing that such supply is not

Bergman and genetic and genomic testing

expected to saturate the market by 2020.

by the University of Queensland Animal

Many other sessions provided vital

Genetics Laboratory. These sessions were

information to the Wagyu value chain

recorded and are freely available on the

participants. All sessions have been videoed

AWA website – strongly recommended

and are available free of charge as a bonus

viewing for all animal recording members.

to all conference attendees. Others will

The Wagyu Revolution Conference as true to its

need to pay a small fee through the website,

name showing the power and direction of the

considered remarkably cost-effective by all

Wagyu brand. CEO Graham Truscott presented

who have viewed these productions.

900,000 800,000 700,000 600,000

WAGYU REVOLUTION CONFERENCE

500,000

What a great time we all had at our annual “gathering of the clan” conference in the Hunter Valley. While many old timers met and shared the year with friends, the really exciting attendance was our new players, with over one third of the 400 attendees new to the Wagyu brand. The pre-conference workshop once again proved a great success with over two

400,000

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

»» 821,000 joinings, 5.7% female beef herd

Wagyu commercial production projections (no. head)

300,000

JOININGS (hd)

200,000

TURN-OFF (hd)

100,000

RETAINED FOR BREEDING (hd)

0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020

WAGYU AT WORK IN THE HUNTER TOUR

GENETIC IMPROVEMENT

The Wagyu Tour has rapidly become an institution with over 160 attendees gaining real experience and first hand on-site viewing of some of Australia’s leading seedstock producers, vertically integrated businesses and feedlot operations.

WAGYU CONTENT REGISTER - NOW AVAILABLE

WAGYU FULLBLOOD 100% INTERNATIONAL SALE – SET NEW SEEDSTOCK PRICING BENCHMARKS This annual elite Wagyu sale demonstrated the changing face of Wagyu seedstock selection. Almost half the lots offered were in the top 10% of the Fullblood Terminal Index with EBVs to match.

The Wagyu Content Register is now available for the registrations of animals with Wagyu content. This much needed service will see rapid growth as many animals so far excluded from the very real capital value benefits of AWA registration can now enter the register and be performance data recorded for inclusion in Wagyu BREEDPLAN genetic analysis. See the Australian Wagyu Association website for the bylaws governing the Wagyu Content Register.

www.wagyu.org.au

Buyers actively sought out these genetics paying substantial premiums over lower performing items. Highlights were: »» 10 straws of world leading Mayura Itohhigenami Jnr semen sold for $30,050 or $3050/straw to the UK - an Australian record, and possibly a world record, for Wagyu semen. »» The sale, conducted by Landmark, grossed $319,250 with12 females selling to $11,000 and averaging $8416 »» Six young females in the top 10% of FTI offered by Peppermill Grove in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley averaged $9500 and included the top price, believed to be the highest auction price ever for a Wagyu female in Australia »» Fifteen bulls sold at an average $6567 with a top of $12,000 »» Thirty embryos sold in packages of six averaged $877/embryo with a top of $1100 for embryos. Anna Speers of Auctionsplus said the sale was one of the most successful through the online system with 61% of the bids placed through the online system. Landmark branches were responsible for buying close to half the offering for clients.

PREMIUM WAGYU SALE Our first commercial Premium Wagyu Sale was conducted on 8 June on AuctionsPlus with feeder steers selling to $6.09/kg live, bulls to $7000 and embryos to $1420. The Premium Wagyu Sale optimises value for vendors and buyers. Please support it.

ABOUT US > BY LAWS > DOWNLOAD PDF > REFER TO PART A REGULATIONS - SECTION 2.5

For further information contact Carel Teseling, AWA Technical Services Manager (contact details below).

WAGYU SIRE PROGENY TEST PROGRAM This program is set to take off with the GrowSafe feed bins now installed at Kerwee Lot Feeders at Jondaryan, QLD for Net Feed Intake (NFI) testing.

WAGYU SINGLE STEP BREEDPLAN GENOMIC ANALYSIS This long awaited genomic inclusion in BREEDPLAN is close to production. Tested and proven successful in the Wagyu Collaborative Genetic Research Project – Stage 1, this analysis will incorporate the thousands of genotypes already produced for Wagyu sires and slaughter animals by AWA into Wagyu BREEDPLAN, delivering genomically enhanced EBVs and enabling animals with nothing but a DNA sample to obtain genetic prediction. Both breeding animals and feeders will gain great benefit. Lot feeders will be able to analyse feeder cattle prior to purchase and determine which animals will benefit from the traditional Wagyu long feeding and which should not be included, saving on the large feed bills. This technology is expected to be tested around September and available at the end of the calendar year. Graham Truscott Chief Executive Officer Australian Wagyu Association

Interest is strong with the first full intake of 180 steers in sire cohort groups of at least five per sire being booked in. Entry forms are now available. Further information is available for the Sire Progeny Test Program. Contact SIRE PROGENY TEST PROGRAM

Carel Teseling AWA Technical Services Manager

02 6773 4222 0439 368 283 carel@wagyu.org.au

FEEDLOT PRODUCTION AND CARCASE GRID PRICING

Steve Martin General Manager Feedlot Operations Kerwee Lot Feeders Pty Ltd.

07 4692 2277 0437 569 765 smartin@kerwee.com.au

WAGYU the marbling breed THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

WAGYU REVOLUTION HITS THE UK! The Wagyu Breeders Association (WBA) held its first ‘UK Wagyu Revolution Conference’ at High Warrendale Farm, Warter, East Yorkshire on June 27 where the clear message to the 100 delegates present was that Wagyu beef was set to revolutionise British cattle farming.

The delegates were told about the huge potential for growth in the Wagyu premium beef market and that the UK could become the Europe-wide hub in the global Wagyu industry.

Wagyu Revolution Conference and gave a commercial farmer’s perspective on his switch from Hereford cattle and a handful of Wagyu in 2015 to having over 1,000 Wagyu calves on the ground in 2016.

Keynote speaker was Graham Truscott, CEO of the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA), who presented on the global Wagyu situation and the opportunities for UK farmers to capitalise on the tremendous demand worldwide for premium Wagyu beef.

He summarised the latest findings of the world’s leading researcher on the ‘healthiness’ of marbled Wagyu beef, Dr Stephen Smith of Texas A&M, which indicate Wagyu beef contains extraordinary amounts of monounsaturated ‘healthy’ oleic acid.

Mr Truscott has overseen the huge success of Wagyu in Australia where membership in the past 12 months grew by 32% and registrations of cattle by 20%, with numbers predicted to triple in the next few years.

“Healthiness in all foods is a major focus,

“Overall interest in Wagyu is growing rapidly in Britain and Ireland with strong opportunities for marketing into high end restaurant and retail sectors,” he said.

and none more so than at the premium pricing level. Customers willing and able to pay for the best expect the best, and that often equates to health benefits,” he said. The fundamental strategy of the WBA is for customers throughout the supply chain to have confidence in the integrity

WBA Chairman, Mike Tucker, added: “The inherent qualities of Wagyu beef are tenderness, marbling and healthy eating which drive premium and profit. A key message from the conference is that demand for Wagyu will continue to outstrip supply for many years so those getting on board now will be well-rewarded into the future. Our vision is to give the beef sector a new, exciting and viable option and to take the lead in improving the eating experience in the red meat industry.”

and provenance of Wagyu beef. Wagyu

AWA Board Member and Treasurer Steve Binnie also attended the UK

Europe, establishing Britain as a hub for

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

producers have at their disposal a cuttingedge, online registration and DNA tag interface which means animals can be marketed through established British Wagyu branding backed by robust science to ensure lifetime traceability. Concluding, Mr Truscott said: “AWA's Service Agreement with the Wagyu Breeders Association (UK) has been extended to include the whole of channelling membership, registrations and

data into Breedplan’s single global Wagyu database.” The Wagyu Breeders Association (UK), believed to be the first new UK beef breed society in over 20 years, aims to promote Wagyu cattle breeding in Britain and Ireland and its premium beef to add value to all parts of the supply chain. Its launch took place in Tetbury, Glocs 11-12 November 2014. WBA Chairman is well-known agricultural and equestrian commentator Mike Tucker who is part of a team of Directors comprising: Jonathan Shepherd of World Beef Solutions; Jim Bloom of the Yorkshire Wagyu Company together with Martine Chapman of Highland Wagyu, the UK’s largest producer of Wagyu livestock, and Rob Cumine, Agriculture Manager for Coles Supermarket (Australia), and founder of Clearview Farming, Pembrokeshire. WBA Company Secretary is Richard Saunders who has over 10 years’ experience in the UK pedigree livestock industry. The AWA is widely recognised as one of the foremost Wagyu associations in the world which is able to harness the worldleading technology of ABRI (Agricultural Business Research Institute) which provides livestock recording systems like BREEDPLAN. In May 2016, the WBA signed an Agreement with Spain for Spanish Wagyu breeders to use the WBA Interface to

register their in-country fullblood and crossbred Wagyu cattle. In June 2016, the AWA's Service Agreement with the Wagyu Breeders Association was extended to include Europe, establishing Britain as a hub for channelling membership, registrations and data into the single global BREEDPLAN database supported by ABRI.

