Issue 80 | The Australian Wagyu Update, April 2022

Page 1


www.wagyu.org.au

Crossbred data now used in Wagyu BREEDPLAN - a major component of Australian Wagyu Sector

Raising the bar for the global Wagyu

Publisher THE AUSTRALIAN WAGYU ASSOCIATION (AWA) office@wagyu.org.au 02 8880 7700

Consulting Editor EMILY RABONE emily@wagyu.org.au 02 8880 7707

Contributing Writers CHARLIE PERRY, D r MATT M c DONAGH and NICK NIXDORFF

Art Direction HEATHER FRAZIER heather@wagyu.org.au 0432 949 764

GENERAL ENQUIRIES

D r MATT M c DONAGH office@wagyu.org.au 02 8880 7700

Wagyu Update advertising enquiries

FRAZIER heather@wagyu.org.au 0432 949 764

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 magazine is correct at the time of publishing.

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president CHARLIE PERRY

WAGYU CONTINUES TO HOLD ITS POSITION

Dear Members,

At the time of publication, I hope to be catching up with many of you in Melbourne at our 2022 WagyuEdge Conference and Tour. I sincerely believe our annual conference is a world-class industry event and based on the schedule of speakers and functions, I expect this year will deliver another informative and enjoyable experience for attendees.

The entire Australian beef industry is seeing near-record prices at the moment, and Wagyu beef continues to hold its position as the premium breed of cattle. It is incredibly pleasing to celebrate the success of the Wagyu Sector and see it continue to go from strength to strength.

FINDINGS OF THE 2021 POGSON AWA GOVERNANCE REPORT

In a quest for continuous improvement and to operate at the highest standards of governance, in 2021 the AWA board engaged Mr Philip Pogson to complete a governance review of the AWA. The review sought to learn from historic governance issues, understand our current governance environment and make recommendations regarding how we can improve our practices to ensure the integrity of the AWA as we grow the Wagyu Sector.

This report was presented by Mr Pogson to the Board at the November 2021 Board meeting. The Pogson report gives the current Board a clear path forward to remediate all identified historic governance issues, with all recommendations accepted for a response within 2022 and 2023. The findings of the Pogson report, along with 16 clear recommendations, were released to members in March 2022.

PROGENY TEST PROGRAM

The 2021-2031 AWA-Progeny Test Program is nearing the start of calving for cohort 1, after 36 sires were joined in 2021/2022 joining’s across our 9 contributor herds. Pregnancy test results were positive, and we look forward to seeing calves hit the ground and the first rounds of data being collected. Cohort 2 sire intake has been completed, with 32 sires to be used within the 2022-2023 breeding program. These sires will be reviewed through the AWA-PTP Consultative committee prior to their final acceptance into the program.

WAGYUEDGE CONFERENCE

The 2022 WagyuEdge Conference and Tour is upon us, with an exciting program organised by the AWA Team. Over the condensed 2.5-day program we will hear from world-class industry experts on recent research and development projects, along with a number of international presenters giving us a view from abroad.

The post-conference Wagyu and Wine tour through the beautiful wine regions of Victoria is set to be a highlight for those attending. With visits to The Falls Pastoral, Cobungra Station and Yulong Investments, along with wineries throughout.

NEW BREEDPLAN FRAMEWORK AND INCLUSION OF F1 DATA

As released to members on the 4 March 2022, the AWA Board approved changes to the Wagyu BREEDPLAN model and the new data was published on the 7 March 2022. These changes include improved Genetic Parameters for Wagyu and the use of trait data from crossbred Wagyu animals. In the 7 March 2022 BREEDPLAN analysis, new carcase data from more than 8,000 crossbred animals was used to support EBVs on approximately 300 sires that previously has limited fullblood data.

This change is a huge step forward for the Wagyu Sector, placing significant value on data collection throughout the whole supply chain. crossbred data can now be entered by AWA members and will be included in the monthly BREEDPLAN analyses, assisting with accuracies across the board.

FINAL NOTE

As the AWA continues to grow to support the thriving global Wagyu Sector, it is pleasing to see our company mature and consolidate. We continue to welcome many new members, from Australia and overseas as our membership numbers climb to more than 800. I look forward to meeting many of you in Melbourne for our 2022 WagyuEdge event.

BOVACILLUS IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF CHR HANSEN

WAGYU SECTOR GROWING RAPIDLY

Dear Members,

As we come out of COVID-19 restrictions, we are looking forward to being able to catch up with each other under more normal circumstances. We are getting good interest from our International Members in returning to Australia to take part in the 2022 WagyuEdge Conference.

I look forward to greeting many of you at the 2022 Conference. It has been a very busy year since our last major event and the Wagyu Sector is growing rapidly. Many of our speakers will touch on the opportunities that come with growth, along with the need for strategic planning on how to manage our evolving operating environment.

AWA BOARD UPDATE (22 FEBRUARY 2022 MEETING)

The AWA Board has met for review of the AWA half yearly (July to December) performance against the 2021-2022 operational plan, assess statutory items and consider key items as follows:

1. The WagyuEdge 2022 Annual Conference program was confirmed for 26 April – 28 April 2022 in Melbourne Victoria. It will be a condensed 2.5 day Conference with a technical session on the afternoon of the 26 April prior to a Welcome Function that evening. We then have 2 full days of high-quality research, technical and industry speakers with the Elite Wagyu Sale and Cocktail evening on the 27 April and the conference concluding with the AWA Gala Dinner and WBBC awards on the evening of the 28 April. Currently, Victorian COVID-19 guidelines require all attendees to have current vaccination certificates.

2. Updated Wagyu genetic parameters within Wagyu BREEDPLAN model were approved. The Board reviewed research conducted by the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit regarding the genetic parameters used within the BREEDPLAN model and approved updating these to use the latest and best genetic estimates for the Wagyu population. The updated parameters provide increased range in EBVs for core traits and improvements in EBV accuracy. These changes were implemented 7 March 2022 and presented in Wagyu Webinar #12.

3. Change of the Wagyu BREEDPLAN model to include crossbred Wagyu carcase data was approved. The Board reviewed research conducted by the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit and the Agricultural Business Research Unit and the University of New England regarding the a new BREEDPLAN model that enabled incorporation of data from crossbred Wagyu animals into BREEDPLAN. This was approved to enable crossbred data to improve the estimate of EBVs and accuracy calculations within Wagyu BREEDPLAN. This enables an enormous increase in the amount of data available to be used in Wagyu BREEDPLAN for the benefit of members. These changes were implemented 7 March 2022 and presented in Wagyu Webinar #12.

