The continued evolution of the AWA Enhancing Wagyu breeding Scientists push back on anti-meat misinformation EBVs vs EPDs in Wagyu
PROMOTING, ENHANCING AND CELEBRATING THE WAGYU SECTOR
WAGYU World’s Luxury Beef
Editorial Emily Rabone − emily@wagyu.org.au
Contributors
Laird Morgan, Dr Matt McDonagh, Ella Patterson and Peer Ederer on behalf of the Denver Call for Action authors.
Creative Director
Heather Frazier − heather@squishcreative.com
Printing
Printed using soy vegetable-based inks with alcohol free solutions. The magazine is fully recyclable and printed in Australia.
Publisher/Distributor
Australian Wagyu Association communications@wagyu.org.au
Disclaimer
credit Nathan Dyer. Pardoo Station will be
All content subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission. Opinions expressed in The Wagyu Quarterly Update are not necessarily those of the Association. 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.
Queensland Introducing TECH AMBASSADOR
Jemalong has 460 Wagyu fullblood stud and F1 and F2 commercial breeders running on irrigated improved pastures in a 900mm rainfall zone
The family wanted to breed their own quality fullblood bulls using cost effective artificial breeding technology and superior semen to boost their productivity and profitability. They investigated IVF, completing several programs, and visiting Nybro’s sister company, Nindooinbah, for field days and shared learning
When the Bachmanns heard about the Nbryo Tech Ambassador Program, they were quick to embrace it off the back of their Nindooinbah experience
They aim to breed elite replacement heifers, steers with superior carcase traits, increase their herd size to 500 fullbloods and build the Wagyu content of their commercial herd to around 250 F3 and purebreds
Russell said the core selection focus encompasses maternal traits, milk, carcase weight and homozygous polled genetics “Across the board with our breeders we are happy with the level of marbling in their EBVs (estimated breeding values) so we felt the best gain for us is improving those areas where we are below our target EBVs,” he said.
Maree said the potential of increased trait selection accuracy using the Nbryo Platform cemented their collaboration with the Nbryo Tech Ambassador Program “We want to be early adopters of the technology Nbryo has under development, including embryo multiplication and genomic screening,” Maree said
astoral Company ations in genetic technology
“These are of great interest to us. While they are not available now, they may be in 12 months’ time, so we want to be on the front foot,” Maree said. “We are supportive of the goal of reducing the costing around ET programs through the multiplication of the embryo. If you have a superior embryo and can turn that into five or 10 superior embryos, that is attractive to us as breeders.”
Jemalong has completed two ovum pick-ups (OPUs) with the resulting 62 embryos implanted into recipient females. The Bachmanns achieved a high success rate for their first synchronisation program with Nbryo.
“The Nbryo team was very helpful with suggestions and easy to rk with. The cattle were handled well and remained quiet, which is important to us,” Maree said. “We had a lab set up on site for them and once the oocytes were removed, we took then straight to the lab. With the IVF, there were no pretreatments or stimulations used on the donors for harvesting the oocytes, and that really appealed to us.”
Russell has found the knowledge base on the Nbryo website ideal for expert tips and advice on running IVF programs in a beef herd. “Nbryo has many creditable and skilled people behind their technology platform and to me it was a no brainer with nothing to lose compared to what we were doing previously. Once this new technology is developed, we will be positioned to take advantage of that,” he said.
“The company’s push to lowering the cost and simplifying the process around IVF and ET is worthwhile being involved with. It will give us the ability to sex embryos and select embryos free of genetic conditions.”
Jemalong’s Maree Bielby & Russell Bachmann with Nbryo’s bovine reproduction specialist, Rodrigo Rodrigues. Photo: Rebecca Arnott
President's report
Building
a resilient future: banking on
data
for continued success
Dear Members,
It is an honour to serve you in my second year as President of the Australian Wagyu Association. I would like to thank the Board for their show of confidence in electing me as President again and entrusting me with this responsibility for the next 12 months.
Changes to the AWA Board
To the retiring directors, Glen Wright and Richard Puddicombe, I thank you both for your service. Glen oversaw the Conference and Competitions Committee, which delivered the two largest WagyuEdge conferences to date. Richard was a key member of the Audit and Finance Committee and the Conference and Competition Committee.
I would like to welcome Nathan Roberts and Stephen Gibbons to the board. Both come with a wealth of industry relevant knowledge and professional skill sets that complement the Board skill matrix well. I am sure that both Nathan and Stephen will make significant contributions during their tenure. To the existing Board, thank you for continuing your service to the Members. Your voluntary contribution is very much appreciated.
Mr Laird Morgan President and Chair of the Board
Mr Jeremy Cooper Senior Vice President
Ms Robyn Elphick Junior Vice President
Mr Hamish McIntyre Treasurer
Mr Stephen Gibbons
Ms Gina Lincoln
Mr Dean Pollard
Mr Nathan Roberts
Mr Adam Withers
Current market conditions
Reflecting on the current markets, the Wagyu market is now maturing, it is now a mainstream part of the industry. We typically see a premium in Wagyu markets of between 10% to 50%, which can be heavily influenced by the data and performance history of cattle, particularly F1 cattle. With this, I raise the AWA's Wagyu Feeder Check, as a crucial tool to help support the marketing and promotion of your feeder cattle.
As a feedlotter, we see the Wagyu Feeder Check as important piece of the puzzle when we are buying feeder cattle. It helps us plan our feeding programs and the Wagyu Feeder Check is becoming a serious component of our consideration when buying feeder cattle. Using the Wagyu Feeder Check data, we can plan to exit the bottoms of a line of cattle early and plan our feeding program appropriately for the high performance animals, with these animals spending less time in the feedlot to meet carcase specifications. This will be increasingly important as we seek to improve sustainability and resource use through long-fed programs.
Looking into 2025, there are market signals from our partners that prices for Wagyu beef globally should improve towards the end of the year. As always, the Wagyu game is a long one and staying the course delivers the highest returns through developed and reliable supply relationships as demand picks up.
AWA Board focus
We are very aware that it is the members who submit their data to AWA, and that our members do this trusting that AWA is using this information with integrity and for the good of the breed. It is satisfying to see the delivery of tools back to members to assist them to better manage and use genetic diversity to improve the sustainability of our genetic resources for future generations.
Twelve months ago, I indicated that the AWA was undertaking projects to help members maintain and optimise Genetic Diversity and manage inbreeding within the Wagyu population. This has been an important part of the AWA Board’s focus. We have now completed these projects, with Genetic Diversity and Genomic Inbreeding now published for AWA members. These innovations add value to the investments already made by Members in undertaking genotyping with the AWA.
The AWA will continue to add value to your investments with us. If you wish to maximise your value return from your DNA investments, please keep in mind that our genomic innovations are only able to be delivered from high density
genomic tools. We encourage all Members to maximise the value they get from their spend on genomics by testing with the AWA using genomic DNA testing. This is data in the bank that will continue to deliver value for you in the future, rather than one off parentage which might give you a registration, but no additional value.
The AWA Board has communicated previously (2022) that it has undertaken projects to evaluate external genetic services and database providers. This work has been significantly progressed during the last 12 months and the AWA is now able to undertake complete genetic analysis for Wagyu to fully define the genetic parameters and trait relationships for Wagyu cattle. We have also completed the transition to Wagyu-specific selection indexes with the launch of our new F1 Terminal and Fullblood Terminal Indexes with AbacusBio.
The initiatives and progress of the AWA over the last several years is something I’m very proud of contributing to and intend to continue to build on during the next twelve months. The vision of past Boards is being built on today and we endeavour to always push forward with our research and development delivery for the Wagyu breed.
I look forward to being accessible to and working with all members during the coming 12 months as we launch our AWA 2025-2030 Strategic Plan. The purpose of our organisation has been refined to “For our Members, For the Industry”. I believe this purpose defines the DNA of the Australian Wagyu Association and your Board will continue to drive our organisation forward to deliver for you.
Laird Morgan AWA President
Stephen Gibbons New AWA Board Director
Steve Gibbons is currently in private practice as a Director of OMFS Services and Consultant Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at Royal Melbourne Hospital, Mildura Base Hospital and Townsville University Hospital. He is also the owner/ manager of Kildrummie Wagyu. He is married with three children and two grandchildren, living between Melbourne and Birregurra, Country Victoria.
Nathan Roberts has been a passionate member of the beef industry for 30 years. He looks forward to representing the members of one of the world's most progressive and exciting individual breeds. He hopes that his personal and professional skills will elevate the board, and he is eager to add value wherever he can.
HERD ID DIJ
ADDRESS “Inverleigh” 212 Fairweather Road Myall Creek NSW 2403
CEO update
Delivering new projects and core business
WagyuEdge'25 Conference – Perth Western Australia
For our 2025 WagyuEdge Conference, we are taking our key Australian and International member engagement event to Perth in Western Australia. WagyuEdge '25 will be held, from 9 to 11 April, with a southern pre-conference tour from Perth to Albany starting Saturday 5 April and returning to Perth the night before the conference. A northern post-conference tour from Pardoo Station to Broome will start 12 April and returning to Perth on the 15th April. This tour will visit iconic northern stations including Pardoo, Anna Plains and Liveringa Station, with plenty of time for drinks on Cable Beach to watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean.
For the Conference, we are planning a full three days of education, networking and events, starting with AWA technical and systems updates 9 April morning, with the formal conference sessions starting after lunch that day and completing on Friday 11 April with our Black-tie Wagyu Industry Dinner.
This year our Conference Program focuses on global trends that are impacting Wagyu, with a world-class line-up of exceptional speakers. Highlights will include Dr Peer Ederer, a key policy influencer based in Europe who is leading a group of scientists pushing back on the anti-meat agenda. Ms Erin Borror, Vice President of the US Meat Export Federation, will give us an overview on US beef production trends and how this impacts global beef markets and trade, including Wagyu.
Being the first time that a WagyuEdge conference has visited Western Australia, we will have a strong focus on integrating the conference with WA food and Wagyu, along with talks from key industry representatives in the WA Wagyu and feedlotting sectors.
Our Future Industry Leaders session will allow us to look forward through the eyes of our next generation including Fred Hughes (Hughes Pastoral) and Alex Hammond (Robbins Island). These current Wagyu Sector thought leaders will share their insights into the future of Wagyu in Australia through their eyes.
The complexities of global trade and markets for Wagyu will be a key focus this year, with Dr Jared Greenville, CEO of ABARES providing an update on forecasts and trade for Australian Agriculture, with Simon Quilty providing an update 12 months
on from his 2024 predictions of the doubling Wagyu value in two years. Matt Dalgleish will translate this information to live animal pricing trends and how he sees the numbers for Wagyu going forward.
Our 2025 Wagyu Branded Beef Competition BBQ and Awards night on the evening of 9 April will be held at Optus Stadium, with a stadium light show and epic awards ceremony overlooking the Swan River and Perth city night scape.
The Elite Wagyu Sale (10 April), with Wagyu and canapés in our convention centre trade display with glass fronted foyer to view the setting sun and the spectacle of our premier sale event. The sale will be held in a separate room for those wanting to bid, with entertainment and food available outside the room.
Our 2025 Wagyu Industry Dinner will again be a true celebration of the global Wagyu Sector on Friday the 11 April, kicking off at the Skyview terrace at Optus Stadium to watch the sunset over Perth prior to our black-tie night of nights and induction of Scott de Bruin into AWA’s Honorary Life Membership. This is AWA’s highest accolade, and we look forward to celebrating Scott’s commitment to the AWA with his peers and the Wagyu Sector in support.
2024 Annual General Meeting highlights
The 35th Annual General Meeting of the Australian Wagyu Association was held 26 November 2024 at the Hotel Grand Chancellor Brisbane.
The 2024 AWA Annual Report noted total membership numbers increased to 1,433 including 1,269 full members. All aspects of member service business activity were increased during the 2024 financial year, with turnover up 19% on the prior year and immaterial net deficit of $40,004.
In addition to delivery on core member services, the meeting reviewed the significant progress in AWA funded R&D projects that has resulted in delivery of Genetic Diversity and Genomic Inbreeding tools for more than 300,000 individual animals with high density genomic profiles held by the AWA.
The rate of gain in genetic merit for key traits was reported, showing a significant increase in rate of gain in carcase weight
and Marble Score, with moderate or negligible increases in Birth Weight and Mature Cow Weight. Launch of the new AbacusBio Selection Indexes was addressed, noting the improvements in the Breeder Feeder Index as the core breed standard index for self-replacing herds.
Members approved the General Resolutions to adopt the prior year AGM minutes, to accept the Financial Report and appoint Crowe as the auditor for next year. Members approved changes to the AWA Constitution as provided in the Notice of Annual General Meeting.
As a final point of business at the 2024 AGM, the AWA farewelled two Directors who have made significant contributions to the AWA. Mr Glen Wright was thanked for his three years on the AWA Board, including as Chairman of the AWA Conference and Competitions Committee. Mr Puddicombe was thanked for his three-year term on the Board as an active member of the Audit and Finance and Conference and Competitions Committee.
Mr Nathan Roberts (“Inverleigh” Myall Creek, NSW) and Mr Steve Gibbons (“Kildrummie” Birregurra, VIC) were welcomed onto the Board as new Director appointments, with Robyn Elphick (“Sunnyside” Inverell, NSW) returning to the Board as Chair of the Corporate Affairs Committee and Junior Vice President.
Final word from the office
Every year we are amazed at the growth and continued engagement and vibrancy of our members. The AWA strives to deliver increasing value to its members through developing and implementing innovations that will leverage our members investments in DNA technology and AWA tools. Our team relish the opportunities to work with members to deliver outcomes that are meaningful to your businesses.
This year we have employed more staff in the Australian office to increase the skill and support base for our Australian members, along with opening our new international office in Texas to support our growing international membership.
On behalf of our wonderful team of dedicated and passionate staff, I thank you for working with us throughout 2024 and I look forward to seeing you all next year at our WagyuEdge '25 Conference in Perth to learn about the global trends impacting the future of Wagyu.
Dr Matt McDonagh AWA Chief Executive Officer
Unfolding progress: The continued evolution of the AWA
New five-year strategic plan
Throughout 2024, the Australian Wagyu Association Board has worked to deliver a new 2025 – 2030 Strategic Plan that will enable the continued evolution of the AWA by delivering even more value return from the investments made by our members.
This strategic plan builds on the AWA 2020 – 2025 Strategic Plan key principles to Support, Promote and Advance the Production of Wagyu. It also captures the vision of the AWA 10-year Road Map, for AWA to be the World Leader in Innovation and Delivery for the Wagyu Sector.
Delivering on the strategic intent of these prior corporate plans has enabled very significant and rapid progress by the AWA for the benefit of all members. Today, we stand as the envy of the world as a collective of Wagyu breeders and supply chain stakeholders.
The 2025-2030 Strategic Plan crystalises our corporate purpose: “For our Members, For the Industry”. It recognises that the key principles of “Support, Promote and Advance” and being the “World Leader in Innovation and Delivery for the Wagyu Sector”, is all driven by our fundamental purpose of delivering value for members and the whole Wagyu Sector.
Over the last decade, we have established the largest and most diverse database of animals, performance data and genotypes from members all around the world. We have achieved this by working together as members of the AWA for the betterment of the whole industry.
With a limited gene pool that is now shared globally, our future relies on understanding genetic variation and diversity completely, along with trait performance across the total available Wagyu population. We will deliver this through our culture of inclusiveness and integrity, to ensure all members’ contributions are respected and valued to improve our tools and services.
As a public company constituted with member stakeholders instead of shareholders, we seek to provide value to all members large and small, breeders and supply chain participants. All members of the AWA are equal in the eyes of the AWA Constitution. Our 2025 – 2030 Strategic Planning has developed six corporate goals that will be pillars of our future:
PEOPLE : Our staff and members are the priority of our organisation
These six corporate goals build upon our previous strategies and targets and will serve as the key building blocks of our business plan for 2025 to 2030. The CEO and staff of AWA will concentrate on annual objectives that will progressively develop over the years, ensuring that the organisation's goals for 2030 are met. Additionally, AWA’s core values—Integrity, Inclusiveness, Professionalism, and Innovation—will continue to guide the behavior of our Board, members, executive team, and office staff. These values define how we conduct our work, our accountability, and the culture of AWA. They have been fundamental to our success thus far and will serve as a strong foundation for our future. 1 2 3 4 5 6 >>>
DATA MANAGEMENT & INTEGRITY: Leverage data collection and analysis to increase value, efficiency and underpin integrity
TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION: Invest in R&D to continually improve the efficiency and quality of Wagyu
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: Operate with integrity to deliver social, sustainable and ethical outcomes
DELIVERY OF SERVICES : Drive continuous improvement in quality and efficiency in core services
BRAND AWARENESS & LEADERSHIP : Research, improve and communicate unique attributes to build consumer awareness
AWA'S 2025 - 2030 CORPORATE GOALS
GOAL ONE PEOPLE
Our staff and members are the priority of our organisation
STRATEGIES
Ellipsis-H-Alt Educate and communicate through workshops and digital platforms
Ellipsis-H-Alt Support the next generation of Wagyu members through growth programs
Ellipsis-H-Alt Attract and retain skilled professionals in the AWA Board and staff
Ellipsis-H-Alt Grow AWA’s global network
Ellipsis-H-Alt Leverage corporate partnerships to deliver allied technologies
Ellipsis-H-Alt AWA provides the best value service delivery for our global membership
GOAL
TWO
GOAL THREE
DATA MANAGEMENT AND INTEGRITY
Leverage data collection and analysis to increase value, efficiency and underpin integrity
STRATEGIES
Ellipsis-H-Alt Secure AWA’s databases and genetic analyses
Ellipsis-H-Alt Define and refine critical traits and data recording to optimise genetic analyses
Ellipsis-H-Alt Improve data capture and reporting across the Wagyu Sector
Ellipsis-H-Alt Influence change to industry systems for Wagyu
Ellipsis-H-Alt Deliver increased knowledge through data insights
Ellipsis-H-Alt Integrated transaction processing minimises inaccuracy and risk exposure
TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
Invest in research & development to continually improve efficiency and quality of Wagyu
STRATEGIES
Ellipsis-H-Alt Continue to refine breed standards and $Indexes
Ellipsis-H-Alt Value add member data through analysis and results
Ellipsis-H-Alt Build Wagyu description for quality and yield
Ellipsis-H-Alt Partner with leading organisations to deliver high impact R&D
Ellipsis-H-Alt Optimise technology applications for Wagyu
Ellipsis-H-Alt Implement globally linked systems to accommodate timely processing of member transactions GOAL FOUR
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Operate with integrity to deliver social, sustainable and ethical outcomes
STRATEGIES
Ellipsis-H-Alt Value genetic diversity
Ellipsis-H-Alt Advocate for and represent the Wagyu Sector
Ellipsis-H-Alt Benchmark Wagyu wholeof-system efficiency and dynamics
Ellipsis-H-Alt Develop new technologies to improve welfare and husbandry in Wagyu
Ellipsis-H-Alt Deliver heath and welfare training and standards system for Wagyu
Ellipsis-H-Alt AWA’s financial position is secure and improved year on year
DELIVERY OF SERVICES
Drive continuous improvement in quality and efficiency of core services
STRATEGIES
Ellipsis-H-Alt Deliver timely and accurate services
Ellipsis-H-Alt Serve a global membership
Ellipsis-H-Alt Implement in-house systems to deliver internal efficiencies
Ellipsis-H-Alt Optimise core service delivery through fit-forpurpose custom systems
Ellipsis-H-Alt Increase adoption rates in AWA initiatives
Ellipsis-H-Alt Minimise overheads and maximise value for money delivered to members
BRAND AWARENESS AND INTEGRITY
Research, improve and communicate unique attributes to build consumer awareness
STRATEGIES
Ellipsis-H-Alt Measure quality, consumer and nutritional attributes of Wagyu
Ellipsis-H-Alt Communicate the dietary benefits of Wagyu to consumers
Ellipsis-H-Alt Develop the Australian consumers understanding of Wagyu
Ellipsis-H-Alt Enable product information to support transparency and brands
Ellipsis-H-Alt AWA systems underpin brand claims with trusted information
Ellipsis-H-Alt AWA is a secure and trusted investment partner for AWA member funds
AWA VALUES
Members trust in AWA
Honesty and efficiency
Transparency and accountability
Strict confidence
Uphold Wagyu quality
Develop new and young members
INTEGRITY
Special purpose and value
Working to the whole industry
Sharing methods, outcomes and data
High value services to the supply chain
Supporting Wagyu industry language and standards development
INCLUSIVENESS
Accountable and responsive
Respect member rights and needs
Prompt, efficient and effective service
Apply knowledge and technology
Expertise and advocacy for the Wagyu industry
PROFESSIONALISM
Strive to be at the cutting edge
Identify and learn from success
Think outside the square
Courage to take a leap
Seek and capture new opportunities
FEEDLOT COVERS
THANK YOU TO ALL THE SUCCESSFUL BUYERS, AND TO ALL WHO JOINED US IN PERSON AND ONLINE FOR OUR ANNUAL SALE.
We appreciate the support and the belief in what we do.
A big thanks to repeat buyers – we will continue to run this event every year –while these genetics are benefiting our own herds and proving themselves every month on the hook – we also believe that they are benefitting the industry as a whole – this was evident in the number of buyers whose primary business is producing Wagyu carcasses.
Lastly a big thank you to Kennedy Livestock for all your hard work in running such a professional sale.
WagyuEdge'25 Sneak Peak
9 - 11 April 2025 - Perth, Western Australia
WagyuEdge'25 is not just another event, it's a crucial gathering in the Wagyu sector. It provides a platform for industry professionals, stakeholders, and food enthusiasts, acknowledging their significant role in shaping the future of the Wagyu sector.
The 2025 conference program will address the global drivers of Wagyu, focusing on future market and production challenges, featuring an outstanding lineup of exceptional Australian and international speakers.
We are excited to announce that we will be hosting two conference tours as an added bonus for WagyuEdge '25. One tour will head south through Western Australia to visit the Wagyu operations at Irongate Wagyu and Stone Axe Pastoral. The other tour will go north to explore Pardoo Wagyu, Liveringa Station, and Anna Plains. Both tours will depart from and return to Perth. Please note that spaces are very limited, so we recommend booking early to avoid missing out.
IRONGATE WAGYU
LIVERINGA STATION
ANNA PLAINS
PARDOO WAGYU
Program of events Conference and pre and post tours
Before the 2025 WagyuEdge conference in Perth, WA, there will be a Southern tour that includes visits to the Irongate Wagyu and Stone Axe Pastoral enterprises. Delegates wishing to attend this tour must arrive in Perth by Friday, April 4, for an early departure on Saturday, April 5. Tour pricing includes accommodation, catering, and travel costs for the duration of the trip. Delegates will return to Perth after the Southern tour on Tuesday, April 8.
Southern tour
Pre-conference tour
Saturday 5 to Tuesday 8 April
TOUR DEPARTS/RETURNS TO PERTH
Irongate Wagyu
Irongate Wagyu has been proudly owned and operated by the Gilmour family for over 20 years. Located on the south coast of Western Australia, their passion for producing some of Australia’s best Wagyu genetics and world-class Wagyu Beef is at the forefront of their vision. What first started out as just 40 cows and one bull descended from Japanese grand sire Tajiri, has now grown to 1,500 Fullblood Wagyu cattle with some of the most superior genetics in the world. Their breeding program is based on traditional Japanese farming practices successfully adapted to Australian conditions. Irongate uses diverse variations of the latest genetics to produce the highest quality animals for the highest quality beef.
Stone Axe Pastoral
The Stone Axe Full Blood Wagyu story first began in the early 1990s when Chris Walker began the process of importing Registered Fullblood Japanese Wagyu to the USA. After years of acquiring genetics from Japan to the USA and Canada, Embryos and Semen made their way to the Walkers family farm in Australia. Decades later, Stone Axe Wagyu has been built upon these original genetics and now has a herd of thousands of animals across numerous properties in NSW & WA. To this day the Stone Axe herd is comprised of 100% Full Blood Japanese Black Wagyu genetics and aims to produce the highest possible quality beef that is free from artificial growth hormones and fed quality produce grown by Australian Farmers.
Conference - Day 1
Wednesday 9 April (daytime)
SESSION 1 AWA innovations update
The AWA invests in new projects and innovations focused on the global development and enhancement of Wagyu cattle, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the industry. In this session, attendees will learn about several significant innovations the association is implementing to improve efficiency in Wagyu production and increase profitability, instilling a sense of security and confidence in the future of Wagyu cattle production.
SESSION 2 Food security and global trade
Australia is a net exporter of food commodities and high-value products to consumers around the world. Our success depends not only on trade conditions but also on global perceptions of our products and farming practices. As consumer and political opinions change, we must proactively address challenges and strengthen our position as a preferred global supplier, while maintaining high standards to preserve our international reputation. We will delve deeper into this topic with two presentations: one focusing on the economic trends affecting Australian agriculture, and the other examining international pressures on livestock agriculture.
SESSION 3 Wagyu in the West – a focus on Western Australia
Western Australia (WA) is rich in natural resources and is known for its strong independence in food production and biosecurity. While Wagyu cattle farming is a recent development in WA’s agricultural sector, the future of Wagyu production in the region looks bright, driven by the innovative efforts of various industry pioneers and companies. This session will offer valuable insights into the exciting developments and future prospects of the Wagyu industry in WA.
EVENING FUNCTION
2025 Wagyu Branded Beef Competition
Tasting and Awards
Conference - Day 2
Thursday 10 April (daytime)
SESSION 4 Market dynamics and Wagyu
Twelve months after the bold prediction that Wagyu prices would double, where do we currently stand? Are we on track for a successful year? Has the market matured, or are we facing repeated boom-and-bust cycles? Our highly skilled economic analysts have examined the data thoroughly, interpreted trends, and will share their insights on how global markets and live animal prices are expected to evolve through 2025 and 2026.
SESSION 5 Wagyu nutrition
They won’t grow if you don’t feed them. They will only marble or be predisposed to marble if the maternal nutrition is right. This crucial aspect, along with post-natal conditions, will be discussed by the leading Wagyu nutritionist in the USA, who also exports Wagyu nutrition products to Japan, and the leading Wagyu nutritionist in Australia. The USA and Australian feedlotting systems are very different, but ultimately, we seek the same outcome.
SESSION 6 Supplying the world with Wagyu
The US beef industry significantly influences global beef supply and pricing. So, what is happening with tariffs impacting beef imports into the US, and how is the Australian domestic beef production evolving? The Vice President of the US Meat Export Federation will provide insights on these developments, along with the industry’s vision for its future production strategy. We will also hear from representatives of one of Australia’s leading supply chains regarding their expansion of Northern Wagyu cross cattle and the potential positioning of this market.
SESSION 7 Future breed leaders
The future of the Wagyu industry rests with the next generation. We are fortunate to have emerging leaders who are already established in their businesses and possess valuable experience driving some of Australia’s Wagyu empires. We will hear their perspectives on the future and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the Wagyu sector.
EVENING FUNCTION
Elite Wagyu Sale and Dinner
Conference - Day 3
Friday 11 April (daytime)
SESSION 8 Global perspectives
Wagyu is a valuable genetic resource that spans from Japan to Europe and South America, with unique production prospects in various markets. This session will explore the changes occurring in key global markets that could significantly affect the future growth of Wagyu and the supply of high-quality Wagyu beef.
SESSION 9 Trends in Akaushi cattle
Undoubtedly, Akaushi cattle (Red Wagyu) are a big deal in the USA. Production numbers for slaughter cattle are tens of thousands, and the American cattleman has embraced Akaushi cattle in Fullblood and Crossbred programs in a way that we have not replicated in Australia. Hear about the fit for purpose of Akaushi genetics in commercial high-quality beef production systems and learn insights into Akaushi genetics and breeding that may be important for our own production systems.
SESSION 10 Future scoping for Wagyu
Significant technological advancements are on the horizon that could benefit the Wagyu sector. This session will cover biotechnology aimed at removing horns from Fullblood Wagyu, as well as insights from AWA’s dead-calf project, which seeks to identify new mutations that impact calf survival.
EVENING FUNCTION
Wagyu Industry Dinner
Following the conclusion of WagyuEdge '25 conference, there will be a Northern tour that includes a visit to Pardoo Wagyu.
Delegates attending this tour will depart on Saturday, 12 April. Tour pricing also includes accommodation, catering, and travel costs, including flights, for the duration of the trip. At the end of the Northern tour, delegates will return to Perth Airport by 2 pm on Tuesday, 15 April, 2025.
Northern tour
Post-conference tour
Saturday 12 to Tuesday 15 April
TOUR DEPARTS/RETURNS TO PERTH
Pardoo Wagyu
Pardoo Wagyu was brought to life after the purchase of Pardoo Station in Western Australia’s Northwest in 2015. Bruce Cheung began Pardoo Wagyu with a vision to create a purebred Wagyu initiative in the Pilbara that could produce a reliable supply of quality Wagyu beef for the domestic and Asian markets, while also creating jobs and fuelling the Western Australian economy. Their objective was to create a regional breeding herd of purebred and crossbred Wagyu cattle, to meet increasing global demand and offer Pilbara pastoralists new market opportunities. With the relevant water licenses, access to the latest technology in pasture and feed production, and significant infrastructure investment, Pardoo Wagyu, in conjunction with the Pilbara pastoral sector, will look to deliver an annual turnoff of 100,000 animals of the highest Wagyu quality by 2031.
Liveringa Station
Liveringa is a unique property with a colourful history, that abounds in beautiful birdlife, scenic countryside and sunrises and sunsets that take your breath away. Hancock agriculture is a company with strong values particularly where humane treatment of cattle are concerned. “Happy healthy cattle are better cattle” is at the forefront of their minds while also operating as a leader in technological and management advancements. At over 365,000 hectares, Liveringa Station is segregated into around 40 paddocks, with numerous watering points and 25,000 head of cattle. Their farming enterprise growing good quality irrigated hay & silage adding value to the extensive grazing operation through improving turnoff weights and quality of their product. Liveringa has introduced Wagyu genetics with the goal to structure the genetic makeup of their herd to specifically target the Live Export and Domestic markets.
Anna Plains
Anna Plains Station is a family owned cattle business located on the remote Kimberley coast of northern WA. It is located on the Western Australian coast, adjacent to the Indian Ocean, 250 kilometres south of Broome. The MacRobertson Expedition visited the area in June 1928, and described the station as being over 1 million acres in extent and famed for its shorthorn cattle. It is 3,600 square kilometres in area and runs over 20,000 head of cattle. The property adjoins Eighty Mile Beach, which is one of Australia's most important sites for migratory birds, and is listed under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland of international importance. In 2010 the station was leased by the Anna Plains Cattle Company Pty Ltd. under the management of John Stoate. John’s son David now manages Anna Plains Station, having lived there for the past 18 years. David played a pivotal role in forming the Kimberly Pilbara Cattlemen’s Association.
WagyuEdge '25 Northern tour destination - Pardoo Station
WagyuEdge '25 Southern tour destination - Stone Axe Pastoral
Conference speakers
Peer Ederer
DAY 1, SESSION 2
Founder and director, GOALSciences
Peer Ederer is the founder and director of GOALSciences, the Global Observatory of Accurate Livestock Sciences. The mission of GOALSciences is to research and communicate scientific evidence regarding the role of animals in the global food system. He holds an MBA from Harvard and a PhD in financial economics, and serves as an adjunct professor in innovation studies. With extensive experience advising private and public sectors in the food system, Ederer frequently presents on these topics and collaborates with leading universities worldwide. He is also a member of the Scientific Council of the World Farmers Organisation.
Matt Delgliesh
Director, Episode3.net
DAY 2, SESSION 4
A graduate of Economics and Education, Matt has had a keen interest in markets of all sorts from an early age. Matt has spent decades in commodity and financial markets, including trading equities, metals, and foreign exchange. Transitioning into agricultural market analysis in 2015 was an exciting opportunity, enabling Matt to use his data analysis and forecasting skills to provide commentary and strategic advice to the food manufacturing and agricultural industries. Matt has been the owner of a commercial pig farm near Bendigo and continues to operate a hobby farm on the outskirts of Ballarat. Matt has become a prominent agricultural market analyst, often quoted in the agricultural press and sought after for his independent, datadriven assessment of commodity markets.
Simon Quilty
DAY 2, SESSION 4
Global meat trader and analyst, Global AgriTrends
Simon Quility is a global meat trader working in the global protein space spans nearly three decades of traveling the global protein world in capacities as a trader. Simon's experience includes positions with Louis Dreyfus, ConAgra, DR Johnston and FC Stone.
Today, he is an independent meat and livestock analyst and also brokers swaps on behalf of large financial institutions in Australia and brokers physical meat products around the world working exclusively for a large international companies with interests across the global protein spectrum.
Jack’s Creek Wagyu programs have been internationally recognised through multiple World’s Best Steak wins at the World Steak Challenge!
Conference speakers
Sneak peak
Dr Matthew George
DAY 2, SESSION 5 Owner, Bovine Dynamics
Matt grew up on an Angus property in regional NSW and earned a Veterinary Science degree from the University of Sydney, followed by a Master's and Doctorate in related fields from Colorado State University. He served as the Inaugural Research Manager for the MLA Meat Standards Australia program and has held positions as GM of Nutrition Service Associates and CEO of XF-Australia. In 2010, he founded 'Bovine Dynamics,' a consulting company for feedlot nutrition, employing five US-trained PhD nutritionists and two cattle veterinarians. Recently, he and Melissa diversified into 'Eskdale Cattle,' managing 3,000 breeding cows in SE Qld and New England NSW with European terminal cross and Purebred Wagyu programs.
Erin Borror
DAY 2, SESSION 6
Vice President, Economic Analysis, US Meat Export Federation
Erin Borror is the Vice President of Economic Analysis for the US Meat Export Federation (USMEF) since July 2006. She holds an M.S. in Agricultural Economics from Texas A&M University and a B.S. in Agribusiness from California Polytechnic State University. Erin oversees red meat export forecasts and trade policy analysis and manages the Exporter Services department. She has chaired the Economics Committee for the International Meat Secretariat since 2014 and serves on the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Animals and Animal Products. Raised on a cow/calf operation in Colorado, Erin is passionate about the red meat industry and works remotely at Tehama Angus Ranch in northern California with her husband and sons.
Kaci and JoJo Carales DAY 3, SESSION 9
American Akaushi Association and HeartBrand Cattle
Kaci began her career at HeartBrand Cattle, focusing on Akaushi genetics and breeding traits related to carcase quality and production. As executive director of the American Akaushi Association, she utilizes her expertise in DNA collection and cattle registration through the DigitalBeef program. Kaci is committed to maximizing the breed's potential and emphasizes collaboration: “It will take all of us working together to make this happen.” She and her team aim to address member needs and foster an environment for innovation. Kaci encourages members to support the association by attending trade shows, hosting field days, and sharing data with fellow producers. Kaci is married to JoJo (Vice President of Cattle at HeartBrand). They have two children, Adalyn and Joseph.
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Conference speakers Sneak peak
Dr Jared Greenville DAY 1, SESSION 2
Executive Director of ABARES
Dr Jared Greenville was appointed Executive Director of ABARES in 2020. In this role he leads a comprehensive program of economic analysis and scientific research across Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry. The Bureau’s work underpins the development of Australian Government policy as well as decision-making from the farm gate to national industries and international markets.
Prior to joining ABARES, Jared held a senior role at the OECD focusing on agri-food trade policy, global value-chains in agriculture, and food security and risk (Southeast Asia) along with monitoring and evaluating.
Fred Hughes
DAY 2, SESSION 7
Director and Station Manager, Hughes Pastoral Groups
Fred Hughes is the Director and Station Manager of Hughes Pastoral Group, where he manages cattle operations alongside his wife, Sarah, and their five children. The group oversees approximately 230,000 head of cattle, including 140,000 Purebred Wagyu, across over 9 million acres in Queensland, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory. Fred holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Economics from Bond University, graduating in 2004. He is passionate about capital development in extensive grazing systems, livestock nutrition, and using genomics to improve carcase performance. Fred has also contributed to the industry through his involvement with the North Australian Beef Research Committee, AgForce, and the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association.
SAY GOODBYE TO FLIES!!!
IMPROVE COW COMFORT THIS HOT SUMMER
Aaron Harris DAY 3, SESSION 9
Data and Operations Lead, Legendary Akaushi Genetics
Aaron Harris is the Data and Operations Lead at Legendary Akaushi Genetics, where he focuses on advancing the use of data to enhance cattle performance and streamline data collection processes. His passion for agriculture began early, using genetic information to improve his Holstein cattle, which he showed at local and state competitions in Pennsylvania. After college, Aaron pursued a career in data science, leading data science teams for two Fortune 500 energy companies. His love for cattle brought him back to agriculture in 2021, when he started his own ranch, Mistvale Akaushi. Today, Aaron brings his unique expertise in data science and agriculture to drive innovation at Legendary Akaushi Genetics. He also serves on the advisory committee for the American Akaushi Association.
Enhancing Wagyu Breeding
New genomic tools to optimise genetic diversity and reduce inbreeding in Wagyu
The AWA Board has approved new genomic tools that utilise Wagyu genotype data to provide accurate inbreeding and genetic diversity measures.
GENOMIC INBREEDING
What is inbreeding?
Inbreeding is the mating of individuals that are related through common ancestry. This can have the effect of narrowing genetic diversity in a population. High levels of inbreeding in a population are directly related to a higher incidence of homozygosity (no DNA sequence variation), which, if not controlled, can result in other issues such as congenital anomalies (genetic defects) and inbreeding depression (reduced fitness, growth and reproductive performance).
Inbreeding can be managed in individuals by outcrossing to unrelated animals to reintroduce heterozygosity (DNA sequence variation) which results in resetting to low inbreeding levels in progeny. The important thing here is that you can accurately identify inbreeding so that you can manage it if you want to.
Calculating inbreeding
The currently used inbreeding calculations, which use pedigree information in registered populations, cannot account for the relatedness of individuals within the historic Japanese Herdbook pedigrees. Pedigree inbreeding is calculated from pedigree relationships and does not account for actual transmission of chromosomal DNA through generations.
Important note
Genomic inbreeding and genomic diversity scores can only be calculated on genomic genotypes and therefore, not all animals will get a genomic inbreeding and diversity score calculated. Animals with MiP/ STR or parentage SNP will not have these scores calculated.
Although the AWA holds the most complete pedigree records for Wagyu, they typically truncate 2-4 generations prior to the export of the Foundation animals from Japan in the 1990’s. Analysis of the Australian Wagyu Association registered population by AGBU in 2019, estimated that the level of pedigree inbreeding was 6.1%.
Genomic information provides a far more advanced methodology to measure inbreeding by calculating actual homozygosity (blocks of DNA with no allelic variance) rather than pedigree relatedness. Genomic inbreeding is calculated from analyzing homozygosity using genomic SNP profiles. AWA now has genomic profiles on more than 300,000 individuals. Calculation of genomic inbreeding coefficients across registered sires provided a range of inbreeding from 2% to 39% with an average close to 12%.
Examples
Figure 1 shows the relationship between pedigree inbreeding (x axis) and genomic inbreeding (y axis) across 4,700 Fullblood sires. The y axis intercept of the line of best fit is at 6%, demonstrating that genomic inbreeding is calculated to be around 6% higher than pedigree inbreeding on average. There is also a wide spread of individual data points around the line of best fit, demonstrating that there can be significant variation between pedigree (estimated) and genomic (true) inbreeding for any animal.
The foundation sire TF Yukiharunami 4 (IMUFQ2599) is highlighted in GREEN . Based on his pedigree records, the calculated pedigree inbreeding coefficient to Yukiharunami 4 was relatively high at 9.1%, with Dai 7 Itozakura appearing four times in his pedigree (Figure 2). Analysis of his genomic data shows that his genomic inbreeding coefficient is 8.2%. This means that Yukiharunami 4’s actual level of inbreeding is slightly lower than previously estimated, despite the back crossing to Dai 7 Itozakura in his pedigree.
Comparison of Inbreeding Coefficients: Genomics vs Pedgree
Pedigree Inbreeding Coefficient
2025 PTP SIRE and CONTRIBUTOR HERD nominations are open! Only THREE more intake years left
Nominate your sire or your herd. Participation is encouraged from domestic and international born Fullblood and Purebred Sires.
FIGURE 1
FIGURE 2
Pedigree of foundation sire TF Yukiharunami 4 (IMUFQ2599), showing four appearances of Dai 7 Itozakura in his pedigree.
For comparison, the foundation sire Itoshigenami (TF148) is shown as the RED dot. Itoshigenami had a predicted pedigree inbreeding coefficient of 9.7%, which is significantly lower than his genomic inbreeding coefficient of 16.7%.
Two other sires are shown where the genomic inbreeding value differs greatly from the pedigree inbreeding estimate. Sire A has almost 30% genomic inbreeding, compared to a pedigree inbreeding coefficient of 6.1%. Sire B has only 8.5% genomic inbreeding, compared to a pedigree inbreeding coefficient of 15.2%.
A third Foundation sire, Kitateryasudoi (IMJFAJ2810) is shown as a MAGENTA dot on the Comparison of Inbreeding Coefficients graph. His pedigree is shown below as recorded with the AWA and demonstrates a significant number of common ancestors. Kitateryasudoi himself, has a calculated pedigree inbreeding of 17.7%, whereas his genomic inbreeding coefficient is 31.1%. >>>
FIGURE 3
Pedigree of Foundation sire, Kitateryasudoi (IMJFAJ2810) showing a significant number of common ancestors in his pedigree.
Sons of IMJFAJ2810
Number
Genomic inbreeding %
4
Distribution of genomic inbreeding scores for sons of Kitateryasudoi (IMHFAJ2810).
The examples reiterate that the passing of genetic material from parents to progeny is random and even though one can calculate the expected inbreeding from the pedigree, analysis of the genomic information of an animal is the only objective method of assessing “true” inbreeding (homozygosity).
These examples also show that outcrossing of inbred individuals can reset inbreeding to low levels. The important thing is that breeders can identify and manage inbreeding accurately.
Implications
Genomic inbreeding can be managed by outcrossing to unrelated animals to result in low inbreeding levels in progeny.
For example, a sire with high genomic inbreeding could be used in a breeding program with unrelated females that have diverse genomic profiles (see Genetic Diversity section page 28).
The resulting progeny will have low levels of inbreeding due to the recombination of the unrelated maternal and paternal DNA in offspring (see also Kitateryasudoi example).
Genomic inbreeding coefficients will ANIMAL DETAILS for all animals with an acceptable (quantity and quality) SNP genomic profile recorded with the AWA.
This information can be used to accurately understand inbreeding trends within herds and better manage breeding programs to reduce inbreeding over time.
FIGURE
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GENETIC DIVERSITY
What is a Genetic Diversity Score
Genetic Diversity Scores can now be calculated for all Japanese Black Fullblood animals registered with the AWA. This is achieved by computing a Genomic Relationship Matrix (GRM), which calculates pairwise comparisons of the individual SNP similarities between all animals in the genomic database. This allows us to understand how each animal is genomically related to every other animal in the database. Animals which are closely related to the population have low Genetic Diversity Scores.
Calculating Genetic Diversity
Firstly, you need a genomic SNP profile. It is important to note that a Genetic Diversity Score can only be calculated from genomic profiles (not MiP, STR or parentage SNP) and therefore, not all animals will get a Diversity Score calculated.
The Diversity Score is calculated by analysing the SNP by SNP similarity in an individual to the reference population. The reference population is set as the last five calendar years of registered Fullblood Japanese Black females, which will be approximately 70% of the future breeding population.
The Diversity Score gets calculated in three steps:
STEP 1 the average of the animal’s relationship to all animals in the reference population gets calculated; then
STEP 2 this value gets inversed to result in higher values indicating more diversity (low genomic relationship to the reference population); and
STEP 3 the value is expressed between 0 and 100, with 0 being lowest diversity and 100 being highest diversity.
Genetic Diversity Scores can currently only be calculated for Fullblood Japanese Black animals that have a genomic profile. We do not have appropriate reference populations for Red Wagyu, Purebred or content populations.
Examples
Genetic Diversity Scores can assist breeders to identify animals that are relatively unrelated to the reference population. This could be used to select unrelated sires to a female herd, to reduce the inbreeding levels in offspring.
Figure 5 shows the distribution of Diversity Scores in all Japanese Black Fullblood registered sires compared to females registered in the last 5 years.
No. of animals
FIGURE 5
Diversity Score Distribution
On average, the sire population has a Diversity Score average close to 50, but some animals have low diversity (eg. 25 or below) and are similar to the average of the current breeding female population. Some sires have high diversity (75 or above) and are genetically diverse from the average of the current female breeding population.
The foundation sire TF Yukiharunami 4 (IMUFQ2599) is highlighted in GREEN . He has 997 total progeny registered with the AWA, but only 24 females registered with the AWA within the last 5 calendar years. His genetic diversity score is relatively high compared to the current female breeding population.
For comparison, the foundation sire Itoshigenami (TF148) is shown is highlighted in RED. He has 7,797 progeny registered with the AWA, with 184 females registered with the AWA in the last 5 calendar years. TF148 has also sired many second and third generation influential sires that have high numbers of progeny registered within the last 5 calendar years. His genetic diversity score is relatively low compared to the current female breeding population.
Implications
When selecting bull calves for future breeding, a breeder can incorporate the Genetic Diversity Score as a selection criterion and decide to keep some high diversity calves as bulls even though their EBVs may only be average. This will help to increase genetic diversity and contain inbreeding in the future.
A breeder may also rank sires based on EBVs for a particular trait and then sorting them from highest to lowest Genetic Diversity to make sciencebased decisions on selecting breeding animals which are genomically different from the current cohort of breeding animals for the given level of EBVs.
The ability to calculate Genetic Diversity for suggested matings during a Matesel analysis is currently under development. This will improve a breeder’s ability to identify mating which would produce progeny with high genomic diversity at desired trait performance levels.
Implementation
Genetic Diversity will be published for all Fullblood Japanese Black animals with genomic (100K) profiles held by the AWA. It is not currently possible to analyse Genetic Diversity in Purebred, Wagyu content or in Red Wagyu animals due to the lack of effective reference populations.
Breeders will be able to use Genetic Diversity to assist in managing inbreeding and to accurately select for animals that provide true genetic diversity to their breeding herds.
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Changes to AWA Selection Indexes
Now transitioned to AbacusBio economic models for Wagyu
The AWA has now published the new AbacusBio Fullblood Terminal Index, F1 Terminal Index and Breeder Feeder Index, along with the BreedObject Self Replacing Index. The prior BreedObject Terminal Indexes are now turned off.
The AWA will continue to publish the BreedObject Self Replacing Index (SRI) although we acknowledge that it uses a different economic model and that its $Index values have a different distribution range compared to the three AbacusBio selection indexes. The SRI will now be phased out over the coming six months as its’ parameter development is unable to be updated as required by the AWA.
New parameters for AbacusBio Fullblood Wagyu Selection Indexes
The original parameter set defined for Fullblood Wagyu slaughter cattle was defined in 2018, in line with development of the Self Replacing Index (SRI). These parameters used lighter feedlot entry weights and long days on feed, with a difference in feeding regime and slaughter age for Steers vs Heifers.
The new parameters for Fullblood Wagyu Selection Indexes have been updated to reflect heavier entry weights (high growth calves) with shorter days on feed and equivalent feeding regimes and slaughter age. These new parameters are now applied to the AbacusBio BFI and FTI.
The net effect of changing the Index inputs is that the AbacusBio economic models account for a faster rate of gain early in life, with less days on feed and earlier age of slaughter; meaning that there is more potential profit to be made through the Fullblood production system. This increases the range of values for both the BFI and the FTI.
1
Old vs New economic model base parameters for AWA Fullblood selection indexes.
STEERS HEIFERS
NEW AbacusBio PARAMETERS FULLBLOOD INDEXES
Figure
STEERS HEIFERS
STEERS HEIFERS
OLD BreedObject PARAMETERS FULLBLOOD INDEXES
Updated Wagyu Breeder Feeder Index based on new Fullblood parameters
As a result of the change to the base Fullblood parameters within the AbacusBio Fullblood Indexes, we see a slight increase in range for the BFI.
2
The relationship between the New and Old BFI calculation for 400 high accuracy sires.
y = 1.0785x -4.3917
R² = 1.0
As shown in figure 2 below, which plots the relationship between the New and Old BFI calculation for 400 high accuracy sires, the ranking of animals is the same between the New BFI calculation (Y-axis) and the Old BFI calculation (X-axis), with a correlation of 1.0. There is a slight increase in range around +$40 for top ranked animals and -$40 for bottom ranked animals.
Breeder Feeder Index - New vs Old value
Figure
Breeder Feeder Index (BFI)
New Fullblood Terminal Index based on new Fullblood parameters and change to AbacusBio economic models and Selection index
As part of the AWA’s continual review of the Indexes that it publishes, a review of the Fullblood Terminal Index (FTI) was commenced in early 2024 to evaluate its parameters and to assess its application within the AbacusBio Fullblood Wagyu economic model system. This has resulted in transition of the FTI from the prior BreedObject model to the AbacusBio model.
The relationship between the prior BreedObject FTI and the AbacusBio FTI.
Figure 3 shows that although there is a strong relationship between the prior BreedObject FTI (BO FTI) and the AbacusBio FTI (AB FTI), there is some re-ranking of animals.
The reranking of animals is because the new AB FTI
1. Produces a higher early growth response by shifting its emphasis from 600 to 400 day EBVs;
2. Places direct positive pressure on Carcase Weight;
3. Delivers a high response for Marble Score and Eye Muscle Area;
4. Results in more negative response (less) Rump Fat; and
5. Results in a slight increased response for Retail Meat Yield.
Although the average of the AB FTI and BO FTI are similar, there is a significant increase in value range within the AB FTI compared to the BO FTI, with the AB FTI demonstrating a far greater spread of values across the Fullblood population.
The new AB FTI is a Terminal Selection Index, to assist Wagyu breeders to select the most profitable animals for breeding to produce slaughter progeny, where all males and females are slaughtered.
Figure 3
Fullblood Terminal Index (FTI)
Terminal Index (F1 TI)
New F1 Terminal Index based on new F1 parameters and change to AbacusBio economic models and Selection index
The original parameter set defined for F1 Terminal Index (F1TI) cattle was defined in 2018, in line with development of the Self Replacing Index (SRI). These parameters used light feedlot entry weights and longer days on feed, with a difference in feeding regime and slaughter age for Steers vs Heifers.
The new parameters for F1 Wagyu Selection Indexes have been updated to reflect heavier entry weights (high growth calves) with shorter days on feed and equivalent feeding regimes and slaughter age for Steers vs Heifers. These new parameters are now applied to the AbacusBio F1TI.
To reflect a slight difference in marble score premium for F1 cattle, the per marble score additive premium applied has been reduced to $0.75/marble score in the new F1TI. The relative weaning rate as a proportion of cows PTIC has also been reduced to 92% to more accurately reflect industry averages.
F1 terminal production systems now deliver higher carase weights and higher marble scores from fewer days on feed. This improves whole system efficiency and the new AWA F1 Terminal Index will assist breeders to further increase profitability in F1 production systems.
F1
Figure 4
Old vs New economic model base parameters for AWA F1 selection indexes.
ARUBIAL ARUBIAL WAGYU WAGYU
Figure 5 shows that although there is a moderate relationship between the prior BreedObject F1TI (BO F1TI) and the AbacusBio F1TI (AB F1TI), there is some re-ranking of animals.
The reranking of animals is because the new AB F1TI :
1. Includes weighting of the CWt EBV directly
2. Places moderate pressure on lower birthweight, considering a good proportion of females used for production of F1 progeny would be heifers;
3. Maintains high pressure on Eye Muscle Area and Marble Score; and
4. Focuses more on increasing weight gain in early life
Although the average of the AB F1TI and BO F1TI are similar, there is a significant increase in value range within the AB F1TI compared to the BO F1TI, with the AB F1TI demonstrating a far greater spread of values across the population.
The new AB F1TI is a Terminal Selection Index, to assist Wagyu breeders to select the most profitable animals for breeding to produce crossbred slaughter progeny, where all males and females are slaughtered.
Figure 5
The relationship between the prior BreedObject F1TI and the AbacusBio F1TI.
R² = 0.8985
Standardised response (Trait change as a proportion of SD)
Comparing the three AbacusBio Wagyu Selection indexes
Each selection index is based on a specific production system and economic model. Breeders using these Indexes can select for the most profitable animals within their production system using the index ranking of animals.
The three indexes are compared in this trait change graph, which plots the relative selection pressure that each index places on the EBVs. The bars show how much genetic change can be achieved by using animals in the top 10% of the breed for each index.
It is important to note that the indexes produce markedly different selection responses. Hence, it is important that breeders understand the purpose of each index and choose animals that suit their production system needs.
Comparison of Index pressure on EBVs. Trait change is expressed in genetic standard deviations, with one standard deviation equivalent to approximately 30% of the available genetic range within the breed.
Figure 6
STOCKFEEDS
Scientists pushing back on anti-meat misinformation
The Anti-meat campaign
The anti-meat campaign is an effort to reduce or eliminate meat consumption, often motivated by various ethical, environmental, health, or animal rights concerns. These campaigns aim to concern people with generalised but always negative consequences of meat consumption and encourage alternate non-animal dietary choices.
Wagyu beef, known for its rich marbling and high price point, is often featured in luxury dining experiences where it is sought after by fine diners for its unique qualities. However, as the anti-meat movement gains traction, Wagyu beef—like other forms of meat—becomes a focal point in discussions about the environmental, ethical, and health impacts of meat consumption. These are often based on over simplification, misinformation and poor assumptions regurgitated in reductionist statements of ‘fact” that are not scientifically backed.
The Dublin Declaration
The Dublin Declaration on the Societal Role of Meat is a statement signed by a group of over 1,200 international experts and organisations in 2021. It emphasizes the need for animal based foods in a global conversation on the health, environmental, and ethical aspects of meat consumption.
The Dublin Declaration on Meat was drafted following a meeting in Dublin, Ireland, where health professionals, scientists, environmentalists, and food systems experts gathered to address the role of meat in modern diets and its environmental and health consequences.
The Dublin Declaration was the first united and scientifically supported factual representation to governments and policy makers on of the need for meat within balanced nutritional requirements for human health and sustainable food security for the world’s growing population.
The Denver Call for Action
In October 2024, the world’s leading agricultural scientists and experts met again in Denver Colorado to refine a “Call for Action” to explicitly address widespread misinformation and misguided policy development around meat and its impacts in nutrition, climate change and ecology.
>>>
THE DENVER CALL FOR ACTION
THE DUBLIN DECLARATION
In October 2022, the Dublin Declaration of Scientists on the Societal Role of Livestock was initiated during the International Summit on the Societal Role of Meat, held in Dublin. The Declaration has since been signed by more than 1,200 scientists from around the world, each verified to hold relevant scientific credentials. The Declaration begins with the words:
“Livestock systems must progress on the basis of the highest scientific standards. They are too precious to society to become the victim of simplification, reductionism or zealotry. These systems must continue to be embedded in and have broad approval of society. For that, scientists are asked to provide reliable evidence of their nutrition and health benefits, environmental sustainability, socio-cultural and economic values, as well as for solutions for the many improvements that are needed. This declaration aims to give voice to the many scientists around the world who research diligently, honestly and successfully in the various disciplines in order to achieve a balanced view of the future of animal agriculture.”
Today, two years later, these words have lost none of their importance. Renewed urgency led to this Denver Call for Action.
CALLING FOR NOURISHMENT-ORIENTED POLICY
Widespread discreditation of meat, dairy and eggs must cease so that we can return to fully evidence-based and economically and culturally appropriate dietary guidance that nourishes and respects the people consuming and producing those foods instead of harming them.
We observe a trend in policymaking to deploy patronizing approaches aimed at restricting dietary choice involving nudging, pressuring, and taxing consumers away from consuming proven nutrient-dense animal-sourced foods far beyond what can be justified as reasonable dietary interventions. It is worrying that proposed “substitutes” are nutritionally incomparable and often inadequate, devoid of the flavors and textures people desire. Moreover, they are often ultraprocessed (e.g., faux ‘meat’ and ‘dairy’), culturally inappropriate (e.g., insects in regions where their consumption is met with resistance), or unscalable (e.g., tissue-engineered muscle).
Large parts of the global population, in rich and poor countries alike, are malnourished. Nutrient deficiencies, cardiometabolic diseases, auto-immune disorders, and mental illnesses have been increasing at alarming rates. These major public health challenges remain under-addressed, while the affordability of nutritious foods that would make a positive difference has decreased. Some of the current global policy priorities even worsen matters, as exemplified by the deliberate tearing apart of global trade matrices. Policymakers must prioritize human well-being first, or they risk losing their authority to make policy at all.
THE DENVER CALL FOR ACTION
CALLING FOR RECOGNITION OF SYSTEM COMPLEXITIES IN LIVESTOCK AND ECOLOGY
We call on policymakers to reject overgeneralizing portrayals of livestock systems as inherently harmful to the planet; moreover, such judgements need to be consistent with holistic approaches to ethical, economic, social, and environmental sustainability.
Planetary resources are now stretched to the limits or beyond. To protect natural resources and improve respect for animals, managers of livestock production systems can, should and will act based on evolving scientific insights. However, it is unhelpful to overstate livestock’s footprint or to approach environmental sustainability in a reductionist manner based on single elements and metrics. Only through broad evidence-driven assessments can the complex contributions to society and nature that well-managed animals provide in terms of nutrient availability, biodiversity, hydrology, soil fertility and other ecosystem services be recognized.
Oversimplified one-size-fits-all assumptions and inappropriate or unusable data are not suitable guides to policy. The frequently pronounced notion that the agricultural sector can be easily transitioned to a new state of climate neutrality by decimating or eliminating livestock, is not only dangerously misconceived but also not solicited by most of the public. Regulatory approaches and financial mechanisms to dramatically downsize animal production are usually hidden away from the public eye, not least because they could trigger hostile reactions from communities already experiencing fragile food supply systems.
CALLING FOR HIGH STANDARDS OF EVIDENCE AND RESPECT FOR SCIENCE
We encourage policymakers to listen carefully to those scientific commissions and expert panels where the totality of the evidence is presented, outlining what is known and what is not known; and where the function of scientists is to challenge each other through the application of the scientific method, with respect and openness.
Policymakers who take responsibility for their choices based on rigorous and honest scientific discourse will gain the trust of their electorates through the objectivity of their decision-making. Including and engaging with the broader views that fill the scientific and societal spectrum makes policies robust and impactful in driving positive outcomes that are better for people, animals, and the environment.
The Dublin Declaration has emboldened scientists to alert policymakers and the public to the importance of basing food policy on sound scientific evidence. They do so conscientiously and at the personal cost of becoming the target of activist campaigns, resulting in unsubstantiated accusations of “Industry bias” and other attempts to discredit inconvenient scientific voices. Despite diverse perspectives among the Declaration's signatories on how we might best implement scientific findings or what the nature and size of future livestock systems should look like, there is firm agreement on the critical importance of upholding rigorous standards of evidence, ethics and informed debate.
THE DENVER CALL FOR ACTION
THE CALL FOR ACTION
“Livestock systems must progress on the basis of the highest scientific standards. They are too precious to society to become the victim of simplification, reductionism or zealotry.” This first sentence of the Dublin Declaration prompted scientists on the occasion of the Second International Summit on the Societal Role of Meat and Livestock in Denver in October 2024, where the state-of-the-art scientific evidence was reviewed and updated, to issue this Call for Action.
This calls on policymakers worldwide to commit themselves to plurality and rigor in evidence-based decision-making. Meeting the massive challenge of nourishing global populations while minimizing environmental harm, will only be achieved through the transparent application of the scientific method, steering clear of hubris, presumptuousness, and dogma.
DENVER, THE 31st OF OCTOBER 2024
Prof Dr Wilhelm Windisch, Prof Dr Robyn Warner, Prof Dr Alison Van Eenennaam, Prof Dr John Thompson, Prof Dr Alice Stanton, Prof Dr John Scanga, Prof Dr Jason Rowntree, Dr Andrea Rosati, Prof Dr Jane Quinn, Prof Dr Giuseppe Pulina, Dr Rod Polkinghorne, Prof Dr Sara Place, Prof Dr David Pethick, Prof Dr Mahesh Nair, Dr Fabio Montossi, Prof Dr Frank Mitloehner, Prof Dr Andy Milkowski, Prof Dr Heinz Meissner, Dr Pablo Manzano, Prof Dr Neil Mann, Prof Dr Carol Lorenzen, Prof Dr ir Frédéric Leroy, Prof Dr Michael Lee, Prof Dr Steven Lonergan, Prof Dr Ian Lean, Prof Dr Kim Stackhouse-Lawson, Prof Dr Alexa Lamm, Dr Mohammad Koohmaraie, Collette Kaster, Prof Dr Anders Karlsson, Dr Jean-François Hocquette, Prof Dr Craig Gundersen, Prof Dr John Gilliland, Dr Mohammed Gagaoua, Prof Dr Mario Estévez García, Prof Dr Bjørg Egelandsdal, Prof Dr Peer Ederer, Prof Dr Frank Dunshea, Prof Dr Robert Delmore, Prof Dr ir Stefaan De Smet, Dr Mariana De Aragão Pereira, Prof Dr Antonella Dalle Zotte, Prof Dr H. Russell Cross, Dr Paolo Colombani, Prof Dr Keith Belk.
An EBV is the Estimated Breeding Value of an individual, not its progeny. It is the calculated genetic estimate of the individual based on analysis of phenotypic records, pedigree and genomic information. The key here is that in most cases, the EBV includes the analysis of the individual’s actual genome compared to the entire population. So, we can accurately know the genome of the individual animal and use this to estimate its’ own genetic merit.
What we can’t do, is know the genome of progeny before they are born and DNA tested. We used to say that an EPD was basically ½ of an EBV, because an individual sire or dam only passes on 50% of its DNA to its progeny. However, with only 50% of an animal’s DNA passed onto its progeny, and with independent assortment of maternal and paternal genomes to form the sexual gametes before fertilisation, how well can we really estimate the genetic merit of progeny from one of their parents? How can we know if the progeny would receive all the favourable alleles, all the unfavourable alleles or a balance of both?
We know that large genetic differences exist between full siblings for most production traits. An example below is the full sibling variance in carcase weight genetic merit of -11kg to +39kg between 48 full siblings from Michifuku (WKSFM0164) and Westvale Teruchika (LOCFZ0505) (see Wagyu Quarterly Update VOL 85, page 26). This extreme difference is due to the normal random variation in the genomes between these individual progeny from the same sire and dam.
Distribution of full siblings carcase weight EBVs (n=48)
Grandparents
Michiko PEDFA215
Monjiro PEDFA201
Westvale Amy LOCFV0009
Kuroge FU3 KWBFU003
Parents
Westvale Teruchika LOCFZ0505
Michfuku WKSFM0164
The parents of all these full sibling progeny have exactly the same EBV’s, but the progeny themselves have widely varied actual genetic merit for the carcase weight EBV as determined from their individual genomic data. Estimating the progeny difference between individuals is not possible until they are born and DNA tested themselves.
Figure 1 The range in EBVs for carcase weight in progeny is related to the EBV range in the parents and grandparents.
WKSFM0164
Full siblings carcase weight EBV range
In the prior Wagyu Update article “Why Grandparents are Important” (see Wagyu Quarterly Update VOL 85, page 19), we showed a graph of genomic similarity across a very large analysis of cattle full siblings.
This demonstrated that across a population of animals, full siblings may be as little as 35% related, or as much as 65% related.
Figure 2 Genomic relatedness of full siblings within a cattle population – adapted from Kenny et al., (2023) Genetics Selection Evolution, Volume 55 article 27.
On average, full siblings will share only 50% of their DNA in common. This gives rise to the genetic variation between full siblings and is the reason why we see such dramatic variation in the prior carcase weight EBV example.
When it all comes down to it, both EBVs and EPDs are generated from genetic evaluations using pedigree, genomic information and performance data. Both EBVs and EPDs are effectively a genetic estimation of an individual animal, it is just that EBVs are calculated to fully describe the individual animal’s own genetic merit. EPDs are calculated to describe 50% of the
individual animal’s own genetic merit. Both EBVs and EPDs are not predicting progeny performance. They are both estimating the value of a sire or dam’s genetics within a breeding program.
So, regardless of the naming semantics, EBVs and EPDs are actually both estimates of an animals own genetic merit, and can’t be an estimate of future progeny. Future progeny from any individual can be widely varied in their genetic makeup and it is impossible to estimate an individual progeny’s future difference from other animals until it is born, genotyped and analysed in a genetic evaluation.