Australian Wagyu Association's Graham Truscott and Steve Binnie with UK Wagyu breeders.

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

Pictured above, German Wagyu breeders with AWA CEO Graham Truscott (in hat) and his wife Evie on Graham's right.

AUSTRALIAN WAGYU STRENGTHENS LINKS WITH GERMANY AWA CEO Graham Truscott presented the global Wagyu situation and Australia's production systems at 2016 AGM in Havelberg near Berlin. Conference and the Australian Wagyu

The AWA CEO was very warmly welcomed and presented to 90 of their 125 members covering:

Association establishment of the World

»» Wagyu's Japanese origins and genetic

Following the successful World Wagyu

Congress of Wagyu producing countries, the German Wagyu Association invited Australian Wagyu Association CEO Graham Truscott present to the global Wagyu situation and Australia's production systems at their 2016 AGM in Havelberg near Berlin in July.

export internationally »» Australia's use of Wagyu and supply chains »» Wagyu marketing and global market situation »» Opportunities for membership, registration and genetic analysis through the Wagyu Breeders Association (UK) and into AWA databases through the AWA/WBA Management Services Agreement »» Wagyu BREEDPLAN genetic analysis »» Genetic condition recording and management »» Wagyu breed verification. “Australia is highly respected in the Wagyu world and our fellow German Wagyu breeders have expressed strong interest in AWA membership, registration and Breedplan genetic analysis which they plan to consider through the Wagyu Breeders Association (UK),” said Mr Truscott. While coming from a small production base, Germany’s Wagyu membership has grown rapidly, by some 70% over the past year, showing great opportunity for marketing and consumption growth in a country renowned for its love of meat.

At the German Wagyu Association's AGM were Ronald Haake, Andreas Schroder, Graham Truscott (Australia), Benjamin Junk, Klaus Mobius (GWA President) and Hans Jurgen-Kuhl (GWA Treasurer). 14

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

“AWA will look forward to working more closely with the German Wagyu Association in future years”, he said.

Johnston’s Livestock Transport “Specialising in the transportation of Wagyu Australia-wide” Johnston’s Livestock Transport has a modern fleet of purpose built trucks and trailers, capable of hauling any combination from two (2) decks to six (6) decks. All trailers are load friendly with airbag suspensions and of ‘bruise free’ design. All prime movers are fitted with state of the art communication systems including satellite tracking navigation systems, which help to take the guess work out of loading and unloading times. Drivers are experienced livestock personnel, many of whom are long-term employees. We have extensive accreditation systems in place, including Truck Safe, Truck Care, N.H.V.A.S Mass, Maintenance & Fatigue with drivers also holding extended driving hours certificates. Johnston’s Livestock Transport will transport livestock to and from any place on the Australian mainland. Although based on the Darling Downs we have transported cattle from the West Coast of Western Australia and the Northern Territory to the Eastern Seaboard. While we primarily specialise in the safe transport of Wagyu Cattle Australia wide we also cart all other breeds. The importance of animal welfare in our operation is paramount. GEORGE JOHNSTON PROPRIETOR Postal Address: P.O Box 703, Toowoomba QLD 4350 BH: (07) 4636 0931 F: (07) 4613 6112 M: 0429 347 772 E: George@icr.com.au

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

vet advice

ENOCH BERGMAN

THE HOW AND WHY OF SCOUR OUTBREAKS

The goal of my talk on scours at the Wagyu Conference was to challenge the audience to think critically about scours, with less emphasis on the diseases themselves, and more on the epidemiology of disease and how to use this knowledge to our advantage. The talk can be streamed along with the other talks from the 2016 Wagyu Revolution Workshop. Videos are also available for all sessions of the entire two day conference. Registered conference delegates can access the videos for free otherwise a small fee applies for anyone who couldn't make the conference. There were some great talks delivered by a wide range of excellent speakers. Be sure to log on and have a look, I guarantee you will learn far more than your investment!

www.wagyu.org.au

BREEDING WAGYU > WORKSHOP 'HOW TO' VIDEOS

Enoch Bergman Swans Veterinary Services, WA 16

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

Simply put, if we can get them through the first couple of months of life, Wagyu cattle will practically live as long as we ask them to! So what is the deal with scours? Why does it happen some years and not others? Why does it seem to be worse in Wagyu calves? What can we do to try to prevent it?

EN V IR

I hope that everyone who attended the 2016 Wagyu Revolution get together at Hunter Valley had as much fun and learned as much as I did! Following on from my talk relating to scours management, Carel Teseling and the board have asked me to write up a bit of what I spoke about for the Wagyu Update.

Wagyu cattle are renowned for their vigor, however they are equally famous for their susceptibility to scours in early life.

The goal of this article is to help you to understand both how and why scours outbreaks occur, rather than how to treat sick calves. In essence, scours outbreaks are due to the interplay between the disease agents present, the host’s (calf’s) immune defenses, and the environment they live in. All infectious diseases evolved to survive and reproduce. An epidemic is initiated when a disease “replicates” at a rate greater than one single infection leading to more than one secondary infection. For example, if a disease had a reproductive rate of two, one infected calf could infect two other calves, those two calves could then infect four calves, those four calves could then infect eight calves… the effect is exponential! In this example, the epidemic would continue until half of the at risk population became immune, halving the number of secondary infections. In essence, a disease’s “reproductive rate” is based upon how infectious a sick animal is, how many animals it meets whilst infective, and how many of the animals it meets are susceptible. If we can reduce the number of sick animals, shorten how long they are sick (or infectious), or bolster the immunity of the “healthy” population, we can stop a scours case from turning into a scours epidemic! The other aspect of scours outbreaks is environmental pathogen load. As a scours outbreak or epidemic progresses, the local environment becomes lethal. Juggling these three balls effectively is the key to managing scours! The source of most scours outbreaks is likely from the dams themselves. Some cows chronically and asymptomatically carry low levels of the variety of disease agents associated with scours. Bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, virus such as rotavirus and coronavirus, and even protozoa such as cryptosporida to name a few. Some

scours outbreaks are limited to one agent, but often, multiple agents can be involved. Regardless, all outbreaks start when the first calf succumbs. That calf will then go on to incubate and amplify the infecting disease agent, greatly increasing the pathogen load within the population. This may lead to a number of calves succumbing, incubating, and further amplifying the pathogen load. Soon, the environmental load overwhelms the population. If only we could start the calving season over again… Calves are born without any immunity to any disease. They passively acquire immunity by ingesting colostrum, which their mothers had produced in the month or so leading up to calving. The immunity of the dam dictates the quality of the colostrum. Both Wagyu and young dams produce poorer quality and lower quantities of colostrum.

Ultravac Scourshield and Bovilis Rotavec Corona are both designed to immunize cows to rotavirus, coronavirus, and E. coli. Bovilis S immunizes cows to salmonella. Pestigard immunizes cows to BVDV. A wide range of clostridial vaccines can immunize calves to clostridial pathogens. All vaccines are designed to reduce the incidence and severity of infection. No vaccine is 100% effective. Calves that ingest colostrum specific to the disease agent they are challenged with are less likely to succumb, likely are less infectious if they do, and are likely infectious for a shorter period of time. This is how vaccines can help to reduce a disease’s “reproductive rate” hopefully to below one… stopping the exponential effect that results in an

epidemic. However, diseases really want to survive, and variation in strains is one of their defenses. Sometimes vaccines miss the mark, and we shouldn’t regard them as a silver bullets, but more accurately as a useful set of tools. Managing the cows diet to ensure an adequate level of protein and plane of nutrition into the lead up to calving will improve the quality of colostrum. Routine management of parasitism and ensuring adequate micromineral status are as important for colostral quality and to set up the fetus’s reserves as they are for the >>>

Dams that are both young and Wagyu may have very poor colostrum indeed! The quality of colostrum can be improved specifically for some scours agents by vaccinating the dams prior to calving.

