Vol. 77 The Wagyu industry’s premier trade magazine produced by the Australian Wagyu Association
www.wagyu.org.au April 2021
INSIDE .... 2021 CONFERENCE AND TOUR | TOP GENETICS ON OFFER | 3-DAY TOUR THROUGH QLD
BREEDERS - WHEN TO KEEP OR LET GO? | THE POLLED GENE IN WAGYU | IMPACT OF PROGENY CARCASE DATA WAGYU DEMAND REMAINS STEADY - LOCAL /EXPORT MARKETS | A DESTINATION EATING EXPERIENCE
CONTENTS 6
Committed to delivering on core business
8
Continuing with genetics excellence
11
Bringing together all components of the Wagyu sector
15
Supporting our Industry, supporting our partners
18
Top Wagyu genetics on offer
21
WagyuEdge Tour - Goshu Wagyu thrives at Shamrock Vale Station
15 21
25 WagyuEdge Tour - Australian Country Choice providing a Wagyu service
32
29 The mature cow - when to keep her, when to let her go
#
32 The polled gene in Wagyu ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR
APRIL 29 - 3 MAY 2020
GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND
34 Is your breeder herd accelerating or limiting your genetic progress? 47
47
Wagyu demand remains steady
53 Wagyu a destination eating experience
53
# ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR
APRIL 27 - 3 MAY 2021
GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND
Publisher THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU ASSOCIATION (AWA) office@wagyu.org.au 02 8880 7700 Consulting Editor DEBORAH ANDRICH deb@wagyu.com.au 0400 855 040 Contributing Writers CHARLIE PERRY, Dr MATT McDONAGH and CAREL TESELING Art Direction HEATHER FRAZIER heather@wagyu.org.au 0432 949 764 GENERAL ENQUIRIES AWA Chief Executive Officer Dr MATT McDONAGH office@wagyu.org.au 02 8880 7700 Wagyu Update advertising enquiries HEATHER FRAZIER heather@wagyu.org.au 0432 949 764
ON THE COVER
How well your calves thrive is due in part to the mother - her genetics as well as her rearing capabilities. See page 29. The Australian Wagyu Update magazine is printed by Litho Art Pty Ltd. Materials used to produce the magazine have been selected to reflect our sensitivity towards the natural environment on which our industry relies. We only use eco-friendly inks made from vegetable oil or soybeans produced using sustainable farming methods and paper stock derived from sustainable forests managed to ensure their renewability for generations to come. We encourage you to recycle all paper based products after use. All content is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without the written permission from the publisher. Opinions expressed in The Australian Wagyu Update magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers. Acceptance of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of any product or service by the magazine or the association, nor support any claims by the advertisers. Every effort is made to ensure information contained in this
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magazine is correct at the time of publishing.
ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
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ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
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president
CHARLIE PERRY
COMMITTED TO DELIVERING ON CORE BUSINESS Dear Members, The countdown is officially on for the
AWA members noted. The sustained and
to the project. You can read more about
highly anticipated 2021 WagyuEdge
continued increase in DNA testing is a
the AWA-PTP in the CEO report, along
Conference and Tour. The conference is
testament to the members confidence in
with plans for how the AWA will enable
the annual highlight for the Wagyu sector
our industry at this point in time.
nomination for the 40 bulls and 6 cow
and we have secured an outstanding
In line with increasing confidence across
herds (total of 2,000 breeders) for year 1
line up of Australian and international
the Wagyu sector and delivery of AWA
– starting in 2021.
speakers to provide our members with the
core services, the Board were pleased to
latest in technology advances and thought
approve 33 new AWA members for the
leadership. I look forward to greeting you
second quarter reporting period.
there along with the AWA team and Board. The WagyuEdge Tour will span three days and six stops through southern and central Queensland. This represents a rare opportunity to see operations on some of Australia’s largest and most progressive Wagyu supply chains, prior to arriving at
SHARED RECOGNITION OF REGISTRATION STATUS ACROSS WAGYU ASSOCIATIONS
BUSINESS EVENT GRANT AWARDED
In late November 2020, the South
As announced within AWA promotional
African Wagyu Society hosted a virtual
items in December and January, the AWA executive team was successful in securing an Australian Government Business Event Grant for the 2021 WagyuEdge
Wagyu World Conference. This event reinvigorated the World Wagyu Council – a voluntary council of members representing different global Wagyu
Rockhampton for Beef 2021.
Conference. This will allow our corporate
AWA BOARD ACTIVITIES
of their eligible costs associated with the
An item of concern to some Australian
The AWA Board has returned its focus to
2021 Conference and Tour.
Members has been the difficulty in
ensuring that the AWA is delivering on its Strategic Plan and its core member and project service requirements. The Board met in February 2021 to review delivery against the second quarter objectives for the 2020-2021 operational plan.
sponsor partners to claim back up to 50%
NEW AWA PROGENY TEST PROGRAM APPROVED FOR IMPLEMENTATION During the February 2021 Board meeting, the Board approved the implementation of the AWA-Progeny Test Program (AWA-PTP). This project is scoped
registration bodies.
registering their AWA registered animals with some overseas registration bodies. This item is currently under consideration by the AWA Board, to develop ways of simplifying the transaction between AWA members and overseas registration bodies.
CORE BUSINESS ON TRACK
to enable progeny testing of 250 sires
I look forward to seeing you at the
I am pleased to report that at the midpoint
across seven breeding years. The primary
Gold Coast.
of the financial year, the AWA is tracking
objectives of the project are to enable
well against all operational and service
development of high accuracy EBVs for
metrics. The AWA core business is meeting
the next generation of sires and to allow
budget, with significant increases in DNA
participation for a broad range of AWA
testing and performance recording by
members through submission of sires
6
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
Charlie Perry AWA President
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ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
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ceo update
Dr. MATTHEW McDONAGH
CONTINUING WITH GENETICS EXCELLENCE Dear Members, In December 2020, the Australian Government announced a stimulus package to support the events sector. We have been fortunate to succeed with an AusTrade Business Event Grant to support the WagyuEdge conference in April 2021. Along with the reducing risk relating to outbreaks of COVID-19 and government border or travel restrictions, this has provided AWA with the confidence to proceed with a 2021 live and online WagyuEdge Conference. I look forward to greeting many of you at the 2021 WagyuEdge Conference. It will have been two years since most of us have had the chance to connect in person and share learnings through our WagyuEdge platform.
AWA BOARD UPDATE 23RD FEBRUARY 2021 MEETING The AWA Board met for its second quarter meeting on the 23rd of February 2021 to review half yearly performance and items including: 1. Delivery against operational KPIs was on track across the whole of the business, with a number of new members and DNA testing undertaken by members significantly ahead of year to date forecasts. This is a continuation of the increasing growth in the registered Wagyu sector including the number of producers and the number of DNA tested and verified animals. 2. Financial performance against budget year to date was reviewed, noting satisfactory performance for the first six months against all targets and maintenance of AWA balance sheet and net asset position. 3. The meeting reviewed and approved the 2021 AWA investment strategy for current retained assets. 4. The Board reviewed and approved 33 new members, included 29 Full Members and 4 Associate Members. 5. The meeting approved the final full budget and project plan for the 2021 – 2031 AWA-Progeny Test Program. The CEO was authorised to implement a communications strategy with AWA members and Wagyu sector participants to enable commencement of the project within 2021 (see later item in this CEO report). 8
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
6. Terms of Reference for an AWA-Progeny Test Program Consultative Committee were agreed to, with the memberbased committee to be implemented to ensure member engagement and oversight of the program. 7. The meeting approved a Supplier Risk Assessment process to formally review performance and security of AWA contracts with major service providers. 8. The performance of DNA testing service delivery through AWA approved laboratories was reviewed. DNA testing services provided by Xytovet through the AWA were suspended pending development of a new service agreement. 9. The meeting approved a pedigree change of the Fullblood male WKS Michtisuru WKSFU0006 following review of parentage data for this animal by the AWA Genetic Improvement Committee. The pedigree review noted that based on new qualifying SNP parentage data, the pedigree of WKSFU0006 on the dam side was changed from Hisako (FB16885) to Hisako (FB5767). This change makes the AWA Fullblood Herdbook pedigree for WKSFU0006 consistent with that displayed in the American Wagyu Association Herdbook. 10. A new AWA Genetic Recessive Discovery Project was approved to undertake high density genotyping on tissue samples from calves that are born dead or die shortly after birth. Following the release of information to members regarding the IARS disorder, AWA members have shown a keen interest in DNA testing dead calves. To participate in the AWA Genetic Recessive Discovery Project, please contact the AWA Technical Services Manager – Mr Carel Teseling at carel@wagyu.org.au 11. International Herdbook Reciprocal Recognition: The AWA accepts the pedigree and registry information from other recognised reciprocal Associations, including the American, South African, German and British Wagyu Associations. Each association has moved to SNP-based parentage verification and has implemented systems for sharing genotype information for the purposes of registration - consistent with the agreed resolution of the 2015 World Wagyu Congress. The American Wagyu Association does not provide reciprocal
recognition of the Australian Fullblood Herdbook. The AWA Board approved engagement with the American Wagyu Association to address full reciprocal pedigree recognition.
shortly. AWA members will be able to
of the Australian Wagyu industry, the
nominate sires for the project, along
AWA is seeking applicants for the Dr
with cow herds.