4. The Board response to the November 2021 Report by Mr Philip Pogson on AWA governance was approved. As previously reported (November 2021), the AWA Board commissioned an independent review of its corporate governance policies, procedures in September 2021. Mr Philip Pogson (the Leading Partnership) was commissioned and provided his final report in November 2021. My Pogson provided 16 recommendations for action by the AWA. The AWA Board has accepted all 16 recommendations and will respond to these within 2022.

5. Core services pricing review. A review of AWA pricing of services to members was completed over the 2017 – 2021 period. As presented to AWA members in Wagyu Webinar #8 2021 AWA Financial Update July 2021, the AWA has decreased its cost of services to members by 11% since 2017. The Board noted that CPI has increased by 10.5% over the same period, with annual net profit retained by the AWA decreasing to 3%. The Board approved increasing AWA core services by 5% at 01 July 2022, with annual CPI increases thereafter on an annual basis.

6. Company operational performance against KPIs to the end of second quarter FY2022 was reviewed, with progress to date satisfactory against all key work areas. Financial performance was reviewed, noting satisfactory operation against budget year to date.

7. 52 new AWA Member applications were approved for the second quarter, taking total AWA membership to 789 full members and 129 associate members.

AWA-PROGENY TEST PROGRAM UPDATES

2021-2031 AWA-PTP

Cohort 1 breeding program almost complete

Over the last 12 months, the AWA team have been working with 9 different participant herds with more than 2,000 fullblood breeding females. We have used semen from 38 nominated sires in addition to 2 Foundation link sires through single-cycle AI programs. The final joinings are underway now, with more than 90% of joinings already complete for Cohort 1.

2021-2031 AWA-PTP Cohort 2 sire intake completed

The Australian Wagyu Association – Progeny Test Program (AWA-PTP) aims to test 250 sires across 2,000 fullblood females over a seven breeding cycles. The design of the project will be optimised to obtain optimal progeny numbers from up 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.

Sire nominations for Cohort 2 were opened in January 2022 and closed in March 2022. The AWA has 32 sires for Cohort 2 and these will be reviewed prior to acceptance in by the AWAPTP Consultative Committee.

2022 WAGYU FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITIES NOW OPEN

The Wagyu Fellowship is the AWA's mechanism to provide development opportunities for young people within the Wagyu industry and is supported by Member donations through the annual AWA Charity Auction.

The establishment of a Wagyu Fellowship was for the advancement of younger people involved in the Wagyu industry, including producers and academics. A Wagyu Fellowship provides funding to undertake travel intrastate, interstate or overseas for a minimum of four and a maximum of about eight weeks to conduct research into a topic that the applicant is passionate about and has experience in. Its objectives are to:

1. Develop younger leaders for the Wagyu industry.

2. Increase the education, experience and skills within the Wagyu industry.

3. Develop lasting friendships across the international Wagyu industry.

4. Advance knowledge and learning in the Wagyu industry.

This year, the AWA will again be awarding a traditional Wagyu Fellowship, along with considering applicants for Wagyu Fellowship – Postgraduate Scholarships in research projects aligned to the Wagyu industry.

The awards will facilitate research and training in areas of practical value to the Australian Wagyu industries in Genetics, Meat Science, Human Nutrition, Management and Production, Reproduction and Breeding.

In honouring the late Dr. Simon Coates and his pivotal role in the development of the Australian Wagyu industry, the AWA is seeking 2022 applicants for the Dr Simon Coates Scholarship for Veterinary and Reproductive Science. The ongoing scholarship will be available to students who are studying veterinary science or researching reproduction and breeding related to Wagyu.

ELEVEN YEARS OF EXCELLENCE WAGYU BRANDED BEEF COMPETITION

THE PINNACLE OF AWARDS FOR AUSTRALIAN BEEF

It promotes excellence in Wagyu beef production in three categories, providing an opportunity for producers to benchmark their product against the best in Australia. Achieving success is the ultimate recognition for Wagyu branded-beef entrants. Entries can compete in fullblood Japanese Black Steak, Open crossbred Wagyu Steak and Commercial Wagyu Steak MS 5-7 categories.

Now in its 11th and biggest year yet, 2022 saw a massive 47 entries from 31 brands across Australia. Each entry is judged by 8 food industry gurus, with the judging panel consisting of AWA partners, chefs, restaurateurs, food critics, producers, butchers and associated industry personnel. A total of 1040 points could be awarded to each entry, with gold, silver and bronze medals in each class awarded. The highest-scoring steak from each class will be awarded the class champion, with the highest scoring overall entry being awarded the 2022 Grand Champion Wagyu Brand.

Wagyu beef is characterised by its large eye-muscle and unique high-quality fine marbling and characteristic umami flavour, giving an exceptional eating experience. Judging of each of the WBBC entries is based on five criteria: visual appeal (raw and cooked), juiciness, flavour, aroma and the physical sensation in your mouth.

COMCATER FOOD SERVICE EQUIPMENT

WAGYU BRANDED BEEF PARTNER

Comcater was founded back in 1979 by Kevin Wood and wife Nancy. Kevin’s vision for the company was a simple one: to find and distribute world class food service equipment to improve and innovate food service in Australia.

Kevin saw food and eating out as a way to share and communicate with family, a vision that drives the entire company to this day. In order to make this happen, Kevin travelled the world to find equipment solutions that were yet to be brought into the Australian marketplace. In doing so in 1986 Comcater was appointed the Australian the first distributor of the world’s first combi steamer, RATIONAL, among other leading product innovations such as Frymaster Deep Fryers and Garland Ranges. With world-class brands, such as RATIONAL, Frymaster and Cambro, Comcater equipment doesn’t just assist the chef, but lowers overheads and improves efficiency.

Comcater stand by their equipment and offer nationwide service support, with 24/7 service meaning less downtime for restaurants. When buying from Comcater, you aren’t just buying restaurant kitchen equipment, you are entering into a partnership.

Comcater invest in the relationship, taking a true interest in your successes. You can rely on their 20 chefs to train you in using your commercial kitchen equipment. With demonstration kitchens all over Australia and only stocking brands across Australia that top chefs love.

Comcater will advise you on the best catering supplies and restaurant kitchen equipment for your space, menu and customers. The 19 brands were chosen based on their high performance, manufacturer warranties and product certifications. The team at Comcater keep track of your warranties and make sure you’re taking full advantage of the technology and benefits of the equipment they supply. If your restaurant prides itself on the perfect chip or tenderest steak, the commercial cooking equipment from Comcater will produce consistently high quality, in a predictable time in an efficient manner. Manage your resources efficiently with commercial food equipment that pays for itself. Either free up a staff member or reduce food waste. Comcater select their equipment based on technological advances and their relevance to the Australian food service industry. They only stock brands that are an asset to your business, and that they can trust.

Jaime and the team at Comcater Brisbane, have been crucial the running of the Wagyu Branded Beef Competition for the last two years and we thank them for their ongoing support.

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JUICINESS

Basically, the impression given from the release of the meat's water holding capacity on first eating. The melted marbling in highly marbled beef will be a major contributor to this but will also include the consumer’s saliva. The salivation response will be tempered by aroma and hunger.

Descriptors: Very-dry, dry, slightly-dry, intial juiciness, very juicy, lasting juiciness, dissolving, melting, succulent, moist, buttery, brothy or vibrant.

TENDERNESS

The reaction of the mouth to the physical quality of the food. Includes tensile resistance and product mouth feel. Will be influenced by marbling, the firmness and texture of the beef, as well as the connective tissue.

Descriptors: Chewy, enjoyably-chewy, fibrous, granular, greasy, mushy, silky, tender, textureless, tough, very-tender, delicate, subtle, soft, crusty, melting or dissolving.

AROMA

Perception of volatile characteristics of food as perceived by receptors primarily in the nose.

Descriptors: Beefy, caramel, cardboard, cereal, citrus, sulphury, fishy, putrid, medicinal/chemical, herbaceous, stale, musty, livery, toasty, kerosene/solvent, low/faint, popcorn, fresh, floral, pungent, smokey, burnt butter, mineral, grilled herbaceous, rich or delicate.

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Descriptors: Beany, bitter, buttery, caramel, Cereal, chemical/ medicinal, citrus, clean & fresh, creamy, dairy, delicate, earthy, fatty, fishy, herbal, honey, kerosene, livery, low, putrid, metallic, nutty, popcorn, rancid, rich, rounded, salty, soapy, sour, smokey, stale, sweet, toasty or umami.

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CROSSBRED DATA NOW USED IN WAGYU BREEDPLAN

CROSSBREEDING - A MAJOR COMPONENT OF AUSTRALIAN WAGYU SECTOR PRODUCTION

The Australian Wagyu Association estimates that historically, up to 80% of Australian Wagyucontent branded production has been derived from F1 animals, although recent production trends have seen a shift towards increased slaughter numbers of fullblood, purebred and high Wagyu content (F2 and F3) cattle.

The Australian Wagyu Sector has emerged over the past 20 years to be a very significant component of the Australian beef industry. Unique high marbling (Marble Score 6 through to 9+) along with marbling fineness, high unsaturated fats and exceptional eating quality, has differentiated Wagyu beef from that of other breeds. Many of these attributes also have very significant benefits for crossbred Wagyu carcase production.

The remarkable quality difference between Wagyu beef and that of other breeds is exemplified in F1 Wagyu beef, where fullblood Wagyu sires are crossed with females of other breeds (primarily Angus). F1

Wagyu product gains significant quality improvements from fullblood Wagyu sire genetics when used across appropriate maternal breeds, with marble score averages for F1 Wagyu (approximately MB 5.5) sitting halfway between fullblood averages and long-fed averages of other breeds.

Crossbreeding with Wagyu genetics provides an instant mechanism to increase the volume of production of high-grade carcases, with fullblood Wagyu sires used

in terminal crossing to generate large numbers of slaughter cattle to meet expanding domestic and international markets for high-value Wagyu content product.

One of the ways the AWA supports the Wagyu Sector, is by combining large volumes of pedigree, genomic and performance data into the Wagyu BREEDPLAN genetic analysis to enable estimation of breeding values for Wagyu sires and dams.

As shown in Figure 1, of the article Major improvements to AWA Wagyu BREEDPLAN on page 31, AWA has seen rapid increases in the volume of fullblood carcase data submitted to support Wagyu BREEDPLAN over the last 5 years. This data is vital to improving the EBV accuracy of production traits across the whole registered Wagyu population.

To date, Wagyu BREEDPLAN has only used data from fullblood and purebred progeny to determine the genetic merit of sires and dams for several growth and carcase production traits. The number of crossbred Wagyu progeny of fullblood sires that are slaughtered each year exceeds the total volume of fullblood and purebred production by many folds. This data is a potential source of new information to improve Wagyu BREEDPLAN, particularly the large volumes of F1 and higher content carcase data that can be accessed by members through their supply chain relationships.

WAGYU CROSSBRED BREEPLAN GENETIC ANALYSIS RESEARCH PROJECT

The AWA has now completed a five-year project co-funded by Meat and Livestock Australia to evaluate the impact of using data from crossbred (F1 Wagyu and higher content) in Wagyu BREEDPLAN.

Researchers at the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU) have completed evaluating the inclusion of crossbred carcase data from this project in the Wagyu BREEDPLAN analysis. Data from approximately 8,000 individual crossbred animals was included in trial runs of the Wagyu BREEDPLAN analysis to assess the impacts of using crossbred data along with fullblood data on the calculation of EBVs.

To include crossbred information in the routine Wagyu BREEDPLAN evaluation, the analysis model was expanded to account for heterosis effects of varied maternal breeds and calves. In addition, breed composition of recipient dams was included in the model to better estimate recipient dam impacts on performance of embryo calves.

In the February 2022 Wagyu BREEDPLAN evaluation, 18,000 fullblood and purebred Carcase Weight and Marble

Score records were used in the estimation of EBVs. In the evaluation of the crossbred Wagyu BREEDLPAN model, an additional 8,000 crossbred carcase records were used in the estimation of EBVs.

IMPACTS ON FULLBLOOD SIRES WHERE CROSSBRED DATA WAS LOADED FOR THESE SIRES

The following figures show the impact on the EBVs for 300 fullblood Wagyu sires for which 8,000 crossbred progeny carcase records were loaded into Wagyu BREEDPLAN. The figures will describe the Old EBVs (no crossbred carcase data added – extracted February 2022) and compare these to New EBVs (crossbred data included in the March 2022 BREEDPLAN run).

The crossbred progeny records included were Carcase Weight (CWt), Marble Score (MS) and Eye Muscle Area (EMA) data from the 8,000 crossbred carcase records that were parent verified to 300 fullblood sires within the crossbred BREEDPLAN Genetic Analysis Research Project. It is important to note that a high proportion of these 300 sires had no prior carcase data recorded on their progeny and had low EBV accuracies (40% - 50%) prior to the new crossbred analysis.