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

<<< animal’s growth and reproduction and should be managed carefully in consultation with your veterinarian. Colostrum initially provides local direct gut immunity, providing direct protection of the calf ’s GI tract, but more importantly, over the first 12 to 24 hours of life, the immuno-globulin present in the colostrum is absorbed into the calf ’s blood and lymphatic system, providing passive immunity for the calf intended to last until the calf develops its own active immunity. The success of this passive immunity is dependent upon the quality of colostrum, the amount consumed, and even the health of the calf. For instance, calves that have suffered calving difficulties are poorer at absorbing colostrum. Even when perfect, the dynamics of neonatal calf immunity seems to create a window of peak susceptibility for young calves to scours agents at around two weeks of age, as passive immunity wanes and active immunity develops. Acknowledging and managing this risk is paramount to success in mitigating scours outbreaks. David Smith, working with other researchers at the University of Nebraska Lincoln closely studied the epidemiology of scours in the extensive Sandhills region of Nebraska leading to the development of what is now known as the Sandhills Calving System. David and his co-researchers documented that most calves that died from scours were older than one week but less than two weeks of age. Over 75% of the calves that died were in their second week of life. However, mortalities didn’t usually begin occurring until the third week of the calving season, requiring time for the first calves affected to amplify pathogen load to lethal levels. Once mortalities started, the incidence worsened over time. It soon became apparent that the older calves had set the scene for the mortalities observed in the young, later born calves. From their findings, David and his team formalized a scours management strategy to “restart” groups of high risk calving cows by moving cows yet to calve out of paddocks, leaving those that had calved behind. By doing so, they were essentially “starting over the calving season” and preventing older calves from exposing younger calves. The new calves would be born into a less contaminated environment and the calves that remained behind would be approaching an age wherein their own developing immunity would be sufficient to fend off the scours challenge. Their strategy advocated making the first draft two weeks into the calving season, followed by weekly drafts. Eventually, there would be four groups of cows with calves and one group still calving. As the calves in the management groups 18

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

FREQUENCY OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS BY WEEKS

COUNT 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 MAY 1

MAY 8

MAY15

MAY 22 MAY 29 JUNE 5 JUNE 12 JUNE 19 JUNE 26 JULY 3

MAY 2

MAY 9

MAY 16 MAY 23 MAY 30 JUNE 6 JUNE 13 JUNE 20 JUNE 27 JULY 4

DATE OF BIRTH

FIGURE 1

DEATHS

DURING WEEK 5, cows are calving in the 4th pasture and calves born in the previous pasture remain behind in age-related groups. THE CONCEPT is to create conditions of the first week of calving season during each of the remaining weeks of the calving season.

PASTURE 8

PASTURE 7

PASTURE 6

SANDHILLS CALVING SYSTEM IN WEEK 5

PASTURE 1 3-4 WEEK OLD PAIRS

PASTURE 2 2 WEEK OLD PAIRS

PASTURE 3 1 WEEK OLD PAIRS

left behind reached one month of age, they could then be boxed back up with the cows with older calves, eventuating in the entire mob regrouping by one month after the calving season ended. The results were and have remained phenomenal. Their first trial property of 800 breeders went from losing an average of 80 calves per season to no mortalities and reduced their treatment rate to 4% of their prior level. The second trial property, previously suffering similar losses, reduced their mortalities from scours to zero as well. The advantages of restarting the calving season are obvious, however, some producers may find the prospect of weekly drafting off their pregnant breeders daunting. Further, some producers may find that scours outbreaks are hit and miss and >>>

PASTURE 4 CALVING PASTURE

PASTURE 5

Â®

AUSTRALIA

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Enoch Bergman (Swans Veterinary Services) and Mark James (Irongate Wagyu) collecting a DNA sample in Mark’s custom calf catcher, perfect for pushing pairs out of the calving paddock. Calves are identified, tagged, NLIS’ed, ear marked, DNA tested, treated with Mutimin and Hy B12, and treated with a probiotic.

<<< relatively hard to predict. Implementing a management practice for a sporadically occurring syndrome may not always pencil out for every mob, even for calves as valuable as Wagyu. What can we do to make things easier?

would make segregation easier and would further tighten calving groups. The first group of pregnancies would be fairly tight, and subsequent estruses would occur approximately 21 days apart, spreading out over time.

Producers could draft less frequently. Every two weeks, three weeks, or even splitting the calving in half will all have a positive impact. Rather than working off the calendar, some producers use calf numbers as a trigger for drafting. A strategy that I have long advocated is drafting once animals begin showing symptoms. Another strategy worth considering is focusing on your maidens, perhaps placing them on a more structured program and managing older parities differently.

Some producers mark their calves at birth, identifying parentage, tagging, and collecting DNA. This presents an opportunity to drift those pairs off into a paddock adjacent to the calving population. After an appropriate period of time, new pairs could be drifted into a different paddock, similar to the Sandhills calving system, merely in reverse. If handling calves at birth, supplementing the calves immediately with microminerals and potentially probiotics may further assist in setting up their immune defences. If BVDV is endemic, screening the calves, either as an add on to genetics testing through UQ, or directly by ear notch, to remove PI’s will reduce the incidence of scours. PI calves have a profoundly immune suppressive affect on the calves they are reared with.

A proactive alternative would be to ask your veterinarian to segregate gestational ages at pregnancy diagnosis. They will be able to draft them most accurately if done early in gestation, preferably six weeks after the end of the mating program. Synchronizing the cows prior to mating, or even integrating one round of Fixed Time AI at the beginning of mating 20

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

Wagyu calves have been historically raised in small groups or even bottle reared in

isolation. Historically, there had not been significant challenge from the scours agents that are endemic in Australian beef and dairy herds. I believe we can successfully integrate strategies to reduce the likelihood of scours in our Wagyu herds utilizing our understanding of the epidemiology of disease as described, but in the end, the long game is to identify and select away from individuals susceptible to scours. One day we may even be able to develop an EBV for exactly that! In the mean time, don’t just try to treat scours, break the cycle!

Enoch Bergman Swans Veterinary Services, WA

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NEW TEST REVEALS WAGYU CONTENT The Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) has pioneered the development of a genomically based test for the determination of Wagyu breed content within crossbred animal.

The Crossbred Wagyu Content Test

REFERENCE DATASET

It is expected that the Australian beef

development was contracted with the

industry will benefit from the use of the

Low-Density GeneSeek Genomic Profiler

The reference dataset used by the software currently has more than 10,000 genotypes representing the most prominent Australian beef breeds and consists of:

(GGPLD), are being used by the software

»» Approximately 1600 Wagyu genotypes

software will also be used in the Single

Animal Genetics & Breeding Unit (AGBU). SNP genotypes, generated through the

to calculate the percentage of black Wagyu content through a two step process: 1) Calculate breed allele frequencies The software calculates the unique allele frequencies for each breed in the reference dataset. 2) Calculate the correlation The correlations between the allele frequencies of the reference breeds and the animal's genotype are calculated and this represents the Breed percentages.

It is expected that the Australian beef industry will benefit from the use of the Breed Content Test

ranging from Fullblood Wagyu 100% (almost exclusively Japanese Black) to Crossbred Wagyu F1 50% provided by AWA derived from its Wagyu Collaborative Genetics Research Project co-funded through the MLA Donor Company. »» Approximately 7000 genotypes from 10 other beef breeds largely provided from the Beef Co-operative Research Centres (Beef CRC’s) I, II and III cofunded by the beef industry and the MLA Donor Company. »» The 11 breeds currently having

Breed Content Test as it can be used to verify the breed composition of an animal represented in the reference dataset. The Step BREEDPLAN analysis to improve the breed composition identification of breed crosses. The Crossbred Wagyu Content Test has been validated using crossbred Wagyu genotypes of known breed composition and is ready to be piloted by AWA for the registration of animals into its newly developed Wagyu Content Register. It is important to note that the Wagyu percentage reflects the percentage ‘Japanese Black’ blood in the tested animal. The Crossbred Wagyu Content Test should therefore, at this stage, not be

genotypes in the reference dataset are Angus, Brahman, Charolais, Droughtmaster, Hereford, Limousin, Murray Grey, Santa Gertrudis, Simmental, Shorthorn and Wagyu.

used to determine the percentage Wagyu

»» AGBU is currently in the process of also

including Holstein genotypes in the reference dataset.

content of red Wagyu cattle. The development of the Crossbred Wagyu Content Test made it possible to develop and implement the Wagyu Content of animals with any level of Wagyu genetics in their pedigree. THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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registrations

CAREL TESELING

WAGYU INFLUENCED CATTLE CAN NOW BE REGISTERED The Wagyu Content Register has recently been established by the AWA board to facilitate the registration of Wagyu influenced animals which previously did not qualify to be registered. This will broaden the breed’s genetic base and add value to previously unregistable cattle while retaining integrity and value for Fullblood breeders. The purpose of this register is to allow the costeffective registration of animals containing Wagyu genetics and to facilitate their use as breeding stock. There are currently many animals that cannot be registered with AWA in its Herdbook as a Fullblood or Purebred Wagyu animal due to the strict parent verification requirements of the Herdbook Bylaws. It is anticipated that a significant number of these animals exist and that they can now be registered in the Content Register.

COMPARISON OF CONTENT REGISTER AND GRADING UP PROCESS The main differences between the current grading up process and the Content Register are: CURRENT GRADING-UP SECTION

CONTENT REGISTER (CR)

Only Fullblood and Purebred registered Wagyu bulls may be used as a sire

Any animal with a percentage Wagyu content can be registered in the Content Register and used as a parent

All calves must be parent verified to both sire and dam before registration

It shall be a requirement for the registration of a CR calf that its sire has a DNA profile recorded with AWA Prior to registration a hair sample of the animal will be provided to AWA Random parent verification will be conducted and an animal found to have an incorrect sire deregistered Parent verification of calves will not be a requirement for registration

The breed (or the apparent crossbreeds) of the base animal shall be recorded

If Wagyu content is claimed for a base animal, a Crossbred Wagyu Content test will be required for the animal If no Wagyu content is claimed for a base animal, the breed (or breed combination) of the base animal shall be recorded i.e. the dam of a calf to be registered in the Content Register is an Angus cow and registered as a base animal

Wagyu content is determined by the number of generations from the base animal: Gen. 0 – BASE Gen. 1 – F1 Gen. 2 – F2 Gen. 3 – F3 Gen. 4 – PUREBRED F4

0% WAGYU 50% WAGYU 75% WAGYU 87+ % WAGYU 93 + % WAGYU

Wagyu content of base animals are determined by the results of the Crossbred Wagyu Content Test

Wagyu content of non-base animals are calculated by the AWA system from the content of the sire and dam <<< THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

<<<

CONTENT REGISTER RULES

REGISTRATION PROCESS

»» The Content Register makes provision

1. Members complete the Content Register registration spreadsheet to notify AWA of the animals they wish to register in the Content Register

for the registration of Wagyu influenced animals not eligible for registration in the fullblood or purebred registers. »» It shall be a requirement for the registration of a Content Register calf that its sire has a DNA profile recorded with AWA at a minimum level to be specified by AWA. »» Prior to registration a hair sample of the animal will be provided to AWA. »» Parent verification of calves will not be required. »» Random sire verification of calves will be conducted at a frequency determined by the board at no cost to the animal owner. Animals found to have an incorrect sire will be deregistered if the correct sire is not identified by the owner at the owner’s cost. »» If no Wagyu content is claimed for a base animal, the breed (or breed combination) of the base animal shall be recorded.

2. AWA provides the member with a list of animals that need to be genotyped to ascertain Wagyu content. 3. AWA forwards a genotype request to UQ 4. Member sends the hair samples of animals to be genotyped directly to UQ 5. Member sends the hair samples of animals that does not need to be genotyped to AWA 6. UQ supplies AWA with genotype results 7. AWA calculate the percentage Wagyu content of the animals and registers them in the Content Register. Please contact AWA if you would like to register animals in the Content Register or wish to discuss the benefits of registering animals in this register further.

www.wagyu.org.au

»» If Wagyu content is claimed for a base animal, a breed content test will be required for the animal. »» Animals registered in the content register shall be assigned a percentage breed content calculated from the percentage Wagyu of the sire and dam or results from the Crossbred Wagyu Content Test. 26

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

Carel Teseling AWA Technical Services Manager

www.wagyu.org.au

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WAGYU NUMBERS CONTINUE TO GROW Wagyu numbers in Australia are growing at a faster rate than those of any other breed according to figures released by the Australian Registered Cattle Breeders’ Association (ARCBA). With 8,463 new Wagyu calves registered in 2015, Wagyu has climbed to 6th position in the breed hierarchy, up from 8th place in 2014 and 12th place ten years ago. MLA managing director Richard Norton who told the 2016 Wagyu Revolution Conference in the Hunter Valley that Wagyu beef was not expected to saturate demand by 2020.

Wagyu’s 2015 figure was up 12% on 2014’s and continues the breed’s growth since it first appeared in ARCBA statistics in 1993 with 72 cattle registered. Membership growth of the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) has been

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even more dramatic with a 39% lift in member numbers in the 12 month period during which time 68% of Australia’s beef breed organizations failed to increase membership numbers. “Cattle producers are recognizing the value of Wagyu membership which allows them to record their cattle and allows access to Wagyu’s innovative performance recording and genetic discovery programs which now

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contains carcase EBVs on more that 80,000 cattle,” said AWA CEO Graham Truscott. “Australia has taken an international leadership role in the performance recording of Wagyu cattle and the production of Wagyu beef. International demand for Australian Wagyu genetics and Wagyu beef produced by some of the nation’s largest pastoral and processing organizations will ensure the Wagyu growth continues,” he said. Mr Truscott said the boom in registration numbers was set to continue as 95% of the calves registered in 2015 were in the primary register (Fullblood and Purebreds) but AWA had just opened a secondary register called the Wagyu Content Register which will add genetic diversity to the Australian Wagyu herd and could increase registrations and

Strong brands that connect with consumers deliver premiums - consumers want a reason to spend greater dollars recordings by thousands a year. At the 2016 Wagyu Revolution Conference in the Hunter Valley, the 400 delegates were told the 2011 joinings to Wagyu sires was 90,000, this jumped 24% by 2014, and the AWA predicted 821,000 Wagyu joinings by 2020 with a turnoff of 276,000 head or 74,000 tonnes of Wagyu beef, 90% of which would be exported. “We predict 4,400 performance recorded Fullblood Wagyu bulls will be required each year to produce the calves to satisfy the demand for Australian Wagyu beef,” he said. The question of market saturation was also raised at the conference and was put to MLA managing director Richard Norton

who emphasized the importance of the positioning of premium quality beef. Many of Australia’s end markets are seeking a point of difference he said. Based on Wagyu production as projected at the conference, he said Wagyu beef was not expected to saturate demand by 2020. “The big emerging trend is that as incomes increase, consumers are more likely to expect greater taste and more enjoyment from eating beef and Wagyu clearly has a big role to play in that”. “Strong brands that connect with consumers deliver premiums - consumers want a reason to spend greater dollars,” said Mr Norton.

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WAGYU SIRED WEANERS MAKE 727 CENTS LIVE A pen of 34 mixed sex Wagyu X Angus weaners made 727c/kg live on the Australian Wagyu Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Premium Wagyu Sale on AuctionsPlus. This was for 11-12 months old weaners from Myrtleford, Vic. They weighed 225.6 kgs and made $1640/head returning the vendor $55,760. Six 18 to 23 months old Wagyu influenced heifers PTIC to Wagyu bulls made $2300/head for a Rockhamption, Qld, vendor. Three registered Fullblood cows from Mundoona, Vic, sold for $6500/head. A small selection of four bulls sold to a top of $9200 and averaged $7788. At the first Premium Wagyu Sale on June 8, a pen of 12 straight-bred 7 to 10 mths old Wagyu steers averaging 231.5 kgs from Bega, NSW, sold for 609c/kg live or $1410/head. Vendors Kimberly and Mark Furini, Ramble Lane Wagyu, Bega, NSW, were delighted with their first selling effort on AuctionsPlus and indicated they would have more cattle for future Premium Wagyu Sales. The steers went to Queensland.

656C/KG LIVE On July 1 on AuctionsPlus 64 weaned Wagyu X Angus steers from New England NSW sold for 656c/kg live or $2006/head. They were 9-11 months of age and averaged 306 kgs. Vendor was Yarraford Trust, Malabogie, Dundee, via Glen Innes.

HOW TO ENTER CATTLE The next Premium Wagyu Sale on AuctionsPlus is on Wednesday October 12 and is open to compliant commercial cattle right through to registered fullblood breeders and genetic lots. It is planned to hold the sale every second month. As with all AuctionsPlus sales, entries must be made through an agent. Plan early and contact your agent now.

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY Contact Geoff Phillips if you have a query 0411 413 599 or visit our website

A pen of nine heavier 301.9 kg Wagyu X Droughtmaster steers 10 to 13 mths from Millmerran, Qld, made 568c/kg live or $1715/head. While this Australian Wagyu Association sale is meant to be for commercial cattle, registered bulls and females plus genetic lots can also be listed. The 62 potential buyers who logged in kept up a steady flow of bids which followed 3197 views of the sale catalogue. Lots with strong performance figures drew the most bids. Top priced bull at $7000, Darley Suzufuku J2837, was offered by Lillian Jimenzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Darley stud that topped the bull section at the recent Elite Wagyu Sale at the Wagyu Conference. The latest sale topper is in the top 1% of the breed for EMA and the top 15% for marble score. Embryos, also from the Darley stud, sold to $1420/embryo or $7100 for a package of five. The donor sire is the USA based Itoshigenami from the top 1% of the breed for Fullblood terminal index and marble score. Darley sold 11 embryos, all from Blackmore donor dams, for an average $1200.

www.wagyu.org.au

EVENTS > PREMIUM WAGYU SALE

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

WAGYU SEMEN AT $3050 PER STRAW A package of 10 straws of Wagyu semen sold for $30,050 or $3050/straw in a record breaking sale at the 2016 Wagyu Revolution Conference in the New South Wales Hunter Valley. United Kingdom Wagyu breeder Rob Cumine placed his winning bid through Auctionsplus beating off a gallery of six bidders to obtain the semen from Mayura Itohhigenami Jnr offered by Scott de Bruin from Mt Gambier, SA.

the average Wagyu based on carcase weight, yield and marbling according to Wagyu Association CEO Graham Truscott.

This price has been claimed as an Australian record, and possibly a world record, for Wagyu semen.

The sale, conducted by Landmark, grossed $319,250 with12 females selling to $11,000 and averaging $8416 with the highlight being six young females in the top 10% of FTI offered by Peppermill Grove in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley. These averaged $9500 and included the top price, believed to be the highest auction price ever for a Wagyu female in Australia.

High carcase weight and marbling EBVs elevated this sire to the top 1% of the Fullblood Terminal Index (FTI) with 70 recorded progeny generating high reliability. The FTI figures indicate each of his progeny should be worth $500 more than

“Through AI, this bull could have say 1000 progeny a year which is a bonus of $500,000,” he said.

Fifteen bulls sold at an average $6823 with a top of $12,000 paid twice for bulls offered by Lillian Jimenez’s Darley stud, Chatswood, NSW and bought by Cabassi Wagyu, Brisbane. Biggest bull buyer was Charlie Hart of Landmark, Barraba, NSW, who purchased seven bulls for $32,000. These bulls will go to Landmark clients for F1 production in the Barraba region. Thirty embryos sold in packages of six averaged $877/embryo with a top of $1100 for embryos offered by Trent Bridge Wagyu, Armidale, NSW, and purchased by Overtime Partnership, Emerald, Qld.

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Through AI, this bull could have say 1000 progeny a year which is a bonus of $500,000

Above, Landmark’s John Settree, AWA president Peter Gilmore. vendor Scott de Bruin of Mayura Wagyu, and Anna Speers of AuctionsPlus celebrate the record breaking sale of Mayura semen for $3050/straw at the Elite Wagyu Sale at the 2016 Wagyu Revolution conference. Right, ADBFA0139 Mayura Itoshigenami Jnr (AI).

“The sale prices clearly corresponded to the EBV and Fullblood Terminal Index figures, indicating the market’s fast growing reliance on the AWA performance figures,” said Mr Truscott. Anna Speers of Auctionsplus said the sale was one of the most successful through the online system with 61% of the bids placed through the online system. Landmark branches were responsible for buying close to half the offering for clients.

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

We are doing great work within our industry in Australia, but we haven’t mastered how to export our genetics to the rest of the world. DR CED WISE

BIG OPPORTUNITY FOR GENETIC EXPORTERS Australia has the potential to be the world hub of Wagyu genetics. But Australia’s overall seedstock industry has a problem, veterinarian and artificial breeding expert Ced Wise told a stud cattle breeding forum at the Brisbane Ekka.

This report from Beef Central outlines the industry’s problems. 36

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

“We are hidebound, and we’re not expanding as an industry,” Dr Wise told the Australian Registered Cattle Breeders Association seminar, on the opening day of the Brisbane Ekka.

had been well documented.

“We are doing great work within our industry in Australia, but we haven’t mastered how to export our genetics to the rest of the world.”

the figure is around $7m-$8m a year.

Australian seedstock breeders had been very good genetic “hunters and gatherers”, he said. They had travelled the world to source the very best genetics available, brought them home and moulded them to their environment, and measured and multiplied those genetics very well.

Figures vary, with some breeders citing figures showing Australian exports of bovine genetics total less than $2m a year, while the Department of Agriculture says Either way, Australia, despite its wealth of quality, productive livestock genetics, is a bit player in a large global industry. Canada, with a herd of around 11 million cattle, half the size of Australia’s, exports $88m worth of bovine genetics each year. The US exports more than $140m per year. Perhaps more surprisingly, Canada, with just 800,000 sheep, also exports far more sheep genetics than Australia, with a flock

“But then we promptly sat back on our laurels, only to repeat the exercise in a decade or so, to go back and grab a few more.

of more than 70 million sheep.

“We have an abysmal record of participation in the world genetics semen and embryo trade, other than being buyers.”

support services should exceed $150

The true extent of Australia’s failure to develop a strong genetics export industry

Rickard and Don Nicol estimated the

More than a decade ago ARCBA estimated that the market for Australian live cattle breeding semen embryo and million per annum. At Beef 2012, leading geneticists Arthur market was over $300 million. >>>

105015-AUWagyuAdvert-d4.indd 2

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE 37 4/07/2016 12:05 PM

... a strong need exists for the formation of a single body to oversee the genetic export opportunity for all livestock industries – cattle (beef and dairy), sheep and goats. <<< Their seminal report identified several good reasons why Australia should be a major player in the export of cattle genetics: »» Australia already has the infrastructure and expertise to be major exporter of breeding cattle, »» Australia is free of most of the serious infection diseases of cattle, »» Australia has cattle of many breeds available from a range of climates to meet many markets, »» Many cattle are from large herds where effective selection is practised, »» Australia’s genetics are backed by world leading science (Beef and Dairy CRCs) and genetic evaluation systems (BREEDPLAN for beef and ADHIS for dairy cattle), »» All major breeds of cattle are backed by world-leading pedigree systems from ABRI, »» An independent quality assurance system is in place for both dairy and beef exports for breeding, and »» Technical support is available to importing countries. Ced Wise said Australian beef cattle genetics are unique to the world and ideally suited to tropical and sub-tropical climates, where most of the world’s cattle production is moving. Since the Rickards/Nicol report there has been a concerted push from elements within the Australian seedstock industry to grow this opportunity. Opinions are divided on how much has been achieved since that time. The Federal Government says progress is being made, pointing to work since 2013 to negotiate new or improved market 38

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

access for a range of cattle, sheep, goat and poultry genetic products into overseas markets including the United States, Chile, China, Mexico, India, Colombia, Peru, New Caledonia, and the Falkland Islands. Exports of bovine genetics had risen from $4.4 million in 2010-11 to $7.6 million in 2014-15, Ag minister Barnaby Joyce said. However, even with that growth, Australia still holds a very small share of the overall global market. Breeders say what is most needed is for the Federal Government to proactively negotiate a standard protocol with customer countries, and to help in the formation of a single body to manage and promote oversee livestock genetic exports from Australia. Breeders told Beef Central that Canada has a standard protocol with all importing countries, and as a result, their genetic exporters only have to conduct a single test on an animal to have access to a wide range of export markets for that animal's genetics. Australia by comparison had individual protocols with every individual importing country, and exporters must test the same animal multiple times to comply with the requirements of each customer country, adding significant costs and inhibiting opportunities. Difficulties interpreting each protocol were also a challenge. Government moves to develop a “genetic hub” based in Melbourne had led to increased fees for exporters without a corresponding increase in efficiency to offset the higher costs, Dr Wise said. New biosecurity legislation had also placed more restrictions and costs on exporters, further restricting export viability. The industry also needed better marketing,

Dr Wise said. “It is pretty simply really – it doesn’t happen,” he said. “We sit here and hope that somebody from around the world will come and knock on our door and it isn’t going to happen.” Dr Wise said a strong need exists for the formation of a single body to oversee the genetic export opportunity for all livestock industries – cattle (beef and dairy), sheep and goats. The good news for advocates of increased genetics exports is that their push gained funding support in the form of a $250,000 pre-election commitment by Federal agriculture minister Barnaby Joyce to the Ruminant Group Trade Advisory Group (RGTAG) to grow genetic export opportunities. However, Dr Wise said there was is still no clarity for the industry, or from the group that received the money – the dairy-focused National Herd Improvement Association – on how and where that money will be spent. Dr Wise said establishing a new multiindustry body with a permanent secretariat and a single point of contact embedded within Meat & Livestock Australia would be “a great place to start”. “We also need to develop an Australian standard protocol to minimise biosecurity risks but maximise market access.”

Become a member of Meat & Livestock Australia

Keep up to date on what your levies are delivering and have your say. MLA membership is FREE to levy‑paying livestock producers. Paying levies doesn’t automatically make you a member, you have to sign up.

MLA member benefits: • free subscription to Feedback magazine, packed with on‑farm best practice information and producer stories. • subscription to Friday Feedback weekly e‑newsletter, with timely and relevant on‑farm advice and industry news. • subscription to Meat & Livestock Weekly, with information on the latest prices, indicators and market news.

Other ways to keep in touch with MLA: meatandlivestockaustralia @meatlivestock meatandlivestock

• discounted entry to some MLA‑sponsored producer events. • have your say... vote at MLA’s Annual General Meeting.

To join MLA or find out more visit

mla.com.au

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

2016 CONFERENCE LARGEST EVER The 2016 Wagyu Revolution Conference at Crowne Plaza in the New South Wales Hunter Valley was the largest ever with the 400 delegates surpassing the 2015 attendance at the International Conference at Yeppoon, Qld. “Wagyu supply as projected is not expected to saturate demand by 2020”, was Meat & Livestock Australia’s Richard Norton’s message to delegates comprising a wide range of major industry players including veterans and newcomers. With many of Australia’s end markets seeking a point of difference, he told the information-hungry delegates the big emerging trend is that as incomes increase consumers are more likely to expect greater taste and more enjoyment from eating beef. “Wagyu clearly has a big role to play in that,” he said. “The challenge to the breed is to channel the increased turnoff in premium markets and the path to that is to know your consumer and your brand. “Be clear about why consumers buy Wagyu and the status the brand brings. “Strong brands that connect with consumers deliver premiums. Consumers want a reason to spend greater dollars”. Mr Norton used the American and

high end Asian markets as examples of consumers familiar with a marbled product. He suggested that Australian Wagyu was well positioned to take advantage of a market well prepared to consume Wagyu-type beef. Wagyu Association CEO Graham Truscott had some revealing data for delegates including the prediction that by 2020, there would be 821,000 joinings to Wagyu bulls in the nation’s herd. This is still less than 6% of the joinings to bulls of all breeds and together with the fact that more than 80% of Australia’s Wagyu beef is exported, leads to the assumption that supply will not exceed demand. He predicted that by 2020, a 276,000 head turnoff of Wagyu influenced cattle will produce 74,000 tonnes of beef. He based this on the 2011 Wagyu joinings of only 90,000 but by 2014 that had jumped by 24pc. Australian Wagyu Association membership increased by 32% in the past 12 months and registrations were up by 20pc in the same period. Delegates were told that Wagyu’s 10 year vision is to have the Wagyu influence in 5% of the nation’s herd, at present the figure is 1%. This will require 22,000 >>> THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

The challenge to the breed is to channel the increased turnoff in premium markets and the path to that is to know your consumer and your brand. <<< Wagyu bulls or 4400 per year to provide the genetics. All these bulls will need to carry good Estimated Breeding Values and indexes to predict performance. As well as EBVs, bull breeders must monitor structural soundness, fertility and become professional seedstock producers satisfying clients requirements. One common theme throughout the conference was the need to ensure product quality, integrity and consistency. Because of the number of newcomers to the breed at the conference, a special add-on one day workshop went through the processes involved in recording and identifying opportunities in the industry.

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

MLAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s managing director Richard Norton who told the conference that Wagyu supply is not expected to saturate demand by 2020.

If you missed the pre-conference workshop, videos are now available free of charge of these bonus sessions. To access, visit the Australian Wagyu Association website. Catch up on all presentationes including MLA's managing director Richard Norton's presentation given at the Wagyu Revolution conference. Visit the Australian Wagyu Association website to gain access to this valuable resource. Videos are free of charge to 2016 conference delegates and at a charge to non-delegates.

www.wagyu.org.au

EVENTS > CONFERENCE VIDEOS

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

D C HAMP A N 2016 I

EXHIBITOR & BRAND

U BRA

ET DB EEF COMP

Sire GWFC0022, IGWFB0006 or IGWFC0018 Wagyu % F2/F3 Breed of base dam F1/F2

FIRST TIME ENTRANT TAKES TOP AWARD AWA Wagyu Branded Beef Competition results announced

SCORE 830 Tm (°C) 39.2 Approx. days on feed 450 Approx. age at slaughter 60 months Feed ingredients Barley, Silage,Straw, Veg oil. Special ingredients Supplements - micro nutrients. Target market % Domestic 20% Export 80% Target carcase weight range 338 kg Extra info Female/cull cow

Pardoo Wagyu, headed by Singaporean businessman Bruce Cheong, may be new to the Wagyu business, but took out the top prize in the AWA’s Wagyu Branded Beef Competition. Results were announced at the 2016 Wagyu Revolution Conference in May.

F5 breeders and 6000 calves from

Pardoo’s only entry won a Gold medal in the crossbred class and was described by the judges a “Rich caramel toasty rounded flavor. Creamy silkiness tasting on the tongue. Great Wagyu memory rich explosion on the mouth”. It went on to be named Grand Champion Brand.

from a 450 day fed F2 or F3 five year

Pardoo has already invested hugely in Pilbara properties north of Perth and over the next three years and over the next three years will acquire 6000 44

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

Queensland based Hughes pastoral. By the end of 2019, Pardoo plans to be running over 10,000 high content

JUDGES COMMENTS Rich caramel toasty rounded flavour. Creamy silkiness lasting on the tongue. Great Wagyu memory rich explosion on the mouth.

Wagyu with 80% of the production exported. The Grand Champion was produced old cow by a Fullblood sire. The Crossbred class produced two Gold medals. The other was a MasterBeef entry, an F4 from a Brahman base. AACo’s entries won Gold in the

The only other Gold medallist was Stockyard Beef’s F1 Stockyard Silver entry in the Steak class which is for MS 5-7 entries. Details about all medal winners in the AWA Wagyu Branded Beef Competition are available from our website.

Fullblood and Commercial Steak Classes with Master Kobe the Fullblood and with an F1 Darling Downs Wagyu in the commercial steak class.

www.wagyu.org.au

EVENTS > BRANDED BEEF COMPETITION

WA DE

PARDOO WAGYU I

Target:

Japan

In global full blood Japanese Black production, the ultimate target for 2016 is performance superior to the Tokyo 2015 Carcass Champion, which demands achievement like: Japanese Meat Grading Assc. (JMGA) Overall Grade

Carcass weight

>570kg

JMGA BMS

Retail Yield

>70%

Or nearly 200kg heavier than average Australian ‘Japanese Black’ FB carcasses, with a 3X factor in overall superior marbling, and massive, unmeasured superiority in comparative carcass efficiency. To achieve this supreme carcass profitability, you need much more than Tajima.

NEW

TOTTORIGUNS Ginjo’s 2016 ‘Tottori Sons of Guns’ From a vein of rare heritage genetics, (see the Australian Wagyu Forum website) we offer licensed semen from two new full blood AI sires, with unique Tottori Prefecture infusion and highly credentialed pedigrees. To help you build herds that better compete with the master breeders of Japan, these young sires represent opportunities for exciting new combinations. ‘Eye candy’ conformation. Tested free of all Australiannotified recessive genetic conditions.

Ginjo genetics for sale

Image taken at 22 month of age

GINJO SHIGEFUKU K921 (GINFK0921) Son of the sole 100% Tottori sire to leave Japan, K921 showcases a dam pedigree packed with proven carcass performance and additional, potent Tottori/Kedaka infusion: Dam/dam C868,a Hirashigetayasu daughter, is a flush sister to our growth/ marbling champion, Ginjo MarbleMax Hiranami B901. Dam/sire ECHFB1001, an Itomoritaka son, was our second most consistent producer of high growth, high marbling carcasses. All FB progeny will be rare: ~37% Tottori.

Image taken at 22 month of age

GINJO HATSHIRA K930 (GINFK0930) Son of a proven ‘97-drop, first ‘international’ generation Kitateruyasudoi son, K930 maintains the 003 high performance tradition. But with a massive bonus in the rare genetics of sire/dam Hatsuhi, probably the best of very few high Tottori females to come from Japan with Westholme. MarbleMax B901 is dam/sire, and a massive TF148-infused, Itoshigefuji daughter is dam/dam. With balanced Hyogo (~43%), Tottori (~31%) and Itozakura bloodlines, K930 offers exciting potential to the serious breeder.

Australia: Economical Semen United States: Down Under Genetics (Co). New Zealand Genetic Enterprises South America/ South Africa: Compliant semen available for some countries.

Ginjo Wagyu | Mike Buchanan M +61 437 047 234 T +61 2 4997 0482 E mjbuch@bigpond.com Postal (PO Box 71) 125 Pindimar Road Tea Gardens New South Wales Australia, 2324

Founding Member – Australian Wagyu Forum www.australianwagyuforum.com.au GW_AUWAG_Mar16_wƒ080316.indd 1

8/03/2016 2:50 PM

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

Tamworth Breeza Quirindi Scone Singleton Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley Sydney

POST-CONFERENCE TOUR PROVES POPULAR AGAIN Three coach loads of delegates spent two days touring Wagyu operations in the New South Wales Hunter Valley following the 2016 Wagyu Revolution Conference. Tours were part of some conferences years ago and were re-introduced in Central Queensland following the 2015 Wagyu International Conference. That proved so popular, the tour will be part of future conferences.

THE 2016 TOUR COMPRISED VISITS TO DELTA WAGYU SINGLETON There has been a dramatic and rapid breed switch to Wagyu. Practical Systems demonstrated data capture and data management. A herd walk allowed close access to an array of red and black Wagyu including fulblood ET calves at foot to Hereford recipients. The historic Binnie property, home of seedstock for 100 years, now concentrates on Wagyu.

KURO KIN WAGYU SCONE Home of the Bishop family for 110 years and now home of Kuro Kin Wagyu. The visit included inspections of a range of cattle and the surprise announcement that the operation had been sold to giant Chinese retail chain Dashang. See full story page 49.

JACK’S CREEK WAGYU BREEZA One of the Warmoll family properties that total 32,000 acres covering cattle production and extensive specialist cropping. Famous for producing the World’s Best Steak earlier this year. A feature was the breaking down of a Wagyu carcase.

KILLARA FEEDLOT QUIRINDI An Elders owned operation with a 20,000 head capacity including around 3,000 custom fed Wagyu for clients including Jacks Creek, Dairy Beef Alliance, AACo and the McClure family. Various feed mixes were explained and available for close inspection.

Top left - The crowd at Killara feedlot where Wagyu cattle are custom fed. Middle left -Breaking down a carcase in the coolroom at Jack’s Creek. Bottom left -Inspecting cattle at Delta. 46

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

RANKED #3 SIRE IN THE WAGYU BREED - FULLBLOOD TERMINAL INDEX

LFDFY0004

LONGFORD 004 Y4 (004) is an ideal sire for lifting marbling in your Fullblood and F1 production SEMEN FOR SALE 1 - 10 doses 11 - 50 doses 51 doses +

$80 +GST $65 +GST $50 +GST

PEDFAJ10787 KIKUTERU DOI J10787 - KURO IKU

PEDFAJ1742 TERUNAGADOI 1742 IMJFAJ2810 KITATERUYASUDOI J2810 HONGEN (IMP JAP)

PEDFAJ240580 TERUNAHO J240580 PEDFAJ472 YASUTANI DOI J472 - KURO IKU

PEDFAJ601124 YOSHIMI 3 601124

PEDFAJ206526 YOSHIMI J206526 - KURO IKU

LFDFY0004 LONGFORD 004

(AI) (ET)

PEDFA201 MONJIRO J11550

WKSFM0164 WORLD K’S MICHIFUKU

LFDFT0480 LONGFORD MUTSU (AI) (ET)

PEDFA215 MICHIKO J655635 (AI) WKSFM0139 WORLD K’S HARUKI-2

IMUFP0102 KANADAGENE 102D (IMP USA) (AI) (ET)

WKSFL0976 WORLD K’S SUZUTANI 976

LONGFORD Y4 is ranked #3 sire in the breed for Fullblood Terminal Index (FTI) with - meaning his input into a joining is predicted to bring in an extra $382.

+$382

Y4 is from an extremely powerful cow family. His dam Longford Mutsu is a Michifuku daughter out of a full sister to Shigeshigetani and Overflow Keneyama and is a ¾ sister to Sanjiro and Kanadagene 100. She comes up with extremely high marbling and fineness of marbling (MF) in the March 2015 EBV’s His sire ETJ003 is +1.0 for marble score (MS) and + 1.0 for fineness of marbling (MF) so both sire and dam contribute to the great success of Longford Y4. Y4 is 11 years of age and has been in natural service all his life. He is strongly and soundly built, high libido and free moving yet extremely quiet. Longford Station’s Y4’s carcase results from Japan showed him to be extremely high in IMF. MARCH 2015 WAGYU GROUP BREEDPLAN

www.wrightwagyus.com.au

BW 200 400 600 MCW MILK SS

CWt EMA RIB RUMP RBY

-1

-2

-5

-1.1

-8

+4.0

+0.4

+0.2

+0.3

Acc

63% 86%

88%

83%

80%

69%

60%

59%

82%

59%

63%

64%

59%

84% 72%

CONTACT Barbara Roberts-Thomson

FTI

2.0 3.7 $382

EBV

-1.2 -1.2

SC10588

Ph 02 6772 1856

acadcattle@tpg.com.au

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

SIRE OF THE WINNING CARCASE 2014 AWA BRANDED BEEF COMPETITION PASTURE FED CLASS

T H E BU L L TO BUILD A COW HERD

WESFZ0278

Birth Wt 200-day Wt 400-day Wt 600-day Wt CWT Milk (Kg) Scrotal size EBV + 4.9 + 23 + 38 + 46 + 34 + 8 + 2.0

TRAIT LEADER IN

Milk (+8), 200, 400 and 600 day Weight and Scrotal Size. Very high carcase weight and positive for Retail Beef Yield. SCD â&#x20AC;&#x201C;AA for fat that melts at a lower temperature. Extremely quiet calves.

SEMEN FOR SALE 1 - 10 Doses 11 - 49 Doses 50+ Doses

$80 +GST $65 +GST $50 +GST

ACADEMY www.academyredwagyu.com RED WAGYU | ACADEMY WAGYU | Ph 02 6772 1856

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

Sumo Big Al E211 at 24 months

| b.robertsthomsone@bigpond.com | 80 Roseneath Lane, Armidale, NSW 2350 |

NEW HORIZONS FOR KURO KIN The visit to the high profile upper Hunter Kuro Kin Wagyu operation during the 2016 post Wagyu conference tour was highlighted by the announcement by principal Peter Bishop that the entire operation had been sold to the giant Chinese retailer Danshang.

... supply of Wagyu in Australia was ‘very tight’ and the move will provide security of supply to its many customers.

The Bishop family purchased the original ‘Wootton’ property in 1906 and have produced stud beef cattle ever since including Poll Herefords under the Wootton prefix and for the past 20 years Wagyu under the Kuro Kin banner. It was also announced the management and running of the highly regarded and productive 3439ha Wootton spread along with Kuro Kin Wagyu comprising 300 Fullblood cows and 1000 Angus cows used in F1 production, will remain under the same family and staffing structure. The Dashang Group is one of China’s largest supermarket and department store retailers with 300 sites. Australian operations are handled through subsidiary Australia Aulong Auniu Wang Pty Ltd (AAAW). In the past 18 months AAAW has acquired other Australian

properties and herds including Glenrock Station near Scone and Clear Hills near Canberra. AAAW general manager Michale Wang said supply of Wagyu in Australia was ‘very tight’ and the move will provide security of supply to its many customers.

Top left - Wagyu weaners on display at Kuro Kin. Above - Local chef and Peter Bishop (dark shirt) with Wagyu steaks at Kuro Kin during the post-conference visit where Peter announced the sale of the Kuro Kin operation to Chinese retail giant Danshang. THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

meat scientist

PROF. STEPHEN SMITH

MYTHS AND MISUNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT OMEGA 3, OLEIC ACIDS IN BEEF NEED TO BE ADDRESSED Grainfed beef is getting a bad rap in the popular belief that grassfed beef is a healthier option based on its higher levels of omega 3 oils, says a respected US meat scientist visiting Australia for the 2016 Wagyu Revolution Conference.

Professor Stephen Smith, from the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University is regarded as a global expert in fatty acid profiles in beef. He has studied oleic acids in beef in the US, Japan, Australia and China for the past 30 years. He spent much of his presentation to Wagyu conference delegates highlighting the exciting potential to exploit high levels of beneficial oleic acid in grainfed beef, and especially Wagyu. While the abundance of oleic acid in grainfed beef was a positive dietary story that would benefit the industry, he also admitted, with some frustration, that much consumer attention continues to focus on the widely perceived dietary benefit in grassfed beef, because of its higher levels of omega 3 oils. Prof Smith dismissed the omega 3 impact as insignificant, in comparison with grainfed beef’s oleic acid advantages. He referenced a US trial using 20-month old grain and grassfed Angus cattle. The grainfed beef sample contained 30mg of alpha-Linolenic acid (the only significant omega 3 oil found in beef) per 100g pattie sample. The equivalent grassfed sample contained triple the amount - 90mg.

Jon Condon of Beef Central attended the conference - this is one of his reports. 50

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

“There’s no contesting that the omega 3 in grassfed beef is higher. But the key point is, a woman’s requirement for alpha-Linolenic acid is 1600mg per day, while a man needs 1800mg,” he said. “I absolutely agree with the need to eat

more omega 3 oils, but beef (regardless of whether it is grass or grainfed) will never be a good source of omega 3s, or omega 6s.” “Yes, you can change the ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 in beef through grassfeeding – no question. But it has zero dietary implications.” “That’s because grassfed beef is unable to satisfy a person’s nutritional requirements for omega 3. Just a teaspoon of canola oil has all the daily dietary requirements for omega 3 that a human needs. You simply can’t get that from beef – only proteins like salmon offer any real dietary benefit,” Prof Smith said. “But that’s why I’m so excited about the oleic acid story with beef. We can tweak the oleic acid levels to increase concentrations by grams per sample, versus just milligram quantities per sample with omega 3.” Prof Smith said he was greatly frustrated by the amount of misinformation on social media and elsewhere about the relative value of grain and grassfed beef, led by misleading information about omega 3. New England Wagyu breeder Lock Rogers asked Prof Smith about the ‘paleo’ diet movement, led by superstar TV chef Pete Evans, which heavily advocated for grassfed beef over grainfed, on the basis of healthfulness. “What you are describing is the complete opposite of what’s being said: how do we reverse the message?” Mr Rogers asked Prof Smith. >>>

CRO

GOLD

B R E D WA

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

OLEIC ACID IN BEEF

Graph from presentation given by Professor Stephen Smith at the 2016 Wagyu Revolution conference.

<<< “What social media is pushing out, over and over again, is the evils of grainfed beef,” Prof Smith said. “The messages include that it’s not sustainable, when it fact it is more sustainable than grassfed beef; that it produces more greenhouse gases, when in fact it produces less; and that grainfed beef is fattier, and hence less healthy.” “We all have to help spread the message, by getting it out there into the social media and other channels – we have to overwhelm their message with our message. It has to get out there.” “I’m the only one doing these type of studies – that’s not enough critical mass – we need to take the science based information we currently have and push it out there, and have more people doing similar studies to press home the message.” “But it’s a huge, frustrating problem when people simply say, ‘Grainfed beef is bad for you’,” Prof Smith said.

Now, in the US and around the world, it’s ‘beef fat actually is better for you than its given credit for’.”

“The issue we are running up against – and I’m sure it is happening as much in Australia as in the US – is that we are having to defend (the health attributes) of marbled beef. There’s a small, but very vocal minority, active in many countries, that does not want cattle fed in feedlots, using perceived health issues as part of their campaign.”

He said oleic acid was the most abundant fatty acid found in all beef. As a monounsaturated fatty acid, oleic acid decreased the levels of LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol, and increased HDL (‘good’) cholesterol. Saturated fatty acids do the reverse.

OLEIC ACID STORY BIG POSITIVE FOR BEEF Prof Smith used much of his conference presentation to highlight the ‘healthfulness’ of fatty acids found in beef, and especially so in marbled beef. He said worldwide in the scientific community, perceptions about beef fat had changed dramatically over recent years. “The message used to be: ‘eat beef and die’. 52

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

“The more you can increase your HDL cholesterol, the healthier you are going to be,” Prof Smith said. So how much oleic acid is in beef? Prof Smith presented the slide above, showing grams of oleic acid in different types of beef, based on a sample about the size of a ‘quarter pounder’ burger pattie (100g). All samples contained 24pc total fat. It shows several features: »» Oleic acid concentrations in Wagyu beef are remarkably dominant over all other

breeds. The highly marbled Japanese Wagyu sample (black column) had 16 grams of oleic acid per 100 grams of ground beef. »» Oleic acid concentrations are considerably higher in grainfed beef over grassfed (yellow and lightest blue columns). USDA Choice grade Angus beef (grainfed around 130 days) had twice as much as a grassfed Angus sample. Human dietary studies using ground beef from a variety of production systems were used on several study groups including men with high cholesterol; post-menopausal women; and older men. Participants consumed five serves of ground beef per week, for six weeks. The grainfed ground beef patties used in the trial contained much more oleic acid than grassfed samples, while the grassfed patties had more saturated (bad) and trans fatty acids. >>>

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

<<< Patties containing Wagyu had the most oleic acid of all – effectively trading-away trans fat and saturated fat for oleic acid. One of the key points Prof Smith made was that while Wagyu beef is in fact healthier than beef from conventional breeds, this did not mean that beef from conventional cattle, especially grainfed samples higher in mono-unsaturated fatty acids, was unhealthy. “Some beef is just healthier than others,” he said. The trials showed that men and women tended to respond differently to the diets, with men’s results tending to rise more than women, who already had higher baseline HDL cholesterol. The trials showed all types of ground beef increased HDL (good) cholesterol, but grainfed beef increased HDL cholesterol twice as much as grassfed. In doing so, it was lowering risk factors for diseases like type 2 diabetes. While dietary fat also increased LDL (bad) cholesterol, the rise was insignificant in terms of heightened cardio-vascular disease, when compared with other factors like hypertension, hyperglycemia, smoking, or low HDL, which represented a ‘huge risk.’ “An increase of HDL (good) cholesterol of 4mg/day in fact strongly decreases your risk of cardio-vascular disease,” Prof Smith said.

CHANGED EATING PATTERNS

MUFA:SFA RATIOS

Prof Smith’s diet data also illustrated that as total fat intake rose in adopting the ground beef diet during the trials, eating patterns changed: carbohydrate intake among the test subjects voluntarily declined, when they ate more ground beef.

Prof Smith also discussed ratios of monounsaturated fatty acids (mostly oleic acid) to saturated (bad) fatty acids, which increase on a grain-based diet. Fullblood Japanese Wagyu cattle typically had ratios of 2:1 or higher, while commercial cattle had ratios around 1:1 or less.

The conclusion was that as the participants went through the study, they were adjusting their diets, because in eating higher fat protein, they felt less hungry. “It shows that as we consume more fats, we consume much less carbs. I consider this to be a healthy approach. It’s a message that we, as scientists are trying to get across to those who set the dietary guidelines. Backing-off on carbs is a good thing,” he said. Prof Smith referenced a 2012 study backed by the US National Cattleman’s Beef Association based on a consumer study using lean (low fat) beef. While the study did indeed note a decline in LDL (bad) cholesterol among test subjects, it completely ignored the fact that there was also a significant decline in HDL (good) cholesterol. “The US Beef Board is promoting lean beef based on this study. Not only does promotion of lean beef ignore at least half of the carcase, but it also reduces the good HDL cholesterol levels. This data is taking people in the wrong direction,” he said.

www.wagyu.org.au

EVENTS > CONFERENCE VIDEOS

Professor Stephen Smith, from the Department of Animal Science at Texas A&M University is regarded as a global expert in fatty acid profiles in beef. Catch up on his informative talk given at the 2016 Wagyu Revolution conference.

THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE

Certain cuts, like brisket, contained the highest ratios of good fats of all, for reasons yet unexplained. “Briskets should be seen as a health food,” he said. He suggested low lipid (fat) melting point was often a good indicator of beef containing high levels of oleic acid. Under Stage 3 of the Australian Wagyu Association’s research project, Prof Smith plans to examine genetic relationships with lipid melting points, and whether sire lines in Australian Wagyu cattle can be identified that consistently produce low melting-point fat. During question time, Prof Smith was asked about indications from Japan that NIRS devices were now being used by processors to routinely measure fatty acid profiles on carcases in the chiller. “It’s brand new – I’ve only just heard about it,” he said. “If it works the way they say it does, it will change life as I know it – the gas chromatograph I currently use for this purpose in the laboratory is obsolete,” he said. “If it’s true, it’s an enormous leap forward for people like Wagyu breeders who are interested in documenting fatty acid composition. But can that device distinguish between different kinds of saturated fats? Palmitic acid, for example, stays the same in all beef at about 25pc. But stearic acid can go from 4pc to 40pc. Can the Japanese device distinguish this? We need to learn more.”

Jon Condon Beef Central

Kuro Kin Wagyu

Performance Beyond Expectation

Kuro Kin Celebrating 20 Years with the Australian Wagyu Industry — Kuro Kin Wagyu would like to thank everyone for attending the Australian Wagyu Association conference tour on 5th May 2016.

The Future Looks Bright for the Wagyu industry and Kuro Kin Wagyu based on the level of demand for Wagyu product and genetics.

At Kuro Kin Wagyu we value our long standing relationships with the industry and will be looking to develop more going forward.  For any enquiries please contact: Peter Bishop Jnr Tel: 0429 454 189 Email: pbishop@aaaw.com.au

Producing Fullblood Bulls and 1000 F1’s each year