Simon Coates Scholarship for Veterinary
2021 WAGYU FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES – STILL OPEN The Wagyu Fellowship is the AWAs mechanism to provide development opportunities for young people within the Wagyu Industry and is supported by Member donations through the annual AWA Charity Auction.
2021-2031 PROGENY TEST PROGRAM
The establishment of a Wagyu Fellowship was for the advancement of younger people
and Reproductive Science. The ongoing scholarship will be available to students who are studying veterinary science or researching reproduction and breeding related to Wagyu.
NEW FACES AT THE AWA Natalie Poole AWA Member Services Officer As reported in the Issue 76 December 2020 Wagyu Update and in this CEO Report,
During the past 12 months, the AWA team
involved in the Wagyu industry, including
have been scoping and developing a project
producers and academics. A Wagyu
plan for a long-term Sire Progeny Test
Fellowship provides funding to undertake
Program. The primary goal of the project is
travel intrastate, interstate or overseas for a
to enable the large-scale testing and proving
minimum of four and a maximum of about
of the next generation of Wagyu sires.
eight weeks to conduct research into a topic
The Australian Wagyu Association –
that the applicant is passionate about and
Progeny Test Program (AWA-PTP) aims
has experience in.
to test 250 sires across 2,000 Fullblood
Its objectives are to:
Wagyu sector and is keenly interested in
1. Develop younger leaders for the Wagyu industry.
learning more about genetics and Wagyu.
females over a seven breeding cycles. The design of the project will be optimised to obtain optimal progeny numbers from 40 sires per year (including link sires) within large contemporary groups to maximise the value of genetic information to compare and prove the genetic merit of bulls. The AWA-PTP will enable development of accurate data-backed EBVs for a
2. Increase the education, experience and skills within the Wagyu industry.
we have seen a large increase in members through FY2020 that is continuing into FY2021. This trend has extended to increased registrations and DNA testing. As a result, we have appointed Natalie Poole as a new Member Services Officer to support delivery of core services to our members. Natalie has extensive experience within the
Laura Penrose AWA Genetic Projects Manager With the AWA-Progeny Test Program ready
3. Develop lasting friendships across the international Wagyu industry.
to commence in 2021, we will be seeking
4. Advance knowledge and learning in the Wagyu industry.
members to participate in our next chapter
contributor herds and sires from AWA of Wagyu sector genetic gain. We are pleased to announce that Laura Penrose has
large number of current and new sires,
joined our team to manage this project and
benchmarked against existing high-
This year, the AWA will again be awarding
performance sires. In addition to carcase trait
a traditional Wagyu Fellowship, along with
EBVs, new meat quality and carcase yield
considering applicants for Wagyu Fellowship
the AWA-Progeny Test Program data.
EBVs will be developed on male slaughter
– Postgraduate Scholarships in research
Laura has first class honours in genetics
progeny. For female progeny, new calving
projects aligned to the Wagyu Industry.
and has worked in the NSW DPI Southern
and reproduction traits will be a focus.
The awards will facilitate research
Multibreed team for the past two years.
The AWA-PTP will be the key genetic
and training in areas of practical value
development project for Wagyu for the next
to the Australian Wagyu industries
decade. The AWA will be undertaking a
in Genetics, Meat Science, Human
communications strategy regarding the
Nutrition, Management and Production,
project from April 2021 and be seeking to
Reproduction and Breeding.
engage with members and Wagyu sector
In honouring the late Dr. Simon Coates
participants to contribute to the project
and his pivotal role in the development
assist with genetic research and analysis of
Laura brings outstanding experience in the logistics, management and genetic design of large progeny test programs.
Dr Matt McDonagh AWA CEO ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
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# ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR
APRIL 29 - 3 MAY 2020
BRINGING TOGETHER ALL COMPONENTS OF THE WAGYU SECTOR
# ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR
APRIL 27 - 3 MAY 2021
CONFERENCE PROGRAM
IN-PERSON – ONLINE – ON DEMAND The Wagyu sector’s annual conference and tour is the largest conference on the beef industry calendar. Organised by the Australian Wagyu Association, it attracts between 400 and 600 attendees annually. This year with online attendance being made possible, we are expecting to exceed these numbers. The annual WagyuEdge Conference and Tour is a mecca for the global Wagyu industry. The AWA now has more than 150 international members. Each year, a large contingent of international Wagyu breeders and supply chain representatives attend the conference, as the Wagyu sector’s leading global event. The conference is an opportunity to bring together all components of the Wagyu sector in a forum of learning and networking to help our industry to advance Wagyu – the World’s Luxury Beef. The Australian Wagyu sector is the leading producer and exporter of Wagyu to international high-end markets. Delegates from Australia can attend in person, with those from around the world attending virtually to hear speakers with a high level of expertise in Wagyu production, genetics and marketing.
GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND
GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND
DAY 1 TUESDAY 27 APRIL
Sponsored by Vetoquinol/Repro 360
AWA 2021-2031 PROGENY TEST PROGRAM
SESSION 1
1pm – 2.30pm
Charlie Perry, President AWA Presidents welcome, Recognition of 25 year AWA members Dr Matt McDonagh, CEO AWA 2021-2031 Wagyu Progeny Test Program Dr Sophia Edwards, Vetoquinol Optimising Breeding Programs for Wagyu
WAGYU GENETIC IMPROVEMENT TOOLS
SESSION 2
3.15pm – 5.15pm
Caroline Triebe, Technical Services AWA Updates on AWA systems Emily Rabone, Technical Services AWA Updates on AWA systems Carel Teseling, Technical Services AWA Technical update Prof Rob Banks, Director AGBU Population structure and insights into Australian Wagyu Dr Kirsty More, Research Geneticist AGBU Investigating Net Feed Intake and trait relationships in Wagyu ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
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# ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR
Conference program
<<< from page 11
DAY 2 WEDNESDAY 27 APRIL Sponsored by Advantage Feeders
HALL OF FAME RECIPIENT 8.30am PRESENTED BY CHARLIE PERRY, AWA PRESIDENT
APRIL 27 - 3 MAY 2021
GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND
DAY 3 THURSDAY 28 APRIL Sponsored by AXIchain
VIEW FROM ABROAD
SESSION 1
8.30am – 10.30am
WAGYU MARKETS AND OPPORTUNITY
Bob Estrin, Lone Mountain Ranch USA LMR - progress in genetic development of USA Fullblood herd
Presenters
Gerard Hickey, CEO Firstlight Farms NZ Firstlight Farms F1 Wagyu production systems
SESSION 1
8.45am – 10.30am
Jason Strong, Managing Director MLA Market Overview for premium beef exports Scott Richardson, Managing Director StoneAxe Pastoral StoneAxe Pastoral Wagyu Program Anthony Lee, CEO Australian Country Choice Diversification and Wagyu Opportunities
Brian Angus, South Africa Establishing South African Wagyu Production and Woodview Wagyu
AXICHAIN DAY SPONSOR PRESENTATION 11.15am Linda Woodford, AXIChain CEO
APPLYING WAGYU TO AUSTRALIA
Through Chain Data management and Trade solutions for Wagyu
Arthur Dew, Longford Wagyu Developing the Longford Herd and Future Directions
SESSION 2
Gerard Roney, Managing Director Advantage Feeders New feeding strategies for optimal Wagyu performance
Christrian Coffey, GM Rural with Australian Country Choice ACC Wagyu program development and integration
Jeremy Cooper, Wagyu Fellowship recipient Implementing learnings from Japan
Matias Suarez, Regional Manager - Breeding & Genetics AACo AACo's innovation in breeding and genetics
RESEARCH UPDATES IN JAPANESE BLACK
Peter Gilmour, Managing Director Irongate Wagyu Optimising Irongate genetic progress
SESSION 2
SESSION 3
11.15am – 12.35pm
1.35pm – 3.05pm
Prof Takafumi Gotoh, Researcher at Kyosho University Changing production systems in Japan Prof Kenji Oyama, Researcher at Kyoto University Genetic improvement of Japanese Black / overview of Japanese Breeding Programs Dr Brendon O'Rourke, NSW DPI genetic recessive expert Wagyu Genetic Recessives
ELITE WAGYU SALE 4pm SELLING AGENT, GDL RURALCO
Thank you to our major partners
12
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
BUILDING OR REBUILDING A HERD 11.35am – 1.15pm
PANEL SESSION ON HERD REBUILDING Christian Coffey, Matias Suarez, Peter Gilmour, Arthur Dew, Scott Richardson
BREAKING IT DOWN - CUT x COOK SESSION
SESSION 3
2.00pm – 3.30pm
Wagyu Cuts and cut-up, Doug Piper MLA Conference wrap up and close presented by Dr Matt McDonagh, CEO AWA Note: The 2021 WagyuEdge program is subject to change.
HARD WORKING PROTECTION FOR YOUR WAGYU HERD Prevention Treatment
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ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
# ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR
APRIL 27 - 3 MAY 2021
GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND
SUPPORTING OUR INDUSTRY
Supporting our partners The AWA encourages delegates to the WagyuEdge 2021 annual conference to take full advantage of the opportunity to meet with our sponsors spanning the Wagyu sector supply chain. With specialists in nutrition, genetics, breeders and processors, and industries well aligned with our integrity and values, the trade expo of the conference has the Wagyu sector well represented.
NUTRITION AND ANIMAL WELFARE The pinnacle of Wagyu beef is realised with high levels of marbling, that in part is achieved with a strong attention to
The AWA encourages delegates to the WagyuEdge 2021 annual conference to take full advantage of the opportunity to meet with our sponsors.
nutrition for whole of life.
ADVANTAGE FEEDERS Advantage Feeders offers new feeding strategies for onfarm Wagyu performance. During the conference we will demonstrate how Creep Feeding (early rumen development) and Controlled Feeding (constant feed consumption) work to ensure optimal rumen performance, the key to achieving the best possible marble scores.
RIVERINA STOCKFEEDS The team at Riverina have extensive technical expertise to provide the most economic feed ration and well versed in the unique needs of Wagyu to achieve the optimum growth and carcase traits while maintaining the animal’s health throughout their life. ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
15
Supporting our industry <<< from page 15
VETOQUINOL
NEOGEN AUSTRALASIA
of affiliated industries to provide the
Vetoquinol’s Repro360o Team believe in
Since the early pioneer days of Australian
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Wagyu, Neogen has been an integral part
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of them! That’s why we not only supply
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ensure that our breeders and producers
the highest quality repro products, but
of testing products for now and into the
achieve the very best outcomes.
we are committed to working closely with AWA stakeholders including vets and AI technicians to help maximise the success of assisted breeding programs. Ask how we can help multiply your outcomes.
future. Have a chat with Mel, Karen and Sarah to discover what is available for
AXICHAIN
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Providing an electronic end-to-end solution for the supply chain, AXIchain
ZOETIS The AWA’s much-anticipated Progeny Test
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GENETICS TESTING
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Understanding and measuring the
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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
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# ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR
APRIL 27 - 3 MAY 2021
GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND
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cattle breeding, backgrounding, farming and
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lotfeeding and processing for the Wagyu sector.
PRACTICAL SYSTEMS
SHAMROCK VALE/GOSHU WAGYU
Demystifying the data from your herd and
A pioneer herd specialising in Tajima genetics,
integrating with DNA testing technology, the
Goshu Wagyu is situated at Shamrock Vale and
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BREEDERS AND FEEDLOT
STONE AXE PASTORAL
While many in the industry were early pioneers,
Our Gala Dinner sponsor, Stone Axe
the past 30 years has seen a steady increase in
Pastoral were the 2020 Wagyu Branded Beef
members developing Wagyu herds to meet market
Competition grand champion. With operations
needs from seedstock through to beef to satisfy
on both the east and west of Australia, the Stone
the growing demand for genetics and the world’s
Axe operation is vertically integrated to produce
luxury beef.
Purebred and Fullblood Wagyu.
ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
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# ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR
APRIL 27 - 3 MAY 2021
GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND
TOP WAGYU GENETICS ON OFFER THE AWA WITH OUR ONLINE PARTNER, ELITE LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS AND SELLING AGENT, GDL TO CONDUCT THE 9th ELITE WAGYU SALE LIVE AND ONLINE Thursday 28 April, 2021 at 4pm
The Elite Wagyu Sale showcases the top of Wagyu genetics outside Japan. Held on 28 April 2021 at 4pm (AEST) during the AWA WagyuEdge Annual Conference. The number of lots has been be limited to 45. Interest in submission of lots into the sale was high. The Association would like to thank all vendors for putting forward their lots for consideration. This year, the Association has strengthened the criteria for entry into the sale with live and genetics lots in the top 5% of EBVs and top 1% of Breed $Index values in Wagyu BREEDPLAN. Australian and international past bidders, please note, you can use your same user code when placing bids in the upcoming sale. New bidders will need to register with Elite Livestock Auctions. International new bidders will also need to also register with the Grant Daniel and Long (GDL).
Top 5% of EBVs, top 1% of Breed $Indexes Global vendors and buyers 45 lots (females, bulls, embryo, flush and semen lots on offer)
GET THE LATEST SALE DAY NEWS
wagyu.org.au/ews
18
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
HOW TO REGISTER WITH ELITE LIVESTOCK AUCTIONS HOW TO BID ONLINE WITHIN AUSTRALIA
Step 1
Step 7
Simply go to e litelivestockauctions.com.au
Once an account has been created
using your desktop, laptop, iPad, i Phone or
you are all “Set to Bid”.
android device.
Step 8 Step 2 Click on the “Sign Up” page / link.
Each auction can then be viewed b yc licking “Live Auction” logo on t he Elite Livestock Auctions website.
Step 9 Step 3 Create a bidding profile using the bidder registration page. Y ou can either register as a livestock agent, company or private buyer. Step 4 Agree to the Elite Livestock Auctions T erms and Conditions and the Selling Agents Sale Terms and Conditions a s printed in the
Once you receive email notification that your account has been created p lease go to the sale you wish to bid at and click “Request to Bid”. Step 10 The sale agents will then approve y our application to bid and on the s ale catalogue you will see “ check Bid Request Approved”.
official Sale Catalogue. Step 5 Click “Register”.
Step 11 On Sale day simply login, click “Enter Auction” on the catalogue page and you can start bidding. There is no need for software download.
Step 6
Step 12
You will then be notified by email that an
You will then be notified by email that
account has been created.
an account has been created.
ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
19
What are the benefits? • Increased calf growth rates • Reduce the number of dry cows • Higher post weaning growth rates • Early weaning for flexibility in drought
20
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
# ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR
APRIL 27 - 3 MAY 2021
Rockhampton
Emerald
Roma Dalby
STOP ONE FRIDAY 30 APRIL, 2021
Gold Coast
GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND
WAGYUEDGE TOUR GOSHU WAGYU THRIVES AT SHAMROCK VALE STATION
The Kerry Valley, Queensland is in no doubt
McVicker realised quickly that from a purely
a beautiful part of the world. The Shamrock
business perspective, the returns were not ideal.
Vale Station property is home to rich alluvial
A television program on Wagyu piqued his
soils, an abundance of water, plus Albert River
interest, and not just for the quality of the
running through.
meat, but also for the uniqueness of the brand
It is this vista that first attracted Robert
and Australia’s capacity to capitalise on export
McVicker to the property when looking for a
markets.
tree change property back in 2013.
After extensive research and conversations
Mr McVicker is the first to admit that he does
with the Wagyu fraternity, it became clear to
not come from a farming background, but his
Mr McVicker that the key factor in Wagyu
40 years of business ownership allows him to
production is quality genetics to produce high
see the potential in a new venture. In the early
performing seedstock and beef. With that in
days of the property, Shamrock Vale Station
mind, the first genetics for the SRV Wagyu herd
was home to a herd of Santa Gertrudis but Mr
were based on the Robels, Bar H and Shadai farm breeding females, with selected semen from the likes of Moyhu, Blackmores, World K’s and Kyoto Wagyu. “Our farm manager at the time, Chris Lhars, spent a lot of time talking to people about establishing the right genetic line for SRV, to make sure it would set us up correctly for the long term,” said Mr McVicker. “It was during this time, that he sought advice from Barbara Benjamin, who had developed the famous Goshu Wagyu herd in the early pioneer days of Wagyu. At the time, she was happy to sell the bulls, but not the herd. Chris gained her trust, and we agreed to buy the full herd and her equipment in 2017 giving her a full exit transition from Wagyu breeding.” Goshu Wagyu is the premier Tajima herd outside of Japan. Goshu females are the direct descendants of the most famous bull for meat quality in Japan, Tajiri, born 1939.
ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
21
#
WagyuEdge Tour - Goshu Wagyu
ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR
APRIL 27 - 3 MAY 2021
GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND
<<< from page 21 With more than 30 years of Tajima line breeding based
nutritional advice, but on the whole the property is capable of
on Japanese breeding patterns and carcase data, Barbara
supporting the backgrounding feed requirements.
developed the herd from scratch using select Tajima
Water on the farm is provided through two 250 megalitres
female lines such as the very rare Tajiri, Okudoi, Nakadoi
dams, nine bores and natural springs. Solar panels added in
Kumanami and Kikumi. The result is arguably one of the most comprehensive Tajima herds in the world and continues to build on that legacy. Shamrock Vale Station continues to uphold Barbara’s exemplary work with the Goshu Wagyu herd, while the SRV genetic line progresses quietly in the background in its own right.
cropping areas of the property. Water is not drawn from the Albert River. Shamrock Vale Station is very productive and through this they only need minimal inputs of Cattle feeding requirements and with the expansion of cropping and improved pastures they
“The Goshu herd is well respected, and has earned bragging
are able to sell silage and other crop feeds that are excess
rights as it’s very own bull “Goshu Yasuzane” - a Yasufuku JR
to they’re needs.
son - sired the World’s Best Steak winners in 2015 and 2016, testament to the quality of the of the genetics, and we continue to focus on attaining the best possible carcase results. “Genetic sales have also gained international interest with enquiries from Europe for semen. We also provide Fullblood bulls for the F1 market.” Shamrock Vale has two Wagyu herd under SRV which are producing Fullblood blood feeders for the feedlots and Goshu Wagyu continue to produce Fullblood Bulls for F1 producers.
22
recent years provide the power required for irrigation of the
Shamrock Vale Station has ventured into Honey production which not only helps pollinate the crops it also produces wonderful honey. Not resting on their laurels they saw short comings with some of the hives and foundation sheets and not being able to source parts of good quality they produced the hives, frames and foundation sheets themselves, these they now sell to other happy honey producers. “Delegates can expect to visit a really beautiful property example of Queensland, within an hour and half from Brisbane
FARM DIVERSITY
or 50 minutes to the Gold Coast.
The farm sits on 5,200 acres, is an all-encompassing enterprise
“We will have on hand the famous Goshu Wagyu herd, and of
growing crops and grasses for silage, which produces around
course one of the World’s Best Steak Sire “Goshu Yasuzane”,
95% of the cropping needs for the cattle, the most prominent
and take you around our extensive property to see how we
is corn silage and hay. The cattle have adapted well to the
manage the breeding and backgrounding of the cattle and
environment after moving from the colder climates of Victoria
our commitment to animal welfare.
to the more tropical environs of south eastern Queensland.
“Visitors can also see the bees and how we produce our natural
Occasional supplemental feeding is provided based on
honey and enjoy some time in the Kerry Valley.”
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
23
Grow with us.
JOIN BLUE-CHIP BRANDS AND PRODUCERS CHOOSING AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY CHOICE LOT FEEDING SERVICES TO BOOST THEIR BEEF BUSINESS. Australian Country Choice is a family owned enterprise run as a professional and corporate operation. We have the facilities and experience to optimise your herd genetics. Our three state-of-the-art feedlots offer industry-leading facilities, all easily accessible for Queensland and NSW breeders. We understand and feed most cattle categories. Our customised programs range from short to long-fed, including a 500-day Wagyu program. Take advantage of our experience and our strong culture of service, quality, loyalty and performance. More? Call David Bailey, General Manager Feedlots on 0457 415 108. ACCBEEF.NET.AU
ACC_WagyuQ_FP_Mar21_v3.5.indd 2 24 THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
5/3/21 12:48 pm
# ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR
APRIL 27 - 3 MAY 2021
Emerald
Rockhampton
Roma Dalby
GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND
WAGYUEDGE TOUR
Gold Coast
AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY CHOICE PROVIDING A WAGYU SERVICE
STOP FOUR
Australian Country Choice has been a mainstay of Australia’s major retail beef sales for
SATURDAY 1 MAY, 2021
more than 40 years, providing beef exclusively into one of the major supermarkets. A vertically integrated, family-owned business, a contract was developed by owner Trevor Lee and Coles supermarkets in 1974. Trevor saw this as a way of providing the business with a known price and volume, rather than be dependent on the day’s price at the livestock sales. As with any industry, business and market environments evolve and mature, and Australian Country Choice (ACC) and Coles have reached an agreement where that single-supply model will come to an end in mid-2021. For ACC, the end of the contract period provides opportunities to develop other markets and how the company conducts its business. Gaining contracts with another supermarket and developing greater export capabilities has been part of that change. ACC’s core strength lies in its ability to provide full cattle production capabilities to customer specification. With multiple properties throughout Queensland, the business can offer seedstock and breeding genetics, backgrounding and feedlots, as well as complete processing and cold chain distribution for retail-ready product. Providing specialist feedlot, breeding and processing facilities for higher-end cattle, including Wagyu, has taken a larger focus for the company. Currently, ACC provides those services to several well-known brands of Wagyu to meet the customers’ exacting specifications. Recognising that Wagyu would give ACC further market opportunities, a joint venture was established in 2017, drawing on decades of experience in genetics, growing and processing. MB9+ was formed and the Hawkesbury herd under its JV management is still based and operated at Millmerran. “Our Wagyu genetics are based on the Shadai and Hawkesbury herds,” said Anthony Lee, CEO of Australian Country Choice. “We have started with a small herd, in order to ensure that our core nucleus of genetics is the best it can be. We aim to scale up with a measured approach to around 3000 Fullblood cows. In 2021, we expect to have around 1500 Fullblood calves born.” ACC research that has gone into understanding Wagyu has shown the company that knowing what the customer wants, and the volume, will determine what is needed by the full supply chain. The recent impacts of COVID on the beef industry has revealed that Wagyu beef has had far greater resilience and has bounced back more than commodity categories, highlighting that market demand is still present and viable. ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
25
#
WagyuEdge Tour - Australian Country Choice
ANNUAL AWA CONFERENCE & TOUR
APRIL 27 - 3 MAY 2021
GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND
<<< from page 25 The processing facility at Cannon Hill is one of the
embryo transfer techniques in a recipient herd to reach
largest in Australia, but was not suited to the larger
the target herd size effectively and efficiently.”
carcase frame and weights of Wagyu, requiring a re-fit
“We have been astounded at how well Wagyu adapt to our
for higher, stronger rails to accommodate the carcase.
environment,” said Anthony. “The herd was based in the
From Anthony’s point of view, it has provided far greater opportunity for niche processing to provide a point of difference for the company in a competitive industry. The boning room is now capable of swapping between different specifications with relative ease. Southern properties manager, Christian Coffey manages the Wagyu program. He said: “We have done significant research at understanding how we manage the genetic growth in our breeding herds and to find the best feeding
26
southern states, so there was a question mark for us as to how well they will thrive in Queensland. It seems Wagyu can be run anywhere from the Barkly Tableland up north to the Alps – and in commercial volumes.” In the interim, while the Fullblood herd matures, ACC will continue to do what it does best – provide a supply chain service to customer specification. Australian Country Choice Properties
regime to give the necessary rising plane of nutrition to
Delegates on the conference tour will have an opportunity
give consistent results.
to visit Brindley Park aggregation which spans 70,000
“We assess time in the feedlot, what supplements are
acres and is home to the Elite Shadai Fullblood Wagyu
needed and the nutrition content of the fodder around
herd currently under ACC management and development.
Brindley Park to give a target daily weight gain of 0.8kg
The property is home to young Fullblood Wagyu cattle on
for whole of life. Carcase weights aim to be 450kg, with
background feed in preparation for feedlot entry, as well as
an emphasis on high marble scores, without comprising
the breeding females. The site is home to the Brindley Park
fertility and growth performance.
Feedlot, with a carrying capacity of 22,000 head, before
“The whole herd is DNA-tested with 50K SNP and
processing at the Cannon Hill facility.
registered with the Australian Wagyu Association
The home of MB9+ Fullblood Wagyu spans 5500 acres
so that we can get genetic profiling.
at Millmerran, while the Opal Creek feedlot facility is
“We have a genetics consultant who is helping us e
comprised of four parcels, covering 7700 acres to carry
xpand our breeding program to get the right outcome
30,000 herd and includes cropping and developed pastures.
and minimise the risk of issues such as inbreeding.
In all, the ACC Group manages close to 2.42 million
We want to make sure that every animal is included
hectares (6 million acres) of pastoral, grazing and farming
in our data performance,” he said.
land with a carrying capacity of up to 300,000 cattle
“We started with around 300 breeding females and the
across 24 properties from southern Queensland to the
growth will be achieved using artificial insemination and
Barkly Downs, the furthest north property.
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
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ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
27
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28
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
THE MATURE COW WHEN TO KEEP HER, WHEN TO LET HER GO
The ideal maternal female is capable of becoming
in a shorter time frame. For beef production,
pregnant, giving birth unassisted, providing
there will be an emphasis on EBVs for improved
ample milk for the calf until weaning, and then
performance in carcase traits.
readily going back into her cycles, all while
Given the complexity of Wagyu breeding
maintaining a good body condition on pasture.
programs to develop the maternal cow herd,
Scrotal Size, Gestation Length, Birth Weights,
whist maximising the production output
Milk and Mature Cow Weight Estimate
from the steer (slaughter) progeny, many AWA
Breeding Values (EBVs) are all considerations
members are now using the MateSel program
when choosing appropriate females for your
provided by AWA. This enables optimised
herd. The age of the female may also be a
individual breeding solutions for each female
consideration and can be dependent on the
to ensure long-term gain in all target breeding
production system undertaken.
areas. Please contact the AWA Technical Service
A ‘Days to Calving” EBV estimates the interval
Manager to access MateSel for your herd.
between calves, which has been shown to be
Given that the realisation of carcase
heritable in other cattle breeds. This EBV is not
performance from breeding decisions can take
currently available for Wagyu, but is planned
four years after breeding, retaining older cows
for development through the upcoming AWA
can have a long-term impact on the herd’s
Progeny Test Program.
production performance. Hence, making sure
Measuring cow fertility and reproductive
they are contributing positively to production
capacity is about data collection and analysis,
early on is vital.
to calculate EBVs. While there is no currently
According to Southern Beef Technology Services
available direct measure of fertility in maiden
(SBTS), the ideal maternal female, “will have
heifers, positive Scrotal Size EBVs are known
shorter Gestation Length EBVs, while having a
to correlate with early maturity in females.
larger Scrotal Size EBV, while moderate Birth
Research is ongoing to investigate the
Weight and Mature Cow Weight EBVs are
correlation between fertility and post-partum
preferable for long-term breeding strategies.”
anoestrus – how quickly a cow cycles after
Selecting females with positive Milk EBVs
calving. In addition to these measures, a cow’s
will enable increased ability for the cowherd to
maternal behaviour towards her calf will
provide nutrition to the calf up to weaning.
contribute to how well it thrives.
Wagyu, compared to other breeds, are known
Most Wagyu seedstock breeders are also
for lower birth weights, giving greater calving
commercial producers. The focus on genetic
ease, a docile temperament and high fertility,
progress within the herd, will require increasingly
with many cycling before 12 months of age.
higher performing heifers and younger cows who
However, large ranges in birth weight EBVs
show improved EBVs with successive generations
exist and breeders need to be aware of their
ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
29
<<< from page 29 joining decisions, such as high birth weight bulls over heifers. This is particularly important to manage such that high birth weight bulls are not put over heifers with high birthweight EBVs themselves. Anecdotally with maturity, Wagyu cows are good mothers and can remain productive – producing calves typically until at least 12
The advantage of an older cow that has had calves before is that she is proven in terms of fertility and raising her calf – you know she can breed... The trade-off is that if the herd is making genetic progress, an older cow will likely be of lower genetic merit than the younger females. The EBVs of a young cow or heifer, may not
of older cows can outweigh the cost
have the same accuracy as an older female
of introducing heifers.
but are still worth considering for continuous
Environmental factors including nutrition,
improvement strategies for the herd.
will play a role in the success of a mum
calves before is that she is proven in terms of
SBTS colleague, Boyd Gudex says that the
raising a calf to weaning. Where grass
fertility and raising her calf – you know she
situation can be different for non-registered
is plentiful and nutritious, her ability to
can breed,” says Catriona Millen, Technical
herds, such as commercial purebred herds
maintain her own body condition and
Officer, SBTS.
that do not have access to EBVs for their
provide adequate milk for the calf should be
“The trade-off is that if the herd is making
cows. In these herds, the majority of the
achievable compared to a cow that needs to
genetic progress, an older cow will likely be of
genetic improvement is going to be driven by
graze greater distances on poorer pasture.
lower genetic merit than the younger females.”
bull choice(s), thus the proven performance
The timing of calving in terms of available
years of age. EBVs for traits such as gestation length and birth weight are indicative of calving ease. “The advantage of an older cow that has had
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THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
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The mature cow
pasture may also be a factor – spring calving when pasture
important trait,” she said. “We recommend that Wagyu
is at its peak, may give both cow and calf better conditions
producers consider all of the maternal trait EBVs that are
but there will still be variation between the different
of relevance to their production system whilst they are also
regions. A cow with good body condition is also more likely
optimising production for carcase or growth traits.”
to cycle and become pregnant. In general weaning occurs
EBVs can be used to highlight which females in the herd
around 6-9 months, but may occur earlier should feed be
are not contributing to genetic improvement and therefore
inadequate for the mother and calf needs. With all breeds,
which can be culled sooner, rather than culling progeny that
there will be a peak period of fertility and milk within the
are under-performing. By culling the progeny, the problem
cow’s lifespan, but it is likely to decrease with age.
is still within the herd through the parents.
Catriona explained that there are relationships between the
“The best indication of how long to keep an older cow is
maternal traits and other traits; ignoring these relationships
based on how she is contributing to genetic improvement
can have unintended consequences. A case in point is the
plus her body condition and ability to raise a calf,” said Boyd.
dairy industry, where historically selection for increased
“If a calf is not thriving as well as its’ cohorts; the cow’s
milk production was done without monitoring fertility. This led to a dramatic decline in fertility. With the dairy industry
ability to forage is reduced because she is losing teeth and her genetic merit is sitting in the lower levels of your
now considering both traits in animal selection, they have
analysis, it may be time to move her on. There may be
managed to improve fertility without negatively impacting
exceptions to the assessment of the cow, for example if she
upon milk production.
has a good temperament and a calming influence on the
“This example shows the consequences of selecting for a
herd and would make a good auntie for the younger cows,
single trait without considering the effect on another, equally
it may be worth keeping the cow for a little longer.”
ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
31
THE POLLED GENE IN WAGYU ALSO KNOWN AS THE CELTIC POLLED ALLELE
In late 2020, the Cattle Council of Australia released information on pain relief options for cattle operations, particularly for dehorning and debudding. The practice is employed to lower the risk of bruising and injury to other cattle and animal handlers during holding, feedlots and loading. With approval for the use of Trisolfen for dehorning and debudding, farmers can now apply pain-relief in animal husbandry without the need for veterinary supervision. Dehorning is still a painful procedure, it is recommended that dehorning and debudding occur when the calf is less than two months old, before the horn has attached to the skull. Pain relief and proper practice are recommended to minimise the impact of the procedure on the animal along with reducing the incidence of poorer animal performance in the following weeks. The pain relief guide notes that producers are encouraged to find non-surgical alternatives, such as breeding for the polled gene. The polled gene is another name given for the Celtic polled allele. It is not naturally present in Japanese Black Fullblood Wagyu, but has been introduced to Purebreds through crosses with other breeds. The polled gene is dominant, such that homozygous (has two copies of the poll gene) polled sires are most desirable as they will always breed polled progeny, even if the
32
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
Within the Australian Wagyu herd, a number of producers have opted to focus on the polled gene for Purebreds, without detriment to other traits. progeny themselves are heterozygous (carrying one copy of the polled gene). If a breeder started with a Fullblood sire over Angus
POLLED TESTING
females, 100% of the F1 progeny would be heterozygous
Wagyu breeders can test their animals for
polled and would carry one copy of the poll gene from the
heterozygous or homozygous polled status. If you
Angus female and one non-polled gene from the Fullblood
are breeding for polledness in Wagyu animals, then
Wagyu sire.
identification of a homozygous polled bull will be
Successive upgrade crosses of F1 females to Fullblood
very valuable as it will produce 100 percent of polled
Wagyu to produce F2 would give 50% phenotypically
progeny if mated to horned cows. A heterozygous
polled, and F3 would result in 25% of the progeny as
polled bull will produce only 50 percent of polled
polled. Continuing to Purebreds (or F4) would result in
animals when mated to horned cows.
12.5% being phenotypically polled. mating of a heterozygous polled Purebred sire to a
RESULTS FOR THE POLLED DNA TEST ARE REPORTED AS
heterozygous polled Purebred dam gives a probability of
» PcPc means the test result shows two Pc (polled
Once you have phenotypically polled purebred females,
75% of progeny being phenotypically polled and 25%
Celtic mutation) alleles indicating the animal is
of the progeny being genetically homozygous polled.
homozygous polled and phenotypically polled
Mating of a homozygous polled Purebred sire to a
» HPc means the test result shows one H (Horn)
heterozygous polled Purebred dam gives a probability
allele and one Pc (polled Celtic mutation) allele
of 100% of progeny being phenotypically polled and 50%
indicating the animal is heterozygous polled and
of the progeny being genetically homozygous polled.
phenotypically polled.
The scurred condition (small, loose, horny growths in the
» HH means the test result shows two H (Horn) alleles
skin where horns would be) is controlled by a different gene
indicating the animal is homozygous horned and
to the polled gene and scurs are only expressed (visible)
phenotypically horned.
in polled cattle with two copies of the scur gene. The scur gene is sex linked and is dominant in males and recessive in females. Breeding polled animals therefore makes it possible to select against the scurred gene and long-term selection for polledness will help to identify and eliminate scurs if scurred animals are culled. Within the Australian Wagyu herd, a number of producers
If you wish to discuss the use of the horn/poll test or breeding polled Wagyu cattle, please contact AWA’s Technical Services Manager, Carel Teseling.
have opted to focus on the polled gene for Purebreds, without detriment to other traits. The AWA currently holds some 2,000 registered polled Purebred Wagyu.
ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
33
IS YOUR BREEDER HERD ACCELERATING OR LIMITING YOUR GENETIC PROGRESS? RECORDING PROGENY PERFORMANCE
Better understanding and managing the genetic range in your
DATA HAS A LARGE IMPACT ON COW EBVs
cowherd can have an enormous impact on your commercial productivity and profitability. Your females are the base of your production. You can quickly change the sire genetic contribution to your next generation of females, but the genetic contribution of your established cow herd has a long-term impact. It is a fact that the next generation of calves get half their genetics from the sire and the other half from the dam. Due to the number of progeny a bull can generate in one year, it is much easier to collect large numbers of progeny performance records for bulls compared to cows. This means that it is easier to generate high accuracy and data driven EBVs for bulls.
RIVERINA’S WAGYU RANGE ARE A PALATABLE, HIGH PROTEIN AND ENERGY SUPPLEMENT WITH ADDED VITAMINS AND MINERALS FOR ALL STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT. Photo from Hamblin Family (Strathdale Serena)
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WAGYU Calf Grower Pellets
WAGYU Calf Weaner Pellets
WAGYU Pasture Finisher Pellets
for very early weaning or creep feeding wagyu beef calves less than 100kg liveweight.
for early weaning or creep feeding wagyu calves greater than 200kg liveweight.
for early weaning or creep feeding wagyu calves from 100 – 200kg liveweight.
for finishing Wagyu cattle on pasture.
To view our full range of products visit
www.riverina.com.au 34
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
Your females are the base of your production.
In Wagyu Update Magazine Issue 76 - What happened to Shigeshigetani’s marble score EBV? We had a look at a few specific examples of how progeny performance data can impact the EBVs and accuracy of a few sires. In this article, we will look at how progeny performance data impacts the EBVs of
REGISTRATION OF STEER PROGENY WITH THE AWA IS FREE
dams. With some Wagyu females living to more than 20 years old and having more
Once you have a DNA test result for
than 12 calves, there is significant opportunity to use data on progeny within your
steer progeny, AWA undertakes the
herd to prove your females.
parentage verification and the progeny
There have been instances where breeders have indicated to the Australian Wagyu
can be registered against the sire and
Association, that they haven’t registered some cows as those cows only had steer
dam at no charge to you.
progeny and no registerable female progeny yet. This practice of selective registration
This enables yearly calving records for
(and performance recording) of animals, will have a serious negative impact on
all females to be accurate and for
complete data collection for your herd and will significantly reduce the ability to
performance data through growth and
accurately estimate the genetic merit of all animals in the herd – particularly your cows.
slaughter to contribute to the female EBVs.
Sound advice and professional guidance. Take your business to the next level by using real data for real decision making. Experienced in AWA, DNA and BREEDPLAN as well as leading livestock programs including Stockbook.
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ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
35
<<< from page 35
IMPACT OF PROGENY CARCASE DATA ON THE MS EBVs OF DAMS It is a general assumption that it is difficult to change the EBVs or index values of a dam
and then compared to the analysis after
It is clear that there is a strong relationship
the data was added.
between the old and new EBVs. However, addition of progeny data for the dams in
Figure 1 compares the Marble Score EBV
by recording carcase data on its progeny. To test the impact of performance recording on the EBVs of females, the EBV and
this analysis has changed the Marble Score
of a dam before progeny carcase records were added as the “OLD EBV” on the X-axis
EBV for some animals significantly. In Figure 1, the dots above the green line
accuracy results of dams were analysed over
relative to the “NEW EBV” on the Y-axis -
successive years. Dams which had up to two
after the progeny carcase data was added.
progeny carcase data added to the Wagyu
In the case of Marble Score, if the carcase
database in the past two years were analysed.
data of the progeny had little or no impact
Carcase Weight (CWT) and Marble Score
on the dam’s EBVs, the dots on the graph
which had the same MS EBV of 0.2 before
(MS) EBVs and accuracies of dams were
that represent individual dams, would
progeny carcase data was added and then
extracted from the Wagyu BREEDPLAN
all sit on the black diagonal line running
with the addition of data, one moved up to 1
analysis before the progeny data was added
through the middle of the data.
and the other down to -0.7, a difference of 1.7.
or below the red line indicate dams where their MS EBVs have moved up or down by more than 0.5 of a marble score. The two highlighted dots in Figure 1 show two dams
New EBV
Marble Score EBV
2.5 2.0
1.0 MS EBV after progeny carcase data was added
1.5 1.0 0.5
0.2 MS EBV before progeny carcase data was added
0 -0.5
FIGURE 1 Comparison of Dam Marble Score EBVs before (OLD EBV) and after (NEW EBV) progeny carcase data was recorded and loaded.
-1.0
-0.7 MS EBV after progeny carcase data was added
-1.5 -2.0 -2.5 -2.5
-2.0
-1.5
-1.0
-0.5
0
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5 Old EBV
36
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
Is your breeder herd accelerating or limiting your genetic progress?
The overall trend for how dam EBVs have changed before and after progeny Marble Score data entry in Figure 1 show the general impact of progeny Marble Score data on dam EBV values. The distribution of Marble Score EBV change is shown in Figure 2. Overall, 80% of records change less than + or – 0.2 MS units, meaning that the EBVs were doing a very good job of estimating genetic merit for Marble Score prior to performance data being added. However, the Marble Score EBVs change by more than plus or minus 0.3 MS EBV units for 20% of dams. As shown in Figure 2, in some cases, the change is by more than 0.7 MS EBV units. These levels of change can assist breeders in identifying proven high performing Marble Score EBV cows. Equally, animals that are poor performers can be identified and managed out of the herd if that is important to you.
No. of animals
Distribution of Marble Score EBV change
80% of records
1000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300
FIGURE 2
200
Distribution of Dam MS EBV changes resulting from the addition of progeny carcase data.
100 0
< -0.5
-0.4
-0.3
-0.2
-0.1
0
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
>0.7
Carcase Weight EBV change
ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
37
Is your breeder herd accelerating or limiting your genetic progress? <<< from page 37
IMPACT OF PROGENY CARCASE DATA ON THE CARCASE WEIGHT EBVS OF DAMS In the case of Carcase Weight (Figure 3), we see a similar trend to that observed for Marble Score. When progeny data is added, the EBVs of the dams can change significantly. Again, there is a strong relationship between the old and new EBVs, with the vast majority of EBVs changing less than plus or minus 6kg (Figure 4). However, some dams are identified where the change in Carcase Weight EBV the exceeds 20 kg up or down after progeny carcase data was added. These animals sit outside the red and green lines on Figure 3. New EBV 80
60
40
20
Carcase Weight EBV FIGURE 3
0
Comparison of Dam Carcase Weight EBVs before (OLD EBV) and after (NEW EBV) progeny carcase data -20 was recorded and loaded.
-40 -40
-20
0
20
No. of animals
40
60
80 Old EBV
80% of records
1000 900 800 700 600 500
Distribution of Carcase Weight EBV change
400
FIGURE 4
200
Distribution of Dam MS EBV changes resulting from the addition of progeny carcase data.
100
300
0
< -18
-15
-12
-9
-6
-3
0
3
6
Carcase Weight EBV change 38
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
9
122
15
18
>18
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ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
39
Is your breeder herd accelerating or limiting your genetic progress?
New Acc (%)
Marble Score EBV Accuracy
85% 80% 75%
<<< from page 38
IMPACT OF PROGENY CARCASE DATA ON THE CARCASE EBV ACCURACY OF DAMS Another measure of the “value” of addition of progeny data for dam EBVs is to look at the change in accuracy of the EBVs after carcase data is loaded against dams. This is displayed for Marble Score in Figure 5 and Carcase Weight in Figure 6. It is very encouraging to note there are a
70% 65% 60% 55% 50%
FIGURE 5 Increase in Dam Marble Score EBV accuracy before (OLD Acc) and after (NEW Acc) progeny carcase data was recorded and loaded.
45%
large number of dams where the addition of progeny carcase data increases the accuracy
40%
of the dam EBVs by more than 10% (above the green lines on the graphs). It is interesting to note that, in the case
35% 35%
40%
45%
50%
55%
60%
65%
70%
75%
80%
85%
Old Acc (%)
of Carcase Weight EBV accuracy, there are more dams where their accuracies have increased by more than 10%. This is to be expected as Carcase Weight has a higher heritability than marble score and therefore additional CWT data will have a higher impact on Dam Carcase Weight EBVs and accuracies.
New Acc (%)
Carcase Weight EBV Accuracy
85% 80% 75%
Taken together with changes in the actual EBVs of dams, increases in the EBV
70%
accuracy for dams provides a significant opportunity to highlight your best and
65%
worst performing females with greater confidence. Identify your top performing
60%
female genetics will allow you to accelerate your breeding program and genetic gain
55%
based on using these animals within embryo programs.
50%
Equally important is identifying your poor performing females with higher accuracy
FIGURE 6
45%
Increase in Dam Carcase Weight EBV accuracy before (OLD Acc) and after (NEW Acc) progeny carcase data was recorded and loaded.
and potentially removing them from your herd. These females and their progeny can
40%
persist within your herd for many years and contribute to decreasing production and profitability. 40
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
35% 35%
40%
45%
50%
55%
60%
65%
70%
75%
80%
85%
Old Acc (%)
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ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
41
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3. Billions of Bacillus bacteria multiply and secrete digestive enzymes and can assist in pathogen inhibition via competitive exclusion and mucin production
3 2
2. Spores germinate inside the animal’s GIT
4 & 5. The active bacteria produce new spores which are excreted in the animals faeces
4 5
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42
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
Is your breeder herd accelerating or limiting your genetic progress?
New Index ($)
Self Replacing $Index
325
$215 SRI after progeny carcase data was added
275 225 175
<<< from page 40
$140 SRI before progeny carcase data was added
125
IMPACT OF PROGENY CARCASE DATA ON THE SELF REPLACING $INDEX VALUE OF DAMS
75
$85 SRI after progeny carcase data was added
25
As discussed through this article, the impact of recording progeny carcase data on the EBVs of your female breeders is important.
-25
It provides insight into the performance of 50% of your genetics (your females) and this
-75 -75
-25
25
75
125
175
225
275
50% is the genetics that you are left with
325
every time you change bulls.
Old Index ($)
To take this one step further; in Figure
FIGURE 7
7 the changes in the dam Self Replacing
Comparison of Dam Self Replacing $Index before (OLD Index) and after (NEW Index) progeny carcase data was recorded and loaded.
$Index are shown by comparing the before and after values of the dams. The green and red line representing animals that moved $50 up or down from one analysis to the next with the inclusion of progeny carcase data. This analysis may be shown for the
Distribution of Self Replacing $Index change No. of animals
Wagyu Breeder $Index providing a very
80% of records
similar result.
1000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300
FIGURE 8
200 100 0
< -40
-30
-20
-10
0
10
20
30
40
>40
Distribution of Dam SRI changes resulting from the addition of progeny carcase data.
Self Replacing $Index Change ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
43
<<< from page 43
SUMMARY The changes observed in EBVs, accuracy and $Index values of dams after progeny carcase data has been recorded, loaded, and analysed by Wagyu BREEDPLAN clearly indicates that an understanding of the genetic merit and range within a breeder herd can benefit enormously from recording and submitting progeny data. Improved understanding of the genetic merit of a dam, albeit good or bad, will allow for more informed selection and mating decisions to be made. The impact of high performing females on a herd can be accelerated, whilst the impact of low performing females can be minimised.
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robbinsislandwagyu.com.au 44
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
Is your breeder herd accelerating or limiting your genetic progress?
Improved understanding of the genetic merit of a dam, albeit good or bad, will allow for more informed selection and mating decisions to be made.
Number of cows
5 - 10 PROGENY
11 - 15 PROGENY
16 - 25 PROGENY
26 - 50 PROGENY
More than 50 PROGENY
8,592
1,076
747
333
29
TABLE 1 Cows in each of the number of progeny categories.
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cow can have has been increased dramatically. Table 1 shows the number of cows that had 5 or more progeny registered. Large numbers of progeny performance records are very helpful to quickly increase the accuracy of an animal’s EBVs. However, it is also important to remember that any performance data recorded on an animal and loaded in the Wagyu database will help BREEDPLAN to more accurately estimate the genetic merit of the animal’s sire and dam. For the performance data from embryo calves to contribute to the EBVs of a Wagyu sire and dam, the recipient female needs to be recorded with the AWA and the breed type and the age (birth year) of the recipient female need to be recorded.
.
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ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
45
PA RT N E R W I T H AU S T R A L I A’ S M O ST AWA R D E D B E E F BRAND Be part of a established supply chain Family owned & operated, over 60 years in industry Consistent feedback and insights into cattle performance Acclaimed global brand recognition and customer demand
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46
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
GEORGE LUBBE FEEDER PURCHASES P: 07 4692 2277 M: 0408 502 787 E: george@stockyardbeef.com.au
1/03/2021 10:22:57 AM
WAGYU DEMAND REMAINS STEADY
Twelve months ago, the hospitality and food service industries were in dire straits as
Wagyu F1 vs Feeder indicators (MLA) FY 2020 - 2021 Source: AuctionsPlus, MLA
restaurants right around the world closed doors overnight in the wake of COVID-19. With government support and the slow return to the new COVID normal, food service is showing some signs of recovery. The exception, are those heavily reliant on tourism such as hotels. While the fine dining sector has suffered, uptake through retail in local and export markets has stabilised premium beef markets. Quick service restaurants and locally owned restaurants have taken up much of the downturn. The recent increases in the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator have been an indication that
The December 2020 quarter reports
produced product.
cattle herds are rebuilding across the beef
from ABARES indicate that exports
sector, helped in part with the recent rain.
The F1 Wagyu sales since June 2020
for agriculture were down compared
Although representing only a small fraction
to 2019, but sit within the three year
of F1 Wagyu feeder cattle sold to supply
average. Two factors have contributed to
chains, the movement of F1 Wagyu through
overall decreases into China and Japan
AuctionsPlus indicates that Australian Wagyu
particularly, with the increased cost
markets continue to strengthen.
of beef production here in Australia,
The MLA Lot Feeding Brief for the December
and the high exchange rate to the $US.
560c/kg, compared to a slower trend
2020 quarter shows that the number of cattle
For China, trade tensions continue to
increase for MLA heavy feeders closing
on feed in NSW, Victoria and SA increased
be challenging more so in commodity
out at around 420c/kg. Clearance of sales
compared to the previous quarter, while
beef, while the Japanese government
of F1s through AuctionsPlus has averaged
Queensland remanded relatively steady.
continues with subsidies for domestically
around 73% for the same time frame.
on AuctionsPlus show a starting point at approximately 410 c/kg, while the feeder indicator sat slightly below 400 at the same time. At the end of February 2021, the F1 sales have trended upwards toward
ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
47
A Taste of Pardoo
Pilbara, Western Australia
For further information contact Hossam Shabayk on 0417 973 755, via email hossam.shabayk@pardoo.com or visit our website www.pardoo.com
48
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
Wagyu demand remains steady
While our overall beef exports to China dropped last year, our chilled exports actually increased nine per cent in volume terms.” <<< from page 47
CHINA
UK, EU AND BREXIT
Rabobank expects that trade tensions between
The final signing of the Brexit deal was
China and the US as well as between China
completed late 2020 by the British government
and Australia will continue to hit the meat industry hard in 2021 but Angus Gidley Baird, Rabobank Senior Animal Protein Analyst says that there are still massive opportunities ahead
and for many industries, what that represents for market access into the UK and European Union is still to be negotiated.
for Australian exporters.
According to Mr Gidley Baird, the intricacies
“What has been interesting and will continue to
are hidden in the details of how the quotas will
be so is the mix of product going into China.
be apportioned between the 27 countries within
We used to send a lot of forequarter cuts into
the EU and the UK.
that market, but they are now picking up on
“For Australia it means that for beef, we have
ground beef with increased westernisation as well as the very premium Wagyu and highly marbled beef,” Mr Gidley-Baird said. “While our overall beef exports to China dropped last year, our chilled exports actually increased nine per cent in volume terms.”
a country specific quota for high quality beef which is 7,150 tonnes which was the quota into Europe so, based on the average of the last three years, 65 percent of that volume will be allocated to the UK and 35 percent to Europe.
A sentiment that Andrew Cox, International
“But we also supply into a global quota as well
Business Manager, MLA agrees with. “The
and that quota, based on volumes over the last
demand for Australian chilled grain fed beef
three years, has a much higher volume going
actually grew in China, and it is likely that
into Europe and it is this aspect that leads me to
Wagyu in particular is performing well. While
anticipate that there will be minimal change for
some suppliers may be experiencing difficulties
our beef exports to these markets at the moment.
with recent bans into China, the assumption is that other brands have filled the gap. What is difficult to gauge is whether the volume
“The Australian Government is in the process of negotiating Free Trade Agreements with
is reflective of demand or value; it will be
both the UK and the EU the terms of which, if
interesting to see what the China statement,
favourable, could see increased access for our
due out in April will be around export values.”
exporters in the future,” Mr Gidley-Baird said.
ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
49
Wagyu demand remains steady
<<< from page 49
COMPETITORS AND OPPORTUNITIES Brazil continues to grow globally and have the advantage of a
“On the flip side, any increase in US supply to China would
lower price point to capture market share, however it is mostly
create opportunities for Australia in markets such as Japan
in the commodity beef category, not in high value premium beef.
and Korea. And the US is not as strong in countries such
For markets such as China, US Prime poses the greatest
as Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand, providing
challenge to Australian Wagyu, said Andrew.
opportunity to develop further in these markets. Strong
“US production of Wagyu is not as high as it is in Australia, and domestically there is sufficient demand to utilise US Wagyu locally. “What you do see on the menu alongside Australian Wagyu brands, is US Prime at a similar price point. With China looking for new, competitive sources to fill the premium beef category, and the capacity to provide the cuts demanded, there is a threat.
economic growth and population forecasts across Southern Asia means that there will be an increasing number of households with money to spend.” Korea was not a huge market for tenderloins, but data suggests the country is taking more than Japan. With that, there has been a noticeable trend of retailers asking for support to show how to cut, cook and sell Australian product.
THE YEAR AHEAD MLA forecasts for 2021 indicate that the national cattle herd is expected to increase with the rebuild phase, however slaughter levels may continue to fall as producers retain younger cattle. As a consequence, it is likely that beef production will be below 2019 levels, but similar to those seen in the last herd re-build of 2017. Export levels are expected to lift 2%, but will continue to be affected by demand in key markets and food service activity. As China’s recovery from African Swine Fever evolves, the protein deficit fulfilled with commodity beef may see those suppliers spill into other markets where Australia has considerable market share. In the feedlot, the forecast is for a continued increase in numbers within the system. Currently feedlot cattle accounts for 37% of national slaughter. Long fed Wagyu now represents a greater proportion of cattle in feedlots and expected to increase with the lower cost in grain. “Given that Wagyu is found in fine dining and high-end food service, you would expect that export markets for the product would have suffered in 2020,” said Andrew. “It will be reassuring for Australian Wagyu producers that Wagyu has performed better than expected with many consumers still looking for high end meals and spending more time at home to prepare those meals. “The challenges in China and the uncertainty of Brexit trade negotiations will be ongoing, but with that there is clear evidence that Australian Wagyu has an opportunity to gain market share in new markets in South East Asia and Korea.”
50
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
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ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
51
52
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
WAGYU A DESTINATION EATING EXPERIENCE Hospitality in Australia is well on the road to recovery, allowing the opportunity for diners to experience the full fine dining experience once more. Australia’s fine dining restaurants are once again receiving patrons to taste the very best food and produce on offer, and Wagyu is no exception. Well-known restaurant Moo Moo’s Wine Bar & Grill has received many awards in recent years and offers diners the very best produce available, including truffles, seafood and beef. The restaurant has two venues, at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast, and Brisbane CBD, and owned by Steve and Autumn Adams. Trent Robson is the Group Executive Chef, overseeing the highly trained chefs at both sites. Trent describes the a la carte menu as traditional in a culinary sense, but reflects the current trends in presentation and cooking methods. It is the beef that is the star of the show, with the Specialty Beef Menu items describing the brand, cut, age and feeding regime. Regular appearances on the menu include Westholme, Rangers Valley and 2GR utilising cuts such as striploin, cube rolls, flat iron and rump caps. In addition, the Kyushu Satsuma A5 Japanese Black Wagyu brand rounds out the specialty Wagyu offerings. With each option, the brand, the Japanese bloodline, Marble Score, feed regime and feedlot (for example grainfed for 300 days), and age at slaughter are included in the description.
ISSUE 77 - THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE
53
Wagyu, a destination eating experience
<<< from page 53 “We aim to source the best beef we can find. Not every steak can be $100, but it will be a benchmark product with proven consistency,” said Trent. “We have a good relationship with some of the biggest Wagyu producers in Australia, where we have built up relationships with them, so when the market gets tighter, which it does every year, we get the first pick, because they know we will look after their brand and treat the beef well.” The volumes of Wagyu are significant through both restaurant sites therefore quality and consistency are an important aspect for suppliers. To balance the orders, one brand of cut will be used in Broadbeach, and another brand in Brisbane in order to fully utilise the range of cuts. When diners choose their Wagyu, it is served with a simple garnish, often a Ponzu sauce (a traditional Japanese sauce served with shabu shabu). Sides are then ordered separately. While ultimately the choice of side is the diner’s choice, Trent said his staff are well versed in advising the most appropriate side based on the cut and marble score of the Wagyu ordered. “For example, if you were choosing a highly marbled cut, adding a rich bearnaise sauce with mashed potato would be too much. We would suggest something that is more acidic, such as a salad with a sharp vinaigrette dressing, that compliments and cuts through the fattiness of the meat. Or alternatively, a side that has a more traditional Asian flavour.” When Trent started with Moo Moo’s seven years ago, it was not uncommon to explain to diners the meaning of marble score and what to expect from Wagyu beef. Now, he says, that is no longer the case where most diners understand that Wagyu beef sets the benchmark for quality steak. The restaurants now have a loyal customer base that come specifically for exceptional beef, and expect the Wagyu to be a destination meal. The specials offer of AACo’s A11 and A12 Wagyu is
We aim to source the best beef we can find. Not every steak can be $100, but it will be a benchmark product with proven consistency”
54
THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU UPDATE - ISSUE 77
testament to that eating experience, as too the Japanese A5. Often diners will order a share platter of these dishes to share between the table to savour the luxuriousness of Wagyu beef. “Moo Moo’s has come to represent the very best in Australian beef, and particular the range of cuts and marble score for Wagyu, which has set a benchmark for us to provide a fine dining experience, that people came back for time and again.”
P e r f e c t i n g t h e p r o d u c t i o n o f q u a l i t y Wa g y u Breeding objectives are crucial in any commercial herd, tailoring important genetic traits for sustainable production that meets specific market requirements. We uphold strict criteria for our breeding objectives Above herd average (EBV) for milk, 200, 400, 600 day and CW. High fertility (short gestation length). Consistently high quality marbling (inc fineness) based on raw carcase data and EBVs. Free from all know genetic recessive diseases. Genetic diversity (low inbreeding coefficients). Please direct your enquiries to Pete Bishop
PETE BISHOP Owner Bishop Wagyu | Director Quality Genetics International
contact @bishopwagyu.com 0429 454 189
FINALIST FIN AL IST
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TWO POWERFUL SIRES - ONE LOT
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Macquarie Wagyu Using our 10+ years of carcase data records, we measure and select only the best performing genetics to grow our Wagyu herd.
INVEST IN THE M AC Q U A R I E WAG Y U B R A N D
Progeny of CCOFG0113 x BDWFC1637
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0428 952 264 office@macquariewagyu.com www.macquariewagyu.com