POSITIVE OUTCOME 1 LARGE CHANGES IN EBV RANGE FOR CARCASE TRAITS

Figure 1 shows that the relationship between the old EBV and the New EBV for the Carcase Weight (CWt) trait is >67%. The New EBVs (on the Y axis) show a far greater variation in CWt EBVs with a 112 kg difference from minimum (-46kg) to maximum (+66kg).

This is a 35% increase in EBV range compared to the Old EBVs, which showed an old CWt EBV range of 83kg difference from minimum (-23) to maximum (+60kg).

This increase in EBV variation for the new CWt EBVs allows much greater ability to select for differences between animals and is a very positive outcome for breeders.

NEW 7 March 2022 CWt EBV

300 SIRES WITH NEW CROSSBRED PROGENY (CWt)

February 2022 CWt EBV

FIGURE 1

Old vs New CWt EBV - 300 sires with new crossbred progeny

300 SIRES WITH NEW CROSSBRED PROGENY (MS)

Figure 2 shows that the most significant changes seen between the Old and New EBVs upon addition of crossbred progeny carcase data were to the MS EBVs of the fullblood sires of these progeny.

The relationship between the Old EBV and the New EBV for the Marble Score (MS) trait was 46%. Like the EBV range for the CWt trait, the addition of crossbred progeny data increased the variation of EBVs for Marble Score for these sires, from -1.1 to +2.3 MS (3.4 MS range) with the Old BEVs, up to -1.7 to + 2.9 MS (4.6 MS range) with the New EBVs.

This increase in EBV variation for the new MS EBVs allows much greater ability to select for differences between animals and is a very positive outcome for breeders.

OLD

Figure 3 shows that the relationship between the Old EBV and the New EBV for the Eye Muscle Area (EMA) trait was 51%. Significant changes occur in these sires, primarily as a result of the large amount of crossbred progeny data being entered and the new Wagyu Genetic Parameters.

Unlike CWt and MS EBV range, the EBV range for the EMA traits is similar for Old and New EBVs.

FIGURE

<<< from page 19

When we compared the EBV accuracy (confidence) for the Old EBVs prior to the addition of crossbred data, to the New EBVs after the addition of crossbred data, the average accuracy for the CWt EBV increased markedly from 63% to 78% for these sires (Table 1.).

The average EBV accuracy for the MS EBV increased significantly from 60% to 79% and the average EMA EBV accuracies increased significantly from TABLE 1 Change in EBV accuracy for Carcase Traits with addition of 8,000 new crossbred progeny records for 300 fullblood sires.

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These large increases in average EBV accuracy for these sires reflects that many sires had very low accuracy EBVs prior to addition of the new crossbred carcase progeny data (some were well below 50% accuracy). The large change in accuracy reflects that significant new progeny records for these sires have benefited the ability to estimate the EBVs for these sires.

HOW DOES INCLUDING CROSSBRED DATA IMPACT THE EBVs OF WELL KNOWN (FOUNDATION) SIRES?

In analysing the data to evaluate the impacts of crossbred Wagyu data in Wagyu BREEDPLAN, we identified key Foundation Sires for which significant amounts of fullblood data was already used in BREEDPLAN, but for which good amounts of new crossbred data was also provided (Table 2).

Using these sires, along with 12 other well recorded fullblood sires, we can assess the relative changes in EBVs and accuracies of well-known and used sires.

Crossbred

Total Carcase progeny numbers for four Foundation sires

TABLE 2

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<<< from page 21

Figure 4 shows that for the CWt EBV, the relative ranking of the four Foundation sires based on CWt EBV is very consistent between the Old and New EBVs. Itoshigefuji and Haruki 2 are high ranking growth and CWt sires and their EBVs are high for the CWt trait in both the Old and New EBVs. Of note is Itoshigefuji, who had 426 new crossbred progeny added in the New EBV analysis, more than doubling his recorded progeny number for carcase traits. His CWt EBV did not change and the accuracy of his EBV increased by 1% (he was already 98% accuracy for this trait and moved to 99% accuracy).

The EBVs for Itoshigenami and Michifuku, relatively low-ranking sires for CWt compared to Itoshigefuji and Haruki 2, also changed very little with the addition of significant crossbred progeny data.

Figure 5 shows that for the MS EBV, again, the relative ranking of the four Foundation sires based on the MS EBV is very consistent between the Old and New EBVs. Itoshigefuji and Haruki 2 are low ranking marbling sires (compared to the sires in this Figure) and their EBVs are low for the MS trait in both the Old and New EBVs.

The EBVs for Itoshigenami and Michifuku, relatively high-ranking sires for MS EBV compared to toshigefuji and Haruki 2, also changed very little with the addition of significant crossbred progeny data.

FIGURE 4
TF-148

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... the use of large numbers of crossbred Wagyu progeny data for the four example Foundation sires provides a very consistent and reliable outcome for the CWt and MS EBVs.

<<< from page 23

The simple comparison between the old and new EBVs for the Foundation sires in Figures 4 and 5 demonstrates that the use of large numbers of crossbred Wagyu progeny data for the four example Foundation sires (926 new records in total), provides a very consistent and reliable outcome for the CWt and MS EBVs. Using crossbred data in Wagyu BREEDPLAN resulted in no significant changes in the CWt and MS EBVs of these Foundation sires. This is a result of both the EBVs for these sires already being highly accurate, and the input of crossbred Wagyu carcase progeny data behaving the same as the fullblood progeny data within the new crossbred BREEDPLAN model.

The ranking of animals for CWt in fullblood EBVs based on fullblood progeny data, is largely the same as in the crossbred data. The ranking of animals for MS in fullblood EBVs based on fullblood progeny data, is largely the same as in the crossbred data. This means that sires can be selected for crossbred F1 Wagyu production based on their fullblood EBVs.

SUMMARY AND FINDINGS

The Wagyu BREEDPLAN genetic analysis model was last updated in 2018 by the independent research group – the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU) based at the University of New England. This update enabled inclusion of crossbred genomic DNA data for the Wagyu BREEDPLAN analysis.

The AGBU have now completed an update of the Wagyu BREEDPLAN genetic analysis model so that data from crossbred animals can now be used to support the calculation of EBVs. This will enable thousands of carcase progeny records from crossbred Wagyu to be used in Wagyu BREEDPLAN to improve EBVs of registered sires.

Inclusion of crossbred carcase data into Wagyu BREEPLDAN significantly increased the variation in EBVs for sires that had progeny data added. These changes are advantageous for Wagyu breeders to make genetic progress when using EBVs in their herds.

The ranking of animals for MS and CWt in fullblood EBVs based on fullblood progeny data, is largely the same as in the crossbred data. This means that sires can be selected for crossbred F1 Wagyu carcase production based on their fullblood EBVs.

CROSSBRED WAGYU DATA

GETTING THE MOST OUT OF THIS PERFORMANCE DATA

It

is essential that members plan and manage appropriate groups of animals if they wish to use crossbred data to contribute to the EBVs of their sires.

As highlighted in our Major improvements to AWA Wagyu BREEDPLAN article on page 31, one primary function of the Wagyu BREEDPLAN genetic analysis is to separate the proportion of trait performance that can be attributed to genetics vs trait performance due to environmental influences.

To allow this, Wagyu BREEDPLAN analyses how progeny performance from sires and dams compares within management groups (contemporary groups), so that relative genetic merit can be estimated for each animal. Genomic information further defines the genetic influence and in conjunction with recorded pedigrees the relatedness of animals.

Now that Wagyu BREEDPLAN can accommodate data from crossbred Wagyu animals (F1 and higher content progeny: crossbred data now used in Wagyu BREEDPLAN article on page 15, it is essential that members plan and manage appropriate groups of animals if they wish to use crossbred data to contribute to the EBVs of their sires.

Unlike fullblood progeny data, which provides information to support sires and dams, using crossbred F1 progeny data only provides performance information to support the Herdbook registered sire of the crossbred progeny. As higher-grade data (F2 and F3) is provided, BREEDPLAN will also attribute genetic information to other known parents and grandparents.

TIPS FOR PLANNING AND RECORDING KEY INFORMATION TO GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR CROSSBRED DATA

1. ONLY USE REGISTERED SIRES

This seems like an obvious point, but to use crossbred data to prove EBVs for your sire, the sire must be registered with the Australian Wagyu Association. You also need to make sure other sires whose progeny you wish to compare to, are also registered with the AWA so that a valid comparison can be made.

2. USE MORE THAN ONE SIRE

A key purpose of Wagyu BREEDPLAN is to use progeny performance data to determine genetic differences between sires. If you only have data from the progeny of one sire within a group, that data cannot be compared to the progeny of another sire. The use of only one sire is called a single-sire contemporary group and the data is of no value for analysis of genetic differences between sires.

For this reason, BREEDPLAN requires that at least two sires be represented in each contemporary group if the performance of the progeny is to be compared and used to determine the genetic potential of each of the sires and to calculate their EBVs. This can be achieved through mating two sires naturally or using artificial insemination programs with a natural “back-up’ sire. Where AI is used, it is recommended that the back-up sire/s are put in with the females shortly after AI (within 21 days) so that all calves are born within a certain period and can be considered in one contemporary group. Calves will only be considered as one contemporary group if they are born within 45 or 60 days of one another.

3.

RECORD BIRTH DATE

Age is a key determinant of most traits, particularly weight traits and carcase traits. So that BREEDPLAN can accurately account for age differences between animals within crossbred data sets, birth date must be accurately recorded. Slaughter data for F1 cattle cannot be used without a birth date record as age at slaughter is required.

4.

DNA TEST YOUR CALVES

Production of commercial (slaughter) Wagyu F1 and higher content cattle usually occurs in large management groups with multi-sire AI and/or natural joining programs. DNA testing is necessary to accurately ascribe the correct sire to each animal. The AWA will conduct parent verification on all crossbred Wagyu slaughter progeny. Genomic SNP testing for parentage is recommended.

5. KEEP ANIMALS TOGETHER WHOLE-OF-LIFE

Wherever possible, keep all progeny (of the same sex) together and manage them the same. This ensures that all progeny have been given an equal opportunity to perform and can be directly compared within their contemporary groups. This is typical in most commercial production scenarios, where lots of animals are sold from a breeder to a buyer to make ‘pens’ within a feedlot and the whole pen is sent for slaughter on the same day.

6. SLAUGHTER

DATE

Only data from animals slaughtered at the same facility on the same day will be compared to each other in BREEDPLAN. There can be large variation in carcase trait performance between slaughter days and between slaughter facilities. Communicate with the feedlot that the animals are for BREEDPLAN analysis and request that they ensure all your animals are slaughtered on the same day in the same facility, where possible.

7. DO NOT HARVEST ANIMALS BASED ON LIVEWEIGHT AT SLAUGHTER

Getting the most out of your crossbred Wagyu data

The points provided in this article are to assist AWA members to plan the production of crossbred Wagyu progeny to gain maximum benefit from using performance data in Wagyu BREEDPLAN to inform EBVs of sires.

In certain situations, to even out carcase weight within production runs, animals that are closest to the desired finishing weight may be drafted out of multiple pens to create a more even slaughter group. Unfortunately, this practice (Harvesting) invalidates contemporary groups as it removes the variation between progeny performance that would have been used by BREEDPLAN to determine genetic differences between sires. Harvesting of animals out of pens at a target slaughter weight should not be done if you want to use that data in Wagyu BREEDPLAN.

If you require any further information from the AWA to assist you with developing effective crossbred Wagyu contemporary groups, please contact the AWA Technical Service Manager – Mr Carel Teseling, or the MSO team.

8. SEND ALL THE SLAUGHTER INFORMATION ON THE PROCESSOR FEEDBACK SHEET TO THE AWA

AWA requires the complete data set for loading data into Wagyu BREEDPLAN. It is important that all carcase data, high and low is submitted so that the maximum amount of variation is available to inform the calculation of EBVs. Without variation in the data, the genetic variation in the sires cannot be determined.

On this last point (8), as an example: If 30 progeny from two different sires are slaughtered in one group with an average marble score of 6, but the top marble score is 9 and the bottom marble score is 1, BREEDPLAN can use this entire range to accurately determine genetic difference between the sires of the calves.

However, if a member only reported data for animals with above average marble score, very limited variation in data would be reported (e.g. only progeny with marble score 6 - 9) The outcome of this data being used in BREEDPLAN would be that little change in EBVs would be observed, as the number of progeny are limited and the range in the data is limited, thereby reducing the ability of BREEDPLAN to determine genetic variation between sires.

MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS TO AWA WAGYU BREEDPLAN

THREE SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS

1 2 3

UPDATED GENETIC PARAMETERS WERE IMPLEMENTED

CHANGED BREEDPLAN MODEL TYPE TO ACCOMMODATE HETEROSIS EFFECTS FROM CROSSBRED DATA

AN ADDITIONAL ~ 8,000 CROSSBRED PROGENY CARCASE RECORDS WERE INCLUDED

In March 2022, three significant improvements (listed above) were implemented for the Wagyu BREEDPLAN analysis.

This article discusses the updated genetic parameters while the crossbred data now used in Wagyu BREEDPLAN article on page 15 focuses on the last two improvements.

Undertaking genetic analyses to estimate breeding values (EBVs) for Wagyu cattle is a key service provided by the Australian Wagyu Association for its members. This genetic analysis (AWA Wagyu BREEDPLAN) occurs monthly, so that new performance records and genomic information can be included in the analysis and EBVs as members submit it to the AWA. Newly registered animals are also included in each new monthly analysis, allowing members to use this information for their selection and management decisions for these new calves. AWA Wagyu BREEDPLAN has become the genetic evaluation for the global Wagyu Sector, with members in more than 20 countries registering animals and providing data. This has created the largest global Wagyu database of pedigree information, live animal data, carcase data, and genomic DNA information which is used to calculate the genetic merit of approximately 200,000 Wagyu cattle for 14 different production traits and 4 Wagyu selection indexes.

NEW WAGYU GENETIC PARAMETERS

USED IN AUSTRALIAN WAGYU

ASSOCIATION WAGYU

BREEDPLAN

At the heart of Wagyu BREEDPLAN is a statistical model that uses all the supplied data to calculate the best statistical estimate of the genetic merit of animals for the reportable Wagyu traits. This statistical model uses “Genetic Parameters” which define the relative genetic contribution to each observable trait and the relationships between traits.

For any Wagyu production trait (eg. Birth Weight), there is a proportion of an animal’s phenotype (observed birth weight) that is a result of its genetics (heritability – how much of the trait is heritable) and a proportion that is due to the environment (non-genetic – how much the trait is influenced by the environment).

The maternal nutrition available to the foetus during gestation i.e. the non-genetic effect, accounts for more than 50% of the ultimate Birth Weight of the calf with the other proportion being attributed to genetics.

As with Birth Weight, other weight/growth traits are also partly determined by genetics (heritabilities of about 30-40%) and these traits tend to be related to each other.

For instance, if an animal has a high 400 day weight (DWT), it tends to rank highly for 200 and 600 DWT as well. These relationships between traits are referred to as genetic correlations.

The Wagyu BREEDPLAN genetic parameters allow the calculation of EBVs from pedigree information, live animal performance, carcase data and genomic information provided by AWA members.

These parameters are recalculated when a significant volume of new trait records are available to ensure they correctly reflect the trait heritability and the relationships between the traits.

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Total performance record for each trait over time

<<< from page 32

Major improvements to AWA Wagyu BREEDPLAN

Figure 1. shows the trends for accumulated numbers of trait records from 2015 to 2022, demonstrating the significant increase in performance recording conducted by AWA members over that period. The number of new records included more than 13,000 new records for carcase traits and 20,000 records for growth traits.

As shown in Figure 1, the Wagyu BREEDPLAN Genetic Parameters were last updated in 2018 by the independent research group – the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU) based at the University of New England. This update was undertaken prior to implementation of Single Step Wagyu BREEDPLAN which enabled the use of genomic information in the Wagyu BREEDPLAN analysis. The AGBU undertake all research and development for BREEDPLAN.

1

AWA additive performance recording trends over time

CALCULATION OF NEW WAGYU GENETIC PARAMETERS FOR AWA WAGYU BREEDPLAN

A recalculation of the Wagyu Genetic Parameters in 2022 has included many thousands of new animal and carcase records across a significantly larger Wagyu data set

Genetic Parameters are scientific descriptors of the influence of genetics on each trait (how much variation in the trait is due to genes) and the relationships between traits (some traits are genetically linked to each other – like growth rate and carcase weight). Based on the large volume of additional data submitted between 2018 and 2022, the AGBU undertook the research work to deduct new genetic parameters.

The AGBU have now completed a 2022 recalculation of the Wagyu Genetic Parameters which has included many thousands of new animal and carcase records across a significantly larger Wagyu data set. The 2022 Wagyu BREEDPLAN Genetic Parameters are significantly superior to the prior 2018 parameters and are now used within AWA Wagyu BREEDPLAN analyses commencing March 2022.

FIGURE

NEW WAGYU TRAIT HERITABILITIES

Heritability is expressed as a proportion from 0 to 1, with the following general ranges:

Low heritability

0 to 0.2 heritability: traits are not strongly driven by genetics (< 20%)

Moderate heritability

0.2 to 0.4 heritability: traits are moderately driven by genetics (up to 40%)

High heritability

0.4 to 0.6 heritability: traits are strongly driven by genetics (> 40%)

The newly calculated Wagyu Genetic Parameters were compared to the old (previously used in Wagyu BREEDPLAN) genetic parameters in Table 1. It was determined that the carcase traits and camera traits had moderate to high heritabilities while the heritabilities for the MIJ-30 camera traits were also high.

New genetic variances and heritabilities were higher than the previously implemented values for all BREEDPLAN traits, with one exception - the heritability of 600 DWT decreased from 0.57 to 0.46.

There was not enough new records to allow the calculation of new parameters for Mature Cow Weight (MCW), Gestation Length (GL), Days to Calving (DTC), Carcase Rib Fat (CRF) or Carcase Retail Beef Yield (CRBY). The genetic parameters for these traits remain the same as used in the old BREEDPLAN model.

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TABLE 1

Old and New Wagyu BREEDPLAN genetic parametres

Of note in Table 1 is the increase in heritability of Carcase Eye Muscle Area (EMA) and Carcase Marble Score (CMAU). The new BREEDPLAN Genetic Parameters indicate significantly higher contributions from genetics on these traits.

The analysis also determined there is now a higher amount of Genetic Variance than there was previously. This is important to Breeders, as the new BREEDPLAN analysis will result in more genetic range (EBV spread) within these traits to select animals from.

The increase in genetic variation, change in heritabilities and the redefined relationships between traits have resulted in changing EBVs for some Wagyu animals.

OLDBREEDPLAN

TRAITGENETIC VARIANCE PHENOTYPICVARIANCEHERITABILITY

NEWBREEDPLAN

Ultrasound scanned traits

<<< from page 37

IMPACT OF NEW GENETIC PARAMETERS ON WAGYU BREEDPLAN EBVS

The following figures show the impact of the changes to the Wagyu BREEDPLAN Genetic Parameters on the EBVs of 900 fullblood Wagyu Sires.

Figure 2 shows that the relationship between the Old EBV and the New EBV for the 400 Day Weight (400 DWT) trait is >98%. The range in EBVs from minimum to maximum is very similar. The average EBV accuracy for the 400 DWT EBV increased slightly from 80% to 81% for these sires. The average 400 DWT EBV of these sires increased slightly from 12.4 to 12.6 kg in the New analysis.

R² = 0.9876

NEW 7 March 2022

400-DWT EBV

FIGURE 2

Old vs New 400 DWT EBV - 900 Sires with 0 new progeny

R² = 0.9712

Figure 3 shows that the relationship between the Old EBV and the New EBV for the Carcase Weight (CWt) trait is >97%.

The range in EBVs from minimum to maximum has increased slightly.

The average EBV accuracy for the CWt EBV increased slightly from 79% to 80% for these sires.

The average CWt EBV for these sires was the same (10.9kg) in both analysis.

FIGURE 3 Old vs New CWt EBV - 900 Sires with 0 new progeny NEW 7 March 2022

OLD February 2022 400-DWT EBV

<<< from page 38

Figure 4 shows that the relationship between the Old EBV and the New EBV for the Marble Score (MS) trait is 93%. The slightly greater change in MS EBVs is largely due to the significant increase in heritability for this trait with the change in new Genetic Parameters (almost doubled from 0.32 to 0.59). This change in heritability results in more of the phenotypic differences between animals attributed to genetics in the New BREEDPLAN analysis compared to the Old BREEDPLAN analysis. The average MS EBV for these sires increased slightly from 0.67 to 0.74 MS units in the New analysis. The range in EBVs from minimum to maximum increased slightly. The average EBV accuracy for the MS EBV for these sires also increased slightly from 73% to 75% in the New analysis.

NEW 7 March 2022

FIGURE 4

Figure 5 shows that the relationship between the Old EBV and the New EBV for the Eye Muscle Area (EMA) trait is 83%. The slightly greater change in EMA EBVs is due to the large change in heritability for this trait (0.34 to 0.46), along with changes in the heritability of ultrasound scanned Eye Muscle Area traits (0.35 to 0.47 and 0.41 to 0.42 for heifer and bull scanned EMA respectively).

The range in EBVs from minimum to maximum has slightly increased. The average EBV accuracy for the EMA EBV increased slightly from 69% to 72% for these sires. The average EMA EBV for these sires also increased slightly from 1.20 to 1.46 CM2 in the New analysis.

NEW 7 March 2022

FIGURE 5

SUMMARY AND FINDINGS

The Wagyu BREEDPLAN Genetic Parameters were last updated in 2018 by the independent research group – the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU) based at the University of New England. The AGBU undertake all research and development for BREEDPLAN.

The AGBU have now completed a 2022 recalculation of the Wagyu Genetic Parameters which has included many thousands of new animal and carcase records across a significantly larger Wagyu database.

The impacts of changes to the genetic parameters within AWA Wagyu BREEDPLAN are consistent with those expected – a slightly larger range in genetic variance in those traits where higher heritability estimates are now calculated. These changes are advantageous for Wagyu breeders to make genetic progress when using EBVs in their herds.

Within the March 2022 Wagyu BREEDPLAN analyses, the revised Wagyu Genetic Parameters as calculated by AGBU were applied. The new Genetic Parameters will continue to be applied to all future standard monthly Wagyu BREEDPLAN evaluations provided by the AWA to its members.

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RAISING THE BAR FOR THE GLOBAL WAGYU SECTOR

CONSTANT FOCUS ON IMPROVEMENT

The AWA for the last 30 years has been performing DNA testing, parent verification and genetic analysis for Wagyu cattle supporting the integrity and genetic improvement of this sector. It maintains a global registry of Wagyu cattle with more than 900 members, spanning 20 countries.

The number of breeding Wagyu cattle has increased significantly in the past five years from just over 85,000 in 2017 to now more than 200,000 individual animals (Figure 1). Genetics from these animals is used in elite fullblood (100% pure Wagyu) and amplified across more than 300,000 F1 (first cross) Wagyu in Australia alone.

CALVES

PROJECTED CALVES

SIRES DAMS TOTAL

FIGURE 1
Wagyu BREEDPLAN sire, dam and calf trends

CONSTANT FOCUS ON IMPROVEMENT

Given the elite status of Wagyu products, performance recording, genomic technologies and genetic analysis of Wagyu cattle is key to identifying and developing the best Wagyu genetics. The AWA delivers Wagyu BREEDPLAN, which produces Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) for high-value traits in breeding animals. Wagyu breeders use EBVs in conjunction with other selection criteria when deciding which animals to mate in an attempt to breed superior progeny. Selections made using EBVs have driven the genetic progress made by the breed in recent years.

Wagyu genetic gain is genomically driven, with 100,000 genomic DNA tests conducted in the last three years alone, representing 50% coverage of the total breeding population. These genomic tests are used by breeders to detect the genetic and performance potential of animals at a young age to accelerate genetic gain within the breed.

Since the introduction of genomic testing in 2017, the AWA has witnessed rapid genetic gains in Wagyu cattle for several high-value carcase traits. Figures 2a-2c show the change in average estimated breeding values over five years from 2017 to 2021 for Carcase Weight, Eye Muscle Area (EMA) and Marble Score.

FIGURE
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THE GOLD STANDARD BENCHMARKING PROGRAM FOR NEW WAGYU BREEDERS

AWA 2021 - 2031 PROGENY TEST PROGRAM

Within the current AWA genetic analysis, some individual Australian and International Wagyu sires have more than one hundred carcase progeny records. So far, AWA members have recorded significant numbers of carcase progeny data on approximately 250 Wagyu sires, making significant genetic gain in all carcase traits. However, data recording, particularly of carcase traits, can be difficult for smaller producers that do not operate a vertically integrated supply chain.

The AWA-Progeny Test Program is specifically designed to bring the number of proven Wagyu sires to more than 500 sires whilst allowing smaller breeders to have their sires tested and all progeny data collected on a large scale program. The aim of the program is to add another 250 industry sires by mating up to 40 new sires per year from around the globe across 2,000 females. These will be benchmarked against each other as well as famous Japanese Foundation sire Michifuku (WKSFM0164) and his son Sanjiro (WKSFP0100).

By collecting progeny records from new sires and linking their performance and genetic data to existing data, the AWA hopes to identify new standout sires that will drive future genetic improvement for Wagyu.

COHORT 1 JOININGS ALMOST COMPLETE

In year one of the AWA PTP (2021), 40 sires were nominated to the program. They are currently being tested across nine large fullblood breeding herds. Eight out of the nine breeding herds have completed their AI programs, with the last two herds to join next month; the first herd to complete an Autumn join. In total, 1,433 females out of an anticipated 2,000 have been joined to AWAPTP sires so far. Calving is due to commence in July continuing through to November 2022. By having herds join at different times, the intention is to stagger the entry of steer progeny into the feedlot to collect Net Feed Intake data. The AWA will continue their existing partnership with Kerwee Feedlot in order to collect NFI information on as many progeny as possible.

Steer progeny will be fed between 450 to 550 days before slaughter. Carcase traits will be collected at time of slaughter. The program

will capture data for existing traits, as well as new traits including eating quality and fatty acid composition.

Arthur and Pam Dew of Longford Station, Bendemeer NSW, own one of the nine Contributor Herds involved in the Program. “Our primary focus is on carcase traits. Marbling, carcase weight and eye muscle area”

says Mr Dew.

“It’s difficult to find bulls that produce this well and produce it consistently. It took us a long time to breed our top sire Mr Awesome, and bulls like this are rare. The Progeny Test Program has sires with varied breeding values that need to be proven up. Hopefully, it can help to identify other stand out sires.”

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PLAN NOW FOR 2023 SIRE NOMINATIONS

“We want people who might think about nominating a sire to feel confident that they are getting value for money because the AWA-PTP is both nationally and internationally recognised,” says Dr Matt McDonagh, CEO AWA.

“Australia is home to the largest number of fullblood Wagyu animals outside of Japan, and the AWA registers cattle from all around the world and provides its members an internationally recognised genetic evaluation and resultant estimated breeding values.”

One of the main intentions of the PTP is to allow both small and large scale, domestic and international breeders to enter their sires so that they may be proven and benchmarked on a global scale. Global benchmarking of sires is very difficult for most breeders to achieve by themselves. To create optimal linkage around the world between our existing data and the AWA-Progeny Test Program, it is highly advantageous to all AWA members that a broad cross-section of the Wagyu Sector participates in the AWA-PTP.

Mr Wayne Grimshaw entered his sire MOYFK00194 in the first intake of the PTP. When asked why Mr Grimshaw entered this particular sire he said “K00194 has good frame and carcases that

has marbled more than what his EBV says.”

Mr Grimshaw sees the value in benchmarking sires through the progeny test program as “having sires with progeny in the one breeding, feeding and slaughter group allows us to see how each sire compares with the other.” He’s also nominated a bull in the second intake of Progeny Test Sires.

Australian Country Choice has two sires in the first intake. “Being involved can only help to validate the accuracies of current and future estimated breeding values” says Mr Ryan Carter, Manager Brindley Park Property Group, ACC.

“We strongly encourage seedstock marketers (breeders) to become involved and stand by their product. All available assistance should be provided to the PTP to ensure no potential stars slip through the cracks.”

SIRE NOMINATIONS FOR COHORT 3

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THE TRIPLE CHALLENGE GENETIC SELECTION FOR FEED EFFICIENCY

The food and agriculture markets, like many other traditional industries such as banking and automotive, are faced with fundamental market shifts. Science, new technology, infrastructure, digital capabilities, and viral marketing are converging, changing the rules and environment that many industries operate in. Farmers are faced with what we at Vytelle refer to as the triple challenge. First, the need to produce more to feed a growing population with high-quality protein. Second, the need to adopt, verify, and communicate sustainable practices. Finally, the need to provide products at the best possible price while maintaining and increasing profitability. No matter what part of the supply chain your business sits, these trends are here to stay. As an industry, we need to adapt and embrace new practices that create more value to thrive in this changing landscape.

A quick look at the genetic progress that the poultry industry has made over the past 50 years for feed efficiency provides

a great example of the possibilities as they have improved over 250%. Today, the average feed conversion ratios (estimated kg of feed to produce a kg of meat) for broilers are 1.7:1. Comparatively, genetic progress for feed efficiency has been slow and inefficient across the global cattle markets with average ratios of about 6.8:1. Studies have shown that a 5% improvement in feed efficiency could have an economic effect four times greater than a 5% improvement in average daily gain. Improving feed efficiency will influence the unit costs of production and the value of breeding stock, embryos, semen, and feeder animals.1 This begs the question, why have we not moved the needle significantly with cattle? This lack of progress can be summarized under three themes. The limited phenotype and genotype data available on important economic and production traits, the high cost of labor that is required to access the most modern reproduction technology, and finally the historically unpredictable results.

<<< from page 51

Simply put, we need to find ways to breed the right cattle faster. Cattle that are meeting overall breeding objectives, more feed efficient, produce less methane, return more profit, and have the data verification and validation behind it. With this in mind, Vytelle has built the first integrated livestock technology platform to accelerate genetic selection progress in cattle. Producers can access tools to help identify elite cattle and target mating decisions to accelerate their improved genetic outcomes.

Vytelle is working with the Australian Wagyu Association and membership by providing our technology platform and support to make the capture of accurate, standardised phenotypic data simpler and more straightforward.

NET FEED INTAKE EXPLAINED

Cattle of all breeds eat variable amounts each day, some more, some less than their counterparts, while gaining the same weight. This is due to each animal’s net feed intake (NFI) or the difference between an animal’s actual feed intake and predicted feed intake, for a given level of production.2

NFI is a moderately heritable trait 3; therefore it can be used in parallel with other performance selection criteria and will be passed on to progeny with confidence. Selecting for low, or desirable, NFI won’t affect frame size, growth, or carcase quality in any breeds, making it a risk-free factor in genetic selection.

The triple challenge: genetic selection for feed efficiency

BENEFITS OF SELECTING FOR EFFICIENCY

Genetic selection for feed efficiency will reduce feed intake by up to 12%, reduce methane production by 30% and improve profitability in the feedlot1

Undeniably, there is mounting focus around the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. No matter where you sit on this topic, it matters, and we cannot run from it. Methane is the major GHG emitted from ruminant production systems. Reducing these emissions is a necessity to improve the beef industry’s carbon footprint. Initiatives like the ambitious CN30 carbon neutral goals set forth by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) along with the consumer’s voice, exercised through purchase decisions, must be part of our consideration as insurance plans, government funded incentives and preferