Why grandparents are important
Iron riches - plant vs animal foods
Significance of accurate records
Safeguarding Australian agriculture
Australian genetics perform: Mungallala to Shropshire
This is the last time I will have the privilege of writing to you as Chair of the AWA. I thought I would take the opportunity to pass on some thanks and also reflect on how our company has changed over the last six years since I joined the Board.
Firstly, to my fellow retiring director Scott de Bruin, this is the second time he has served on the Board as a director. The AWA is lucky to have had his professionalism and experience. To the rest of the directors, current and past, it has been a pleasure working with you. The success of our company is highly dependent on the willingness of members to volunteer their time to fill board positions, and we are so fortunate to have such skilled and dedicated people committed to progressing the entire Wagyu Sector.
Equally as important, thank you to the staff. When I joined the Board, we had a turnover of $1.5 million and a team of five; next year, we are forecast to turnover $10 million and have 15 staff members. We are lucky enough to have a first-class executive team and a CEO who has fostered an environment to attract and retain high-performing staff with a great culture and work ethic committed to serving our members.
Like any commodity, we are not immune to periods of price fluctuations. Over the last five years, we have seen catastrophic drought, a global pandemic and generational high farm gate prices followed by a significant correction. As a company, we are unable to control or influence global supply and demand, but what we can do is relentlessly focus on the implementation of research and development to ensure that we are producing a more profitable and sustainable product.
The introduction of the Wagyu Feeder Check, the rollout of the AWA Progeny Test Program and the implementation of
crossbred data into Wagyu BREEDPLAN are examples of projects we have brought to market over the last three years that I believe will have a substantial impact on improving our industry over the years to come. The incredible growth of our WagyuEdge Conference to now be one of the premier global red meat industry events is a true testament to the collaboration and confidence in the industry.
On a personal level, the thing I so appreciate about our industry is the comradery that is shared within our community. Although all our members are competitors for all intents and purposes, you would not know this when attending the conference or an industry event. It is evident that all members of the industry believe that a rising tide lifts all boats and are forthcoming in sharing information about their systems and supply chains and sincerely support the success of other brands.
In closing, I wish the new Board every success when they are elected in November at the AGM and thank you all for your support during the past three years.
Charlie Perry AWA PresidentEditorial Emily Rabone − emily@wagyu.org.au
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With the Australian Wagyu Sector continuing to grow, we are already locking in our industry engagement activities for 2024. We have finalised our plans for the WagyuEdge24 Conference in Cairns, Queensland 10 - 12 April 2024. We have already had strong interest from our international members making plans to attend our showcase event for the global Wagyu community. Registrations for WagyuEdge24 will open late October.
Beef Australia 2024 will be running from 5 - 11 May. The AWA is increasing our presence significantly and including the inaugural Wagyu Long Lunch on the Beef Australia event menu. This will position luxury Wagyu dining front and centre at the Australian cattle industry’s main event.
The AWA Board met 20 - 21 August and reviewed progress on ongoing and new AWA initiatives including:
We now have over 200,000 genomic SNP profiles in the AWA database. Using this genomic information, we are developing analytical tools that can accurately determine genetic diversity by analysing genomic information across the whole of the registered Wagyu population that has completed genomic testing.
Still in its research and development phase, this work aims to provide new information to allow members to increase their selection pressure for genetic diversity and make genetic gains for key performance traits. It is important to note that SNP500 is not genomics, and animals with parentage data on SNP500 will not benefit from new information on genetic diversity based on genomics.
The AWA has been undertaking a project seeking DNA samples from calves born dead, or that die shortly after birth. We have approximately 40 samples from dead calves but require around 100 samples before we can conduct a more detailed genetic analysis of the samples.
We ask members who come across newly born dead calves to take a TSU sample from the calf and send it to the AWA office care of the AWA Technical Services Manager, Mr Carel Teseling. Please also check the mouth of the calf to ascertain if the calf has mucus in its mouth, indicating whether the calf was born dead or if it took a breath before dying. Please also document any out-of-the-ordinary observations relating to the dead calf.
The AWA will pay for the DNA sampling and testing costs for all dead calves tested. It is important that any dead calves that result from difficult calving do not get included in this project. Please do not send in samples from calves that died from calving difficulty.
The AWA Board approved a partnership agreement with Ruminati, which provides an online emissions calculator tool using the approved greenhouse gas accounting framework methodologies. The Ruminati PRIME online tool also provides automated access to government and CSIRO databases to allow rapid and accurate soil and vegetation input data along with farm-level data from your records to establish your farm baseline.
The AWA is looking to enable supply chain better baselining for producers in the Wagyu Sector to allow members to participate in future reduction activities and whole-of-sector Wagyu baseline information development. Through our partnership with Ruminati, fees for AWA membership to access the Ruminati Prime calculator tool will be reduced by 50% for the next two years. We will release more information about this initiative shortly.
Following the AuWA’s letter to the AmWA, including recommendations and advice from the world-leading expert Dr Dianne Vankan on 01 June 2023, the Board received a letter from the AmWA on 02 August 2023 stating that the AmWA would not change its position regarding recognition of the AuWA Herdbook and reciprocal registration rights.
The Board has reviewed operational targets for FY2024 in line with the AWA Strategic Plan and 10-year Road Map. The meeting approved targets for new projects, AWA’s operational activities, and significant increases for carcase data submission, Wagyu Feeder Check, mature cow weight and Purebred data.
Company operational performance against KPIs for FY2023 was reviewed, with year-end performance against KPIs satisfactory in all key work areas. Total Herdbook registrations increased 24% to 29,000 for FY2023, with membership also increasing 24% to 1,259 members to June 30 2023.
AWA Audited Financial Statements were reviewed for FY2023, with AWA's financial performance in line with budget expectations and unqualified audit of financial statements received. These will be presented at the 2023 Annual General Meeting.
The 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) date is set for Tuesday, 14 November 2023, to be held again at the Brisbane Airport Convention Centre starting at approximately 3.30 pm. A range of industry speakers will be scheduled during the morning and early afternoon sessions before the AGM.
65 new AWA Member applications were approved for the fourth quarter FY2023. It is a Constitutional requirement that the AWA Board consider applications to AWA members and determine admission or rejection of the applicants. These 65 new AWA members take our total membership to 1,135 full members and 158 associate members.
Matt McDonagh AWA Chief Executive Officer
M i n i m i s e C o s t s
M a x i m i s e R e t u r n s
Genetic Predictions for Five Traits
Wagyu Feeder Index + Sire Verification
Easy to Read Scores
Two breeders share their stories
Wagyu production commencement 2018
Herd size (current) 460 Fullblood Wagyu
180 Holstein recipients
Markets Fullblood Wagyu direct to consumer and global genetic sales
Land size 3,800 acres
The AWA membership now spans 32 countries, showcasing the diversity of Wagyu production across the globe. Many AWA members began their Wagyu story not so long ago, including Wyndford Wagyu (England) and Chiconi Grazing (Queensland). This growth in membership underscores the increasing popularity and demand for high-quality Wagyu beef worldwide.
Wyndford Wagyu and Chiconi Grazing are two examples of AWA members who recently embarked on their Wagyu journeys. Despite their geographical and lifestyle differences, what unites them is their shared dedication to producing exceptional Wagyu genetics and delivering delicious and nutritious Wagyu beef to consumers.
The diversity of AWA membership and the dedication of members like Wyndford Wagyu and Chiconi Grazing demonstrate the global excellence in Wagyu production, no matter where you are in the world.
Shropshire, England
Based in the picturesque midlands of Shropshire, England, Wyndford Wagyu has a unique story that blends Holstein farming heritage with a newfound passion for Wagyu production. The Shropshire region boasts grade 1 and 2 arable land, ideal for cropping and livestock production. In the UK, dairy farming dominates the landscape; however, Wyndford Wagyu represents a growing trend of integrating Wagyu beef into a dairy program. This approach aims to enhance the profitability of the meat while maintaining a high-quality milking herd.
Fullblood Wagyu production in England is very small, with most producers selling directly to consumers from either the farm gate or online. The vast majority, if not all, of Wagyu that is seen on supermarket shelves is an F1 product.
>>>
Transitioning from 60 years of Holstein breeding
Phillip Maddock and his brother Richard are thirdgeneration farmers, having taken over the farming business from their dad, David. Phillip's passion for salad and determination to create new opportunities inspired him to create PDM Produce in the 1990s. His genuine love and respect for the land, desire to grow the robust produce and passion for innovation are at the heart of everything that PDM do. PDM initially focused on growing iceberg lettuce on 10 acres of land. Over time, PDM expanded its operations to encompass 3800 acres of salad crops, making it a leading producer of whole-head lettuce, baby leaf greens, and fully prepared bagged salads in the UK.
In 2018, Wyndford Wagyu emerged as a result of the Maddocks family's decision to disperse their renowned Holstein herd following a downturn in the dairy industry. Philip and Richard didn't have a huge interest in dairy cattle but wished to keep cattle on the farm for their father's enjoyment. Remembering a Wagyu steak he had tried in America, Philip was inspired to explore this new venture - "let's try this", he said. Philip was also driven by a desire to produce a luxury product, as the PDM salad venture was a high-volume, low-margin business and the Wagyu business was intended to be the opposite. Driven by a longing for innovation and a return to farm traditions, Philip Maddocks initiated the import of Wagyu cattle from Germany to revitalise the farm.
Importing the cattle from Germany presented initial challenges with registration, but this effort eventually allowed the genetics to be widely used throughout the herd as they managed to register 10 out of the 11 animals. These animals were first registered with the
American Wagyu Association (AmWA) as more of the pedigree and DNA were stored with them. Soon after, they were registered with the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA), proving the power of collaboration within the industry. Registration through the AWA opened the door to Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) to accelerate the genetic capability of the herd.
EU restrictions on semen are still a consideration for Wyndford. To overcome this, they maintain a small herd in the US to facilitate the collection of semen and embryos that are later shipped for use to the UKbased Holstein recipient herd.
now
Over the past five years, the herd has expanded significantly, encompassing more than 270 Fullblood Wagyu cattle and 180 Holstein recipients. Collaborating with leading global Wagyu breeders, they've meticulously built their foundation herd, establishing themselves as pioneers in the industry.
Wyndford Wagyu stands as the UK's largest Fullblood Wagyu herd, with an emphasis on developing a genetically exceptional foundation herd. With the guidance of renowned breeders worldwide, they have invested in top-tier genetics. From humble beginnings to industry leaders, they aim to produce the highest quality Wagyu beef and genetics.
Wyndford Wagyu is known for its extensive data collection and progressive use of BREEDPLAN EBVs in its breeding program. As seen in figure 1, 75% of their herd is above average for the SRI index, with 7% of their herd sitting in the top 1% of the breed. Wyndford utilises programs such as the AWA-PTP to genetically
prove their sires through data collection and effectively improve their herd. Additionally, their data collection methods incorporate MIJ camera technology, which enables precise analysis of every carcase they produce (figure 2). Their primary objective is to ensure the delivery of high-quality products to the end consumer.
Their distinguished herd is the heart of their operations. Raised with care on their Shropshire farm, the company takes pride in adhering to stringent welfare standards as the cattle are treated with respect. Their focus on quality over quantity enables personalized attention to each animal, and ethics and sustainability drive Wyndford Wagyu. The wellbeing of their Herd and the environment takes precedence, as they advocate for responsible and regenerative farming practices. Wyndford's crop management integrates seamlessly with the PDM rotation, enabling them to cultivate higher-value crops such as whole-crop rye. They strategically harvest higher up the plant, enhancing
the grain-to-stem ratio, thereby creating a superior feed product for their cattle. Simultaneously, this practice contributes organic matter back into the soil, benefiting their sustainability efforts. Wyndford also work with Australianbased company 4Sight to help convert their Wagyu muck into compost, which can then be used on the salad crop adding back into their ground.
Stress-free environments are vital for the cattle, and Wyndford ensures gentle and respectful handling. Treatments and vaccinations are administered on an individual basis to minimize unnecessary handling, aligning with responsible farming principles.
Each animal is named, DNA tested, and registered for complete traceability. Early interventions during the weaning period ensure the animals' genetic potential for marbling is maximized, with nutrient-rich feed enhancing intramuscular fat for improved performance.
SAME-SEX PAIRED - all calves housed in twin hutches
POST-WEANING - lay off shed for testing
Having faced the challenges of hand-rearing the majority of our Wagyu, they are in the process of designing and building a specialised calf rearing and youngstock unit.
Sending multiple bulls per month into a specialised accredited semen collection facility to enable us to sell good quality semen globally. There is exciting news in this area that we are looking to share with everybody very soon! This is a huge focus of our business. Feed – 19% nut with high-quality grass hay.
For high-value females, high health:
HIGH PROTEIN NUT (18%) with Grass Haylage
FULL SPECIALISED MINERAL PACK
For all non-breeding stock:
74% Whole Crop Rye, 25% Grass Silage
1% Wheat Straw, 2kg 14% protein grower ration
14% protein and 31% Starch
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All housed indoors in headlocks:
TMR ration 5% straw and 18% whole crop rye, 75% grass silage, 2% Wheat Straw, 1kg Liquid Molasses and 2kg of 18% Protein Nut
FULL MINERAL PACK
Wyndford Wagyu has big plans, including improving and maintaining their elite female nucleus herd to continue producing top-quality genetics. They are excited to move from using breed average females and above to the top 1% of females in their breeding program. Expanding sales of semen, embryos and live cattle to the global market will play a prominent role in taking their business to the next level. All while striving for continuous innovation and sustainable farming practices for efficient production.
Wyndford Wagyu's commitment to excellence, animal welfare, and sustainable practices underscores its reputation as a pioneering force in the Wagyu industry.
“ Stress-free environments are vital for the cattle and Wyndford ensures gentle and respectful handling. ”Wyndford Wagyu runs its operation in five separate units to reduce disease risk.
Mungallala, Queensland Australia
Taylors Plains, a sprawling 84,911-acre property acquired in 2003, is integral to Chiconi Grazing's endeavours. A familyrun enterprise, the team consists of Noel and Jo-Anne, alongside their son Gary and his wife Jessie Chiconi.
Established in 2017, Chiconi Grazing (Ausgyu) embarked on a journey of innovation within the Wagyu breeding landscape. Prompted by participating in the 2017 AWA Wagyu Conference, the organisation sought to enhance their breeding program and elevate its property's profitability. This led to the strategic decision to venture into Fullblood, Purebred, and F1 Wagyu production.
From the inception of their endeavour, the Chiconi Family accorded utmost priority to acquiring exemplary foundation females from renowned seedstock producers, including Macquarie Wagyu, Trent Bridge Wagyu, Mayura Wagyu and Sahara Park Wagyu. These choices were made with meticulous attention to detail, focusing on a wide range of attributes. These attributes included growth potential, milk production capabilities, and carcass weight, all of which were vital in infusing subsequent generations with terminal qualities such as marbling, Eye Muscle Area (EMA), and yield.
The careful selection of these foundation females provided a remarkable opportunity to diversify their gene pool significantly. This diversification, in turn, granted them an array of versatile options for pairings and sire joinings. The Chiconi’s could effectively enhance crucial attributes such as marbling, eye muscle development, and retail beef yield through these strategic combinations. This comprehensive approach allowed them to pursue immediate gains and long-term advancements in their cattle breeding program.
Wagyu production commencement 2017
Herd size (current) 2,500 breeders 1,200 feeders
Markets Feeders sold exclusively to Mort & Co, Grassdale Feedlot.
Land size 84,911 acres
Furthermore, they have placed significant emphasis on the structural integrity of these high-value animals. As a result, they maintain a vigilant and critical monitoring of their physical composition. This ongoing scrutiny ensures that their genetic attributes are optimised and possess the necessary structural qualities to thrive in the central Queensland location and breeding program.
Notable females purchased to date:
BDWFK1197 - top-priced female 2017
AWA Elite Sale, TBRFG0132 - highest priced female sold, AuctionsPlus 2017
SPWFP2 - Sired by Itozurudoi himself, P2 is a full sister to the sire who produced the 2023 AWA Branded Beef Winner, purchased in 2019 from the AWA Elite Sale.
SPWFS400 - Sired by Kanadagene 100 himself, S400 was purchased at the 2023 AWA Elite Sale for $56,000.
SPWFS32 - Sired by Yasufuku Jnr himself, S32 is the full sister to the record breaking sire sold for $240,000 (2022 Elite Wagyu Sale). Purchased for $65,000, S32 is the most expensive animal purchased to date.
Transition from Angus to Wagyu
At Chiconi Grazing, the change in direction from Angus to Wagyu production At Chiconi Grazing, the change in direction from Angus to Wagyu production back in 2017 represents a commitment to excellence and the strategic evolution of their cattle operation. While their Angus heritage laid the foundation for their esteemed reputation, the shift to Wagyu is not just about embracing the future but also about honouring their past. This transformation shapes the trajectory of
“ ADBFR2150, a nice stylish medium framed heifer out of the highest carcase performing combination of Shigeshigetani, JNR and Kitateruyasudoi, with a combined total of 1182 carcase records between them make this heifer an excellent opportunity to secure genetics that will improve carcase performance. Each sire is proven with high accuracy on carcase traits of 91%, 98% and 97%. Respectively. She has a rare combination of positive EBVs for Milk, CWT, EMA and Marble Score.”
Scott De Bruin, 2022
their operation in a way that respects and builds upon their history.
The Chiconi Angus herd is characterised by performance excellence. They created a breeding program that emphasised and enhanced maternal and terminal traits through meticulous performance recording and carcase data analysis. These Angus females served as the cornerstone of their operation, consistently producing resilient females and marketable offspring ideally suited for the challenging climatic conditions of their region.
Transitioning to Wagyu was an opportunity the Chiconi family could not ignore, driven by their commitment to excellence and innovation. The reasoning behind the decision is 5-fold: elevated fertility, increased eating experience, climatic resilience, concise genetic science and financial profitability.
As they shifted their focus towards Wagyu production, they remained conscious of the Angus heritage. The Angus females that are still part of the herd continue to play a vital role in the company's F1 production. They bring together the best characteristics of both breeds while harnessing hybrid vigour's advantages.
Fast forward six years, and the Chiconi Family run 2,500 breeders on Taylors Plains Station, producing approximately 1,200 feeders a year. All feeders are exclusively sold to Mort & Co. to be fed at their Grassdale Feedlot.
Their dedication to Wagyu has increased investment in Purebred and Fullblood breeders. While Angus still has a presence in current operations, these Wagyu genetics are paving the way for the future to consistently produce high-quality F1, Purebred, and Fullblood Wagyu carcases. Their goal is to develop a thriving seedstock fullblood genetic program, offering meticulously designed, traditionally enhanced genetics that is sought after by renowned producers worldwide.
Their vision is a flourishing operation of Chiconi Grazing Pty. Ltd., rooted in principles involving family members, sustained growth, resource optimisation, innovation in management practices, diversified interests, infrastructural enhancement, premium food production, and cost-efficient practices.
Chiconi Grazing's narrative is of foresight, adaptation, and an enduring commitment to excellence within the Wagyu breeding landscape.
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Breeding the blood or breeding for EBVs are the two things related and can genomic information be beneficial for both.
It might be stating the obvious, but each individual calf gets 100% of its genetic material from its parents, 50% from the cow and 50% from the bull. Which 50% the calf inherits from each parent differs for each full sibling (brother or sister), resulting in genetic diversity between full siblings.
Although full siblings are 100% related by pedigree (they have the same sire and dam), they are only, on average, 50% related by genetic content. Each animal gets a different combination of genes from its parents. It occurs when the sperm and egg are created in each parent, producing a sample of 50% of each of its parents’ full genomes. The chromosome pairs are reformed during fertilisation with new combinations of each parent’s DNA. The resulting progeny will have
different random combinations of each parent’s DNA.
While full siblings will, on average, share 50% DNA with each other (50% genomic relatedness), the randomness allocation of genetic material in forming the sperm and egg means that the relatedness of full siblings varies greatly. Full siblings can be as low as 35% related or as much as 65% related at a genomic level.
The below figure is adapted from a recent scientific article from David Kenny and co-authors (2023) published in the Genetics Selection Evolution Journal, Volume 55, article 27. It shows that the genomic relatedness between full siblings in a cattle population can vary between 35% and 65%, with the average relatedness being 50%.
Taking this one step further, each parent has two of its own parents (the grandparents of the calf), from which each parent received its' genetic material. So, each calf gets 50% of its DNA from its paternal grandparents and 50% of its DNA from its maternal grandparents.
By sampling the parents' DNA in making the sexual gametes (the sperm and egg), the relative contribution of each of the grandparents can vary quite significantly. Through a process called Mendelian sampling, different segments of each parent's chromosomes are selected into unique new chromosome arrangements in the sperm and egg. This involves recombination and independent sorting of each parent's chromosomes to generate the random sample of 50% of each parent's genome in each sperm and egg.
On average, a calf will inherit 25% of its DNA from each grandparent. But the contribution of each grandparent can vary from below 20% to more than 30%. An example of the independent sampling of grandparent genetic information to form different full siblings is shown in figure 2. Blue and grey chromosome segments are inherited from the father, and pink and yellow chromosome segments are inherited from the mother.
As depicted in figure 2, full siblings can receive very
different segments of paternal and maternal DNA. Comparing the two siblings, this can range from as low as 20% to above 30% for each paternal grandparent, with the combined paternal (sire) DNA contribution being 50% of the calf’s DNA. The same difference in the relative proportion of maternal grandparent DNA can occur, ranging from below 20% to above 30%, with the combined maternal (Dam) DNA contribution being 50% of the calf’s DNA.
Comparing the full sibling calves in figure 2, the blue and grey chromosome halves (chromatids) are the inherited genetic material from the father. The relative proportion of paternal grandfather DNA in sibling 1 is much higher than in sibling 2. Visa versa, looking at the pink and yellow maternal chromosome halves, the contribution of the maternal grandmother is much higher in sibling 2 compared to sibling 1.
This independent assortment of chromosomal segments and the resulting impact on genetic diversity between full siblings gives rise to the variation in genomic relatedness between full siblings shown in figure 1.
Figure 2 Inheritance of chromosome segments from grandparents through Mendelian sampling and recombination in generation of the parents’ sexual gametes produces unique combinations of DNA in the offspring.
Genetic variation comes from parents and grandparents:
The Mendelian sampling of DNA that occurs when sperm and eggs are formed means that different segments of the grandparent DNA are combined to make new genomes in full siblings. So, when different calves are born from the same parents, the relative contribution of genomic DNA from each grandparent can vary greatly, meaning that the relatedness of the calves to each other will also vary. No two calves will share exactly the same DNA unless they are identical twins formed by the splitting of an embryo.
As mentioned in the prior section, during the process of creating sperm and egg cells (the sexual gametes), chromosomes from each parent undergo recombination, which can shuffle and exchange genetic material between homologous chromosome segments. This process can create new combinations of gene variants, leading to further genetic diversity in the progeny.
The mixing of parent chromosomal segments and recombination of the DNA in the formation of the calf’s genome will mean that each calf will have different gene variant combinations that were not present in the parents or in the grandparents.
Some calves may inherit new combinations of gene variants that are advantageous for a trait, while others may inherit combinations of gene variants that are detrimental to trait performance for any given trait.
This is another reason a calf's trait performance or Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) can exceed its parents or grandparents. Likewise, a calf may have lower genetic merit than its parents or grandparents for any trait. >>>
“ Impact of genetic diversity between full siblings on linebreeding. Understanding the genetic diversity between full sibling calves and the variation in sampling of genes from the grandparents has a large impact on line-breeding in Wagyu. If the purpose of line-breeding is to conserve desired genetics from one generation to another, variation in the contribution of grandparent DNA to the progeny of between 20% and 30% for each grandparent can have significant impacts on success. For example, if the same cow is the grandmother of both the sire and dam, the range in genetic contribution of that grandmother to the calf is between 40% and 60% of the calf’s full genome. ”
In looking through the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) database, we came across one example where a breeder had flushed one of their favourite cows to the same sire several times and has registered 48 full siblings with genomics.
The cow is Westvale Teruchika LOCFZ0505, owned by long-time Wagyu breeder Michael Lockwood of Coldwood Wagyu at Deepwater NSW. Michael’s family joined the AWA in 2001 under the LOC Westvale Wagyu membership (Trevor and Liz Lockwood), which celebrates its 22nd year of membership with the AWA in 2023. Michael took over the family partnership in 2012 and created a second MJL Coldwood Wagyu membership. Michael now runs a large commercial embryo calf-raising operation through his Coldwood Pastoral business.
Westvale Teruchika LOCFZ0505 was born in 2004 and now has 73 progeny of her own registered with the AWA (48 have genomics) see figure 3. Her first recorded natural calf was LOCFD0803, registered in 2008. She was identified early on as producing
outstanding feeder steer progeny when crossed to the well-known foundation sire Michifuku WKSFM0164 and finished through the Macquarie Wagyu feedlot. Her early steer progeny all grading AUS-MEAT marble score 9 with good carcase weight. Her first 6 Michifuku-sired embryo calves were born in 2011, with 42 more born over the next ten years.
Westvale Turuchika is still alive and well. She is 19 years old, has produced multiple natural calves within her recorded 73 progeny and is still part of the Coldwood Wagyu breeding herd. This cow is one of Michaels’ favourite breeding females. She will be used again in the Coldwood Wagyu artificial breeding program in late 2023.
We can compare the registered 48 full sibling embryo calves with genomic DNA profiles recorded with the AWA from the LOCFZ0505 x WKSFM0142 joining to compare their relatedness at the genomic level. Figure 4 (see page 25) is a heat map that shows the genomic relatedness of each of the 48 full siblings with each other.
>>>
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The first thing to notice about the heat map in figure 4 is that the colour code spans from red (62.5% = high genomic relatedness) down to deep green (37.5% = low genomic relatedness). The second thing to notice is that there is a great range in diversity between the full siblings, with no observable or predictable trend across the siblings other than the huge range in relatedness between individuals.
The white diagonal line through the middle of figure 4 is the relationship between each sibling and itself, which is 100% and has been coloured white. Each side of the white diagonal white line is a mirror image of the other side.
Figure 4 is a real example of using Wagyu data in a Wagyu full sibling population to demonstrate the creation of genetic diversity through the Mendelian sampling and recombination process in sexual reproduction. If you were looking to identify animals more closely related to each other without using genomics, you could have no confidence in identifying more genetically similar siblings. In other words, there is no other way to determine
the “real” genetic differences between full sibs except through genomic analysis.
For the purpose of line-breeding, if the principle of the exercise were to enrich the genetics of a particular grandparent, it would be helpful to identify the male and female progeny that had the highest genomic relatedness to that grandparent using an approach similar to that used in figure 4.
As a specific example of genetic diversity between siblings, if you identify sibling eight on the top axis (black arrow) and follow it down to determine its relatedness with sibling 41 (red arrow), you can see that these two siblings share 60% genomic information with each other. They share high similarity and relatedness at the DNA level. The relatedness of sibling 8 with the next sibling, sibling 42 (green arrow), is much lower, at 37.5% genomic relatedness. They share relatively low similarity and relatedness at the DNA level.
This genetic diversity between full siblings manifests in different genetic merit for production traits in Wagyu cattle. Using the Carcase Weight (CWT) EBV as an example, figure 5 shows the range in EBVs of 48 full sibling progeny of LOCFZ0505 x WKSFM0142 (colour scale from low (red) to high (green)) at the bottom of the blue distribution graph. These EBVs can be compared to their parents and grandparents' EBVs, which align with the coloured arrows and names at the top of figure 5.
Figure 5 shows an extreme range in the CWT EBVs of the 48 Full siblings, ranging from -11 to +38. This full range expresses the variation in the grandparents.
In breeding Wagyu cattle for production phenotype performance, before genomics in Wagyu BREEDPLAN, all progeny of LOCFZ0505 x WKSFM0142 would have had their genetic merit estimated at a mid-parent EBV of +14. This estimate would roughly represent the midpoint of the blue bar distribution graph in figure 5. Still, it would need to recognise the true genetic range of the 48 full siblings.
The AWA now has over 200,000 genomic profiles for Wagyu cattle. We are investigating ways to use this genomic information to assist breeders in identifying highperforming animals for a range of traits and identifying more
genetically diverse and less inbred animals to breed from. Using genomic and pedigree information on Wagyu cattle worldwide, we aim to develop new tools to assist breeders in identifying ideal genetics to manage their genetic diversity and trait improvement programs.
IMPORTANT NOTICE on SNP DNA testing
SNP 500 is not genomic DNA testing.
Of note for all breeders: if you use SNP500 for parentage verification of your progeny, SNP 500 is not a genomic SNP test. The SNP 500 test only uses 500 SNP markers to determine parentage. If you purchase SNP 500 tests, the data can only be used for parentage testing and has no future value for any other purpose.
Genomic SNP tests cost slightly more than SNP 500 tests but provide data on between 50,000 and 100,000 SNP markers to determine whole genome relationships. The data from this SNP test can be used repeatedly for parentage and genomics testing in BREEDPLAN and, in the future, any number of value-added tools like genomic relatedness, genetic diversity and genomic inbreeding. The AWA is currently working on these solutions for Wagyu breeders. Animals tested on SNP 500 will not benefit from new future genomic tools that will be important to Wagyu breeders. Genomic DNA testing is an investment in your future breeding herd. SNP 500 testing is a cost for parentage only.
The differences between iron derived from plant and animal foods
World Iron Awareness week kicked off on the 28 August with the aim of raising awareness about one of the world’s most common nutrient deficiencies: iron. For most folk, iron deficiency is often linked to a health condition called “anaemia”, and anaemia is often linked to women of child-bearing age. Anaemia was first described by Hippocrates around 400BC as the “green disease” because it caused individuals to appear a pale greenish colour and was characterised by headaches and a desire to eat dirt (Dugan et al., 2021; King, 1996). By the 1500s, medical philosopher Johannes Lange named it chlorosis, meaning “the green disease” and linked it to the “hysteria” young menstruating women seemed to experience (King, 1996).
However it was not until the late 1600s that wine spiked with iron filings was used to treat “the green sickness” and remained common practice until the 1800s when tablets containing ferrous sulfate were invented (Dugan et al., 2021). Despite our extensive historical understanding of iron deficiency anaemia coupled with the fact that iron is the 4th most plentiful mineral in the world, iron deficiency anaemia is the most prevalent deficiency disease in the world affecting 1.2 billion people globally including children and adults and has a direct negative impact on productivity and economic growth due to the combined effect of loss of cognitive and physical outputs (Camaschella, 2019; Horton & Ross, 2003; Zimmermann & Hurrell, 2007).
Australia is not immune to iron-deficiency anaemia with 8% toddlers, 12% women, and 20% of over 85 year old individuals diagnosed with iron-deficiency anaemia (WEHI, 2023).
As anaemia is a condition that affects our red blood cells (RBCs), it is important to understand the components of blood and the role they play in health. Plasma is the main component of blood at roughly 55% (CCCOnline, 2023; Informedhealth.org , 2019). It contains water, electrolytes, clotting factors, antibodies, and its primary role is to deliver nutrients, hormones, and proteins to different parts of the body as needed. It also helps remove waste, transport carbon dioxide to the lungs, and transport the blood cells (45% blood volume) and platelets (0.01%; important in preventing and stopping bleeding in a damaged blood vessel via their clotting action) through every part of the human body via the circulatory system (CCCOnline, 2023; Holinstat, 2017; Informedhealth.org , 2019).
Within the blood cells category, RBCs (known as erythrocytes) account for almost 45% while white blood cells (WBCs) are only about 1% of total blood volume (CCCOnline, 2023).
Australia is not immune to iron-deficiency anaemia with: 20% 85 year old individuals
8% toddlers 12% women diagnosed with irondeficiency anaemia.
White blood cells (known as leukocytes) are created by stem cells in the bone marrow ( Informedhealth.org , 2019). WBCs are commonly termed the soldier cells of the body as they are generally larger in size that RBCs, and function in the capacity of immune response.
There are various WBCs that have different immune response roles (CCCOnline, 2023; Informedhealth.org , 2019):
T-cells fight viruses
B-cells produce antibodies that target viruses and bacteria
Lymphocytes attack infection including detecting and killing cancerous cells
Macrophages are the cell version of a vacuum cleaner essentially destroying bacteria, viruses, damaged cells and cell debris by phagocytosis (ingest or swallow)
Neutrophils phagocytize foreign bodies.
Although certain lymphocytes can live for several years in the body, most WBCs live for a short time ranging from several hours to a few days (CCCOnline, 2023).
Unlike WBCs which can leave the bloodstream and enter tissues or organs that need immune assistance and are fairly colourless, RBC cannot leave the bloodstream live for about 120 days and gain their reddish hue from the presence of a protein molecule called haemoglobin (CCCOnline, 2023; Informedhealth.org , 2019). Given there is only one type of RBC, RBCs have one main role in the body: to carry oxygen (although it can transport a small portion of carbon dioxide back to the lungs as well). As the RBCs pass through the arteries of the lungs, the haemoglobin protein binds to oxygen molecules. Without haemoglobin, RBCs would not be able to transport oxygen.
Being flattish disc shapes with a slightly concave centre, RBCs can easily change their shape to pass through narrow blood vessels as needed (figure 1 (CCCOnline, 2023)). When the RBCs reach their intended destination, they release the oxygen molecule ( Informedhealth.org , 2019).
Oxygen is essential to all cells in the body as they need it to perform cellular metabolism (CCCOnline, 2023; Gopalan & Kirk, 2022). Cellular metabolism is essentially biochemical reactions needed to support cell life and include functions like creating DNA strands from nucleic acids, synthesising proteins from amino acids, or extracting energy from foods consumed.
Carbon - dioxide produced during the cellular metabolic processes is picked up by blood plasma and transported back to our lungs so we can exhale it (CCCOnline, 2023; Informedhealth.org , 2019).
The essential oxygen-transportation-delivery ability that RBCs have is based on the haemoglobin molecule. Without haemoglobin, RBCs cannot transport oxygen and are in essence useless. Imagine a bus without seats; that’s what RBCs are without haemoglobin: nowhere for passengers (in this case oxygen) to sit.
Haemoglobin is an iron-protein complex (figure 2) (NDLA, 2023). It is composed of four protein molecules attached to four haem groups. Each haem group contains iron, carbon and nitrogen. It is the haem component of haemoglobin that is able to bind to oxygen. Hence a fully formed haemoglobin structure, with four haem groups is able to bind to four oxygen atoms (NDLA, 2023).
A single healthy RBC has about 250 million haemoglobin molecules. If you do the maths (250 million haemoglobin molecules x 4 oxygen atoms), a single RBC can carry about 1 billion oxygen atoms which is absolutely incredible for its oxygen transportation role (CCCOnline, 2023).
By definition, anaemia is a health problem where an individual does not have sufficient healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry and deliver adequate amounts of oxygen to all the different cellular functions taking place in the body. Anaemia can range from short term to long term, with mild or severe symptoms depending on the extent of anaemia. There are five causes of anaemia:
1. Aplastic anaemia is caused by the body being unable to produce new red blood cells due to stem cells damage.
2. Sickle cell anaemia is part of the genetic condition known as sickle cell disease and occurs when RBCs form curved sickle or crescent shapes that are rigid and move slowly or get stuck in blood vessels, unlike normal healthy round disc shaped RBCs which are flexible.
3. Thalassaemia is a genetic blood disorder in which the body produce less haemoglobin resulting in less oxygen being delivered by RBCs to different parts of the body.
4. Vitamin deficiency anaemia is caused by low amounts of vitamin B12 and folate which lead to extra-large RBC that do not function correctly and have low oxygen carrying ability.
5. Iron deficiency anaemia as the name implies, is caused by a deficiency of iron in the body results in less haemoglobin being produced and this in turn decreases how much oxygen is transported by the RBCs.
Genetics play a major role in the development of aplastic, sickle cell and thalassaemia anaemias, and hence they are less prevalent. However, nutritional iron deficiency is the most common deficiency disease globally as it is caused by physiological needs not being met from iron absorption from the diet (Camaschella, 2019; Cappellini, Musallam, & Taher, 2020; Zimmermann & Hurrell, 2007). This may be due to:
1. Physiologically higher iron needs:
a. During periods of rapid growth like pregnancy, infancy, childhood, adolescence
b. Blood donations
c Menstrual blood loss
d. Blood loss trauma from injury or illness
e. High athletic demands
2. Environmentally limiting conditions:
a. Inadequate intake of food from poverty or lack of access
b. Inadequate intake of high bioavailable dietary iron (usually associated with plant-exclusive diets)
3. Malabsorption issues in the digestive tract:
a. Bariatric surgery, gastrectomy, and duodenal bypass
b. Helicobacter pylori infection
c. Coeliac disease
d. Inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g. Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis)
e. Chronic blood loss (e.g. in the gastrointestinal tract, peptic ulcers, haemorrhoids, hookworm infestation, bowel cancers, damaged heart valves,
4. Medication-related side-effects:
a. Including glucocorticoids, salicylates, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs proton-pump inhibitors.
Symptoms of iron-deficiency anaemia can vary from tiredness to neurocognitive dysfunction and hair loss, and include (Lopez et al., 2016):
Headaches
Paleness
Tiredness, fatigue and lethargy
Moderate alopecia (hair loss disease)
Restless legs syndrome
Vertigo
Atrophic glossitis (loss of papillae (which contain taste buds) on the tongue so that the tongue is a smooth surface)
Dysponea (severe chronic shortness of breath)
Dry and rough skin
Dry and damaged/brittle hair
Neurocognitive dysfunction
Cardiac mumur
Tachycardia (rapidly beating heart)
Low birth weight infants from mothers with iron deficiency anaemia
Stunted growth and irreversible cognitive development in infants and toddlers.
Hence iron-deficiency anaemia is a disease that can affect everyone, not just premenopausal women (Camaschella, 2019; Cappellini, Musallam, & Taher, 2020; Lopez et al., 2016; Zimmermann & Hurrell, 2007).
Nutritional iron deficiency is the most common deficiency disease globally as it is caused by physiological needs not being met from iron absorption from the diet.
While iron is an essential mineral in the body, particularly in its function within the haemoglobin molecule of the RBC, the human body cannot manufacture iron. The human body does recycle iron from dead RBCs to use again, however adequate dietary intake of iron is still needed to meet physiological needs. The presence of iron in a food is one aspect of the nutrition story. However the key factor that determines the impact on health is the form the iron is in.
There are two types of iron derived from food: haem iron and non-haem iron. Haem-iron, as the name suggests, is found in foods with haemoglobin (i.e. blood) like animal-based foods including red meat (beef, lamb, kangaroo, goat), pork, poultry, fish (like sardines, salmon and tuna), and offal. As a general rule of thumb, the redder the meat is, the more haemoglobin it has, and hence the higher iron levels it will have. Non-haem iron is derived from foods that do not contain haemoglobin like plant-based foods including green leafy vegetables, legumes, wholegrains and fortified cereals. Eggs are unique in the sense that the egg yolk contains both haem and nonhaem iron.
Haem and non-haem iron differ in several ways when it comes to their absorption and nutritional characteristics (Ems, St Lucia, & Huecker, 2023; Piskin et al., 2022):
1. Chemical Structure: Haem and non-haem iron have different chemical structures:
Haem iron structure is in the form of ferrous iron (Fe2+) while non-haem iron contains both ferrous iron and ferric (Fe3+) iron.
In order for iron to be absorbed by the body, it must either be in the ferrous (Fe2+) structure or be attached to a protein molecule (like in the haemoglobin molecule). Hence from a chemistry structure perspective, haem iron is more readily available for absorption that non-haem iron.
2. Bioavailability (absorption):
As iron is derived from both animal and plant foods, haem and non-haem iron are both able to contribute to the body’s iron stores but at differing amounts. Haem iron is readily
absorbable and relatively unaffected by the presence of other food compounds. The bioavailability (i.e. amount available for absorption after digestion) of haem iron is relatively high between 15-40% (Piskin et al., 2022). Conversely while plant foods contain iron, the non-haem structure requires transformation and can be affected by the presence of other food compounds (called inhibitors) resulting in less 2% - 10% bioavailability (dependent of the type of food) (Piskin et al., 2022).
3. Presence of absorption inhibitors or enhancers: Inhibitors are compounds in the food that limit/decrease absorption. In the case of haem-iron, its chemical structure combined with it being attached to protein protects it from the impact of inhibitors. This is not the situation for nonhaem iron (Cappellini, Musallam, & Taher, 2020; Piskin et al., 2022; Shubham et al., 2020). Some compounds, such as phytates (found in grains and legumes), oxalates (found in spinach and beet greens), and certain polyphenols (found in tea and coffee), can inhibit the absorption of non-heme iron when consumed in large quantities. Calcium-rich foods and supplements can also interfere with non-heme iron absorption when consumed simultaneously.
As the name suggests, enhancers enhance absorption. Vitamin C is a common enhancer of non-haem iron due to its ability to convert ferric iron to ferrous iron. Non-haem iron absorption can also be increased with the addition of meat or fish to a meal. While the mechanism of action that cause this need to better understood, it is believed that the presence of certain amino acids (namely histidine and cysteine) are able to bind to iron, enhancing absorption (Hallberg et al., 2003; Shubham et al., 2020).
Although iron is one of the most common elements in the world, it is also one of the easiest to be deficient in. Iron plays many vital roles in the body, but it’s role in helping transport oxygen to every cell via RBCs is of paramount importance. While the body is able to recycle iron from dead RBCs, dietary iron is still needed to ensure adequate iron stores are maintained. >>>
Hence a lack of iron in the diet or malabsorption issues in the digestive tract is still the main cause for iron deficiency anaemia, the most prevalent deficiency disease affecting at least 15% of the global population. Chronic tiredness and lethargy to heart complications and lack of cognitive function not only impact the individual but can be also affect the productivity and economic growth of a nation. While premenopausal women are at a higher risk due to monthly blood loss, iron deficiency anaemia can happen to anyone at any stage of the life cycle particularly those with high needs like children, athletes, and the immune - compromised. Iron is derived from both animal and plant-foods, however it is the structure of the iron molecule that plays a major role in the nutritional quality of the iron.
Animal derived foods, including red meat like beef, contain haem iron which has an easily absorbable structure and is relatively unaffected by compounds that inhibit absorption. Red meat also provides high quality protein, which can enhance non-haem iron absorption from plant-based foods. Conversely, when it comes to iron, it is possible to obtain sufficient iron from plant-based foods, you just have to be strategic about it as the structure of non-haem iron has a lower bioavailability and is impacted by inhibitor compounds naturally present in plant foods (like phytates, oxalates, tannins, polyphenols).
Combining non-haem iron sources with vitamin C-rich foods, while consuming calcium rich foods at a separate time will help to enhance iron absorption. However, if you can eat red meat (and are not following a medically advised diet), having a palm-sized portion of red meat 2-3 times per week as part of a varied, balanced diet should be encouraged as red meat iron is a nutritionally superior source of bioavailable iron.
References:
Camaschella, C. (2019). Iron deficiency. Blood , 133(1), 30-39. doi.org/10.1182/blood-2018-05-815944
Cappellini, M. D., Musallam, K. M., & Taher, A. T. (2020). Iron deficiency anaemia revisited. Journal of internal medicine, 287 (2), 153-170.
CCCOnline. (2023). Cardiovascular Structures and Functions. In O. L. Initiative (Ed.), Anatomy and Physiology (Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License ed.). Carnegie Mellon University. pressbooks.ccconline.org/bio106/chapter/ cardiovascular-structures-and-functions/
Dugan, C., MacLean, B., Cabolis, K., Abeysiri, S., Khong, A., Sajic, M., Richards, T., & Collaborative, W. s. H. r. (2021). The misogyny of iron deficiency. Anaesthesia , 76, 56-62.
Ems, T., St Lucia, K., & Huecker, M. R. (2023). Biochemistry, iron absorption.
Gopalan, C., & Kirk, E. (2022). Chapter 9 - Cellular metabolism. In C. Gopalan & E. Kirk (Eds.), Biology of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases (pp. 157-179). Academic Press. doi.org/https://doi. org/10.1016/B978-0-12-823421-1.00003-2
Hallberg, L., Hoppe, M., Andersson, M., & Hulthén, L. (2003). The role of meat to improve the critical iron balance during weaning. Pediatrics , 111(4), 864-870.
Holinstat, M. (2017). Normal platelet function. Cancer Metastasis Rev, 36 (2), 195-198. doi.org/10.1007/s10555-017-9677-x
Horton, S., & Ross, J. (2003). The economics of iron deficiency. Food policy, 28 (1), 51-75.
Informedhealth.org. (2019). What does blood do? Online: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care Retrieved from www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279392/
King, H. (1996). Green sickness: Hippocrates, Galen and the origins of the “disease of virgins”. International Journal of the Classical Tradition, 2 (3), 372-387.
Lopez, A., Cacoub, P., Macdougall, I. C., & Peyrin-Biroulet, L. (2016). Iron deficiency anaemia. The Lancet, 387 (10021), 907-916.
Piskin, E., Cianciosi, D., Gulec, S., Tomas, M., & Capanoglu, E. (2022). Iron absorption: factors, limitations, and improvement methods. ACS omega , 7(24), 20441-20456.
Shubham, K., Anukiruthika, T., Dutta, S., Kashyap, A. V., Moses, J. A., & Anandharamakrishnan, C. (2020). Iron deficiency anemia: A comprehensive review on iron absorption, bioavailability and emerging food fortification approaches. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 99 , 58-75. doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j. tifs.2020.02.021
WEHI. (2023). Anaemia . WEHI. www.wehi.edu.au/research/ diseases/anaemia/#:~:text=Anaemia%20is%20a%20common%20 condition,over%2085%20years%20are%20anaemic Zimmermann, M. B., & Hurrell, R. F. (2007). Nutritional iron deficiency. The Lancet, 370 (9586), 511-520. doi.org/https://doi. org/10.1016/S0140-6736(07)61235-5
Revolutionising the Wagyu Sector for sustainability and profitability .
In a ground-breaking development for the Wagyu industry, the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) recently introduced the innovative Wagyu Feeder Check. Presented at the WagyuEdge '23 Conference in Sydney, this revolutionary tool aims to significantly enhance the resilience and sustainability of Australia's Wagyu Sector.
During the presentation, Dr Matt McDonagh, CEO of the AWA, Dr Toni Reverter from CSIRO, and Dr Jason Lily from Neogen discussed the estimated impact of Wagyu Feeder Check on the industry.
Approximately 10% of Wagyu feeders underperform with a marble score below 5, resulting in an average loss of $1,000 per head. Therefore, the aim was to create a commercial genomics tool for screening crossbred Wagyu feeders and predicting carcase performance at feedlot entry.
Dr. McDonagh highlighted the cost-saving potential of Wagyu Feeder Check, stating, “Breaking it down into crude feed cost estimates, it costs $5 per day for 350 days to feed an F1 steer, or $1750. If we could find a way to identify and remove the worst-performing animals and push them into a short fed program of, say, 150 days, it would cost only $750 to feed them. That’s a difference of $1000 in feed costs alone”.
>>>
How does Wagyu Feeder Check work?
Wagyu Feeder Check reports genetic merit for five (5) traits; Average Daily Gain in the Feedlot, Carcase Weight, Subcutaneous Fat Depth (P8 fat), Eye Muscle Area and Marble Score.
Using these traits within the Wagyu Feeder Index, we calculate the relative commercial value ranking of each individual animal based on weighted importance within the Index.
This tool will enable optimal resource use allocation and investment in the animals, which will go on to be more profitable for the Wagyu Sector and allow better targeting of feeding programs to the right F1 Wagyu genetics.
This powerful tool is available to all AWA members. It utilises DNA tissue samples to estimate the genetic potential of feeder animals, focusing on five core profitability traits: Feedlot Average Daily Gain (ADG), Carcase Weight, P8 Subcutaneous Fat, Eye Muscle Area, and AUSMEAT Marble Score.
By analysing these traits, Wagyu Feeder Check can separate animals by up to four marble score units, 100kg in carcase weight, about 18mm in fat depth, 20cm in Eye Muscle Area, and 400g per day in feedlot average daily gain. Wagyu Feeder Check will prove to be highly successful in selecting animals for targeted feeding programs due to this range in core profitability traits.
The process is simple: A genomic DNA sample is taken using a TSU and lodged with AWA's Wagyu Feeder Check database. The sample is then processed at Neogen Australasia, and the Molecular Trait Rankings for each trait are reported back through the database. This information produces a Wagyu Feeder Check Index, which ranks animals based on estimated profitability and individual trait performance.
“ Breaking it down into crude feed cost estimates, it costs $5 per day for 350 days to feed an F1 steer, or $1750. If we could find a way to identify and remove the worst performing animals, push them into a shortfed program of say, 150 days, it would cost only $750 to feed them. That’s a difference of $1,000 in feed costs alone. ”
Dr Toni Reverter and the CSIRO team independently developed the genomics expertise behind Wagyu Feeder Check. The CSIRO is the leading team delivering accurate and reliable genomic selection tools, having run several similar projects. Moreover, the AWA database of 70,000+ sire genotypes is utilised to sire-verify each animal and exclude underperforming sires from future feeding programs, ensuring optimal resource use efficiency, increased drought adaptability, and an improvement in profitability and resilience.
The potential cost savings are significant. Removing 10% of low-performing progeny in feeding programs will lead to approximately $22 million in savings in the first year alone. Removing 5% of low-performing sires will equate to a further $36 million in savings from year 2 to year 5. Wagyu Feeder Check is projected to yield approximately $58 million in savings for the Wagyu Sector by eliminating unprofitable genetics from long-fed programs.
Similar to the AWA's F1 Terminal Index on BREEDPLAN, the recently developed Wagyu Feeder Check Index is also available on the Wagyu Feeder Check database. While the weightings for this Index are modelled off the AWA's F1 Terminal Index, users can download their Wagyu Feeder Check data and customise their Index to meet the specific needs of their supply chain.
To incentivise breeders and promote data sharing, the AWA will offer members who utilise Wagyu Feeder Check a $5 dollar refund for carcase data supplied through a processor for PV'd progeny and any progeny that PV to a sire will be registered to the AWA for free in the slaughter register. BREEDPLAN can use this data to inform the Fullblood sire's EBVs and will improve users' overall breeding predictions
and decisions for F1 feeders through sire verification. This marks a significant transformation in the value proposition for breeders. They now have the opportunity to receive payment for supplying data to the AWA, allowing their F1 slaughter progeny to be registered at no cost, consequently enhancing the EBVs of their herd sires. Furthermore, this data will play a crucial role in refining the future predictive capabilities of the Wagyu Feeder Check genomic tool.
Dr McDonagh and Dr Jason Lilly emphasised that Wagyu Feeder Check optimises resource use efficiency by directing investment only into animals that deliver the desired performance outcomes. This genomic tool, along with improvements in genetics, efficiency, and sustainability, is set to propel the Wagyu breed further by minimising low carcase value outcomes and meeting increasing consumer expectations around sustainable production practices.
Many members have already tested large groups of animals with the Wagyu Feeder Check. They are finding incredibly positive results, which will help them make more informed breeding/buying decisions in the future. The power of the Wagyu Feeder Check is that you can compare the sire of the animals to their Molecular Trait Ranking directly, enabling the producer to see which sires are worth keeping in the herd or buying progeny from when considering buying feeder cattle.
A recent analysis of 1,283 animals with slaughter data returned to the AWA represented progeny from 63 sires as detected through the Wagyu Feeder Check parentage testing process. Figures 1 and 2 (over page) represent the average sire data for the sires. >>>
Figure 1
Average Wagyu Feeder Check Carcase Weight Molecular Trait Ranking vs Actual Average Carcase Weight for Progeny by 63 different sires.
Figure 1 (above) shows the sire's average carcase weight data, where the left axis and orange squares represent the average Carcase Weight for progeny by each sire, and the right axis (teal triangles) represents the average Carcase Weight Wagyu Feeder Check Molecular Trait Ranking average for the progeny of each sire.
Figure 2 (below) shows the sire's average marble score data, where the left axis and orange squares represent the average AUS-MEAT Marble Score for progeny by each sire, and the right axis represents the average Marble Score Wagyu Feeder Check Molecular Trait Ranking averages for those same progeny by each sire.
As can be seen by the trend in both graphs, the Wagyu Feeder Check provides powerful insight into the bottom sires in the group, representing the non - profitable end of
crossbred Wagyu production. Culling the bottom performing 5% of sires so that their progeny do not contribute to future unprofitable crossbred Wagyu feeders is estimated to save the Wagyu industry $38 million in lost profit over five years.
Wagyu Feeder Check offers a transformative opportunity to improve herd genetics for crossbred feeder production and increase feedlot efficiency and sustainability across Australia. Using the power of genomics and sire verification, the Wagyu Sector is better placed to make informed decision-making to underpin the crossbred Wagyu production component of our $2 Billion Wagyu industry.
For more information and to implement Wagyu Feeder Check into your program, contact the AWA today.
Figure 2
Average Wagyu Feeder Check Marble Score Molecular Trait Ranking vs Actual Average Marble Score for Progeny by 63 different sires.
At the WagyuEdge Conference in April 2023, Chris Parker, First Assistant, Animal Biosecurity in the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, delivered an enlightening presentation on emergency disease response in Australia. Focusing on Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), Chris emphasised the evolving nature of biosecurity threats and the importance of collective efforts in protecting Australia's agricultural industry.
Australia needs to have a well-developed biosecurity system to protect the agricultural industry from the risks of pests and diseases. In 2021-2022, Australian agricultural, fisheries and forestry exports reached an estimated record of $76 billion. Australia is currently free of many pests and diseases that affect animal production and welfare due to our geographical isolation, stringent biosecurity and quarantine procedures, national disease eradication and surveillance programs and strong partnerships between governments and the entire industry on animal health.
The Australian Government has recently released the national biosecurity strategy that provides a collective vision for Australia's future biosecurity and will help protect Australia's way of life. This strategy talks about being connected and resilient while sharing the responsibility for the nation's biosecurity.
Mr Parker explained how climate change, decreasing biodiversity, shifting trade and travel patterns, changing land uses, illegal activity, and major global disruptions and changing the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) threats to Australia.
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He went into detail about each of the threats we are facing.
Climate change is altering ecosystems, creating more favourable conditions for disease transmission. For instance, the spread of the blue tongue virus (BTV) has expanded due to the increased suitability of its insect vectors. As diseases are no longer confined to specific regions, Australia must be prepared to address new threats effectively.
Declining biodiversity affects ecosystem resilience, making them more susceptible to disease outbreaks. Practices like monocropping and large-scale cultivation reduce natural buffers against pests and diseases. Therefore, Australia requires greater vigilance and proactive measures to maintain high biosecurity levels.
Shifting trade and travel patterns. Increased international travel and trade pose many challenges in managing biosecurity risks. The surge in passenger numbers and changes in trade methods have created challenges at our borders. For example, shipping containers can be contaminated outside and inside. Ensuring the integrity of Australia's biosecurity system requires addressing these evolving trade and travel patterns.
Changing land uses. The increase in proximity between urban and rural areas heightens the need for enhanced biosecurity measures due to the potential threats to agricultural biosecurity. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is an example where urban contaminants could lead to a significant outbreak if introduced to susceptible animals.
Illegal activity. Illicit imports of biosecurity-risk products, often driven by exotic markets, contribute to the spread of pests and diseases. These illegal activities undermine Australia's biosecurity system, which then requires increased monitoring and penalties to prevent the entry of high-risk items.
Major global disruptions , such as the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight the vulnerability of supply chains to biosecurity risks. For example, the import of a shipment of slate tiles from China brought an infestation of brown marmorated stink bugs that are exotic to Australia and are a huge environmental pest. Although the shipment came from a province and a port in China that Australia had never had an issue with before, the shipment was unloaded so the containers could be used elsewhere. The slates were left improperly stored for three months before reaching Australia, which allowed them to become contaminated—unforeseen infestations like this underscore the need for robust inspection and quarantine measures.
The occurrence of pest and disease outbreaks, such as Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) and Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), has seen a notable rise overseas. These outbreaks present a significant risk to Australia, highlighting the importance of effective control measures and maintaining high biosecurity standards.
Mr Parker described the importance of knowing and understanding the clinical signs of FMD and LSD, as these diseases are a considerable risk to Australian trade. Their presence would be detrimental as we export 70% of our agricultural produce. If we were to have an outbreak of FMD, it would cost us more than $80 billion. Mr Parker said, "The market would shut overnight".
The clinical signs of FMD include:
CHEVRONS-RIGHT drooling
CHEVRONS-RIGHT fever
CHEVRONS-RIGHT reluctance to move
CHEVRONS-RIGHT blisters and ulcers
The potential introduction of FMD into Australia could have catastrophic consequences for the agricultural industry, as the country heavily relies on export markets for its livestock products.
Lumpy Skin Disease, caused by a virus of the poxvirus family, primarily affects cattle, and creates significant economic losses in the livestock industry.
Source: Mark Stevenson, animalhealthaustralia.com.au/resource-hub/ foot-and-mouth-disease-cattle/
Source: Dr Deepak Subedi, animalhealthaustralia.com.au/resource-hub/ lumpy-skin-disease/
The clinical signs of LSD include:
CHEVRONS-RIGHT firm, raised nodules up to 50mm in diameter on the head, neck, genitals and limbs
CHEVRONS-RIGHT scabs
CHEVRONS-RIGHT swollen limbs, brisket, genitals
CHEVRONS-RIGHT fever
CHEVRONS-RIGHT watery eyes
CHEVRONS-RIGHT decreased appetite
CHEVRONS-RIGHT reluctance to move
CHEVRONS-RIGHT pneumonia
Mr Parker highlighted Australia's collaborative efforts with the governments of Indonesia and neighbouring countries to address the biosecurity risks. Specifically, Indonesia has implemented a response strategy encompassing various measures to combat the spread of LSD and FMD. These measures include decontamination procedures, quarantine protocols, movement restrictions, vaccination programs, and vector control strategies. Additionally, zoning strategies are being implemented to effectively manage and contain the spread of the disease within specific areas. Such coordinated efforts between countries play a crucial role in mitigating the biosecurity risks and protecting the livestock industry from the impact of LSD and FMD.
$10 million biosecurity support package for Indonesia $1.1 million to enhance biosecurity capacity in Indonesia's commercial feedlot sector
ALSO AVAILABLE IN July 2023 Wagyu Breedplan EBVs GL Bwt 200 400 600 Mwt Milk SS Cwt EMA PB RBY Marble Score Marble Fineness Wagyu Breeder Index ($) Self Replacing Index ($) Fullblood Terminal Index ($) FI Terminal Index ($) EBV -0.2 +1.3 +9 +13 +17 +7 -1 -0.6 +19 +6.5 -3.1 +1.1 +3.0 +0.40 $242 $264 $246 $237 ACC 62% 68% 69% 66% 65% 56% 54% 50% 63% 60% 57% 45% 58% 52% % 45 55 55 60 60 75 60 70 50 10 95 15 1 5 10 5 5 5
• NEW EXCITING HIGH CARCASE MERIT MAYURA L0010 SON, NOW AVAILABLE !
• TOP 1% MARBLE SCORE
• TOP 5% MARBLE FINENESS
• TOP 10% EMA AND RBY% EBV’S
A NEW STAR OF THE WAGYU BREED
Mayura Itoshigenami Jnr
Mayura L0010
Mayura H0159
Sanjiro 3
CHW Ms Sanjirou 906F CHR Ms Kitaguni 586
ST Genetics Australia is proud to release Wyndford Diablo in Australia. This young sires boasts a pedigree of prominent elite carcase merit sires combining legendary Mayura sires Mayura L0010 & Mayura Itoshigenami Jnr with the highly sought after Sanjirou 3, who is a full brother to the original Sanjirou who was the highest-ranking carcass and marbling bull in the entire Wagyu breed in 2017.
Beef Sales Manager Nigel Semmens
P: 0477 404 373
E: nigel.semmens@stgen.com
Australia is actively assisting Indonesia in strengthening its biosecurity response capabilities. This support includes technical advice, provision of FMD and LSD vaccines, necessary supplies, education and communication, staff training, funding, and emergency field missions. Collaborative efforts with neighbouring countries are essential for effectively managing and containing disease outbreaks. Australia is also committed to bolstering the preparedness of neighbouring countries for FMD and LSD. Australia aims to build a more resilient regional biosecurity network by sharing knowledge, resources, and best practices.
Australia's biosecurity plan involves a comprehensive and multifaceted approach to safeguarding the nation's borders and agriculture.
The establishment of the Emergency Animal Disease Preparedness (EADP) Joint Task Force showcases the government's commitment to proactive measures, and the Senate inquiry further reinforces the emphasis on continuous improvement and preparedness.
Effective communication through platforms such as social media channels is vital in raising awareness of disease control, and collaboration with industry partners ensures a coordinated response and optimal resource allocation.
Regarding import control, Australia has imposed bans on certain products while expanding screening efforts at airports and mail centres—increased vigilance across flights, supported by communication campaigns, aids in the early detection of biosecurity risks. Deploying detector dogs and foot mats at airports contributes to enhanced border protection.
Regular review of import permits ensures stringent compliance with biosecurity standards. Establishing biosecurity response zones further strengthens the country's ability to contain and manage potential outbreaks effectively.
The implementation of the National LSD Action Plan and research into vaccine options are key priorities that will help to bolster readiness. The National LSD Action Plan demonstrates a collaborative effort between the Australian government and industry representatives, aiming to effectively address the challenges posed by Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD).
International engagement is emphasised, fostering collaboration with global partners to exchange knowledge, best practices, and research findings. Diagnostic capability is strengthened to ensure rapid and accurate detection of LSD cases, facilitating prompt response and containment, and well-developed surveillance systems are implemented to monitor and track the spread of the disease.
Awareness and communication efforts are integral to informing the industry and the public about LSD, its risks, and preventive measures. Finally, the National LSD Action Plan addresses recovery measures, focusing on supporting affected farmers and restoring agricultural operations following the unlikely case of an LSD outbreak.
By covering these factors, the plan provides a comprehensive framework to tackle LSD and minimise its impact on Australia's livestock industry.
Farmers and those involved in the agricultural industry play an important role in ensuring national biosecurity, as it is a shared responsibility. Producers must remain alert without being alarmed and take proactive measures to protect their properties. One crucial step is to create a comprehensive biosecurity plan for their farms.
Visit farmbiosecurity.com.au for valuable resources and guidance in developing an effective biosecurity plan. Testing and refining the plan is essential to ensure its effectiveness.
Farmers should be aware of who is entering their property and what is being brought onto it. This biosecurity strategy not only safeguards against specific threats like FMD and LSD but also other endemic diseases. It is essential to familiarise yourself with the clinical signs of emergency animal diseases like FMD and LSD, as signs consistent with these diseases must be reported to the Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 or your local veterinarian.
$11.7 million to expand our detector dog capability at the boarder
Data accuracy and breeder confidence - AWA-PTP
The Autumn issue of the Wagyu Quarterly Update (Volume 83, page 18) outlines how the Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) of an animal can be influenced by the addition of performance records.
( �� issuu.com / australianwagyuassociation)
The extent to which an individual EBV can change is exclusively tied to the accuracy of the individual EBV. As additional data is incorporated into the BREEDPLAN analysis, the accuracy of the EBV increases, consequently decreasing the confidence range. To simplify, we can anticipate smaller future fluctuations in that EBV as accuracy increases. Table 1 below presents the confidence intervals for the Estimated Breeding Values of Gestation Length (GL) and Birth Weight (BW).
Initially, the EBV accuracy levels of AWA-PTP Cohort 1 sires for Birth Weight and Gestation Length ranged from 63% to 97% and 51% to 94%, respectively. Due to this variability in accuracy, the extent of change in their EBVs varied once progeny performance data was submitted to BREEDPLAN.
Figures 1 and 2 (pages 52 and 53) illustrate the initial EBV confidence range for each sires represented within Cohort 1 of the PTP for birth traits. Within each graph, the black line corresponds to their EBV at the time of their acceptance into the Project, and the blue bar represents the associated confidence range for the EBV accuracy as of October 2021. They are, furthermore, displayed in red where the EBV (BREEDPLAN June Run 2 2023) sits in relation to the initial confidence range after performance data has been submitted. >>>
Table 1 Confidence ranges 1 (1 standard deviation) for the GL and BW EBVs at different levels of accuracy
1 Statistically, there is a 68% chance that an animal’s true breeding value will be within 1 standard deviation of its EBV, and a 96% chance that it will be within 2 standard deviations of its EBV.
Confidence Range (BREEDPLAN Oct 21)
EBV (BREEDPLAN Oct 21)
BW EBV (BREEDPLAN June Run 2)
Confidence Range (BREEDPLAN Oct 21)
EBV (BREEDPLAN Oct 21)
GL EBV (BREEDPLAN June Run 2)
The accuracy impact on confidence range becomes evident when directly comparing each PTP sires with those of the two benchmarking sires, World K's Michifuku and World K's Sanjirou (green). This also demonstrates that even at high accuracies, an EBV will still have a margin of error, i.e. In the October 2021 BREEDPLAN run, the BW EBV for WKSFP0100 was -0.1 at 97% accuracy, which has since decreased to -0.5 at 98% accuracy.
Figure 1 illustrates that 79% of the sires (30 of the 38)
BW EBV remained within one standard deviation of the estimated error. Figure 2 demonstrates a similar trend, where 85% (33 of the 38) of the sires GL EBVs remained within one standard deviation of the estimated error, and all remaining EBV values fell within two standard deviations of the error—indicating that there was less observed variation in the EBVs of individual sires then expected, statistically speaking. Confirming that although animals may perform better or worse than their initial predicted EBV, EBVs are still a reliable indicator of the true genetic merit even when accuracy levels are relatively low.
Additionally, we can observe that the highest initial EBV for each trait has retained its position as the highest after the inclusion of data. This pattern is consistent for the lowest initial EBV value in the case of Gestation Length. However, for Birth Weight, the lowest initial EBV now ranks as the second lowest among these sires.
Adjusted confidence ranges due to the increased EBV accuracy can be seen in figure 3 and figure 4.
We can now observe a broader spread amongst the EBVs, accompanied by a reduction in the confidence range. This highlights the significance of accurate progeny performance records in improving accuracy and bringing an EBV closer to the animals' true genetic merit. >>>
BREEDPLAN June Run 2 (2023) Birth Weight confidence ranges 1 (1 standard deviation) for each of the Cohort 1 PTP Sires.
BREEDPLAN June Run 2 (2023) Gestation Length confidence ranges 1 (1 standard deviation) for each of the Cohort 1 PTP Sires.
Cohort 3 Sire List
Nominations for Cohort 3 Sires closed in February 2023, with 24 sires being accepted into the program. Joining for this cohort will commence in October on 1,500 cows across six contributor herds. Data is expected to enter Wagyu BREEDPLAN from July 2024 as calves hit the ground.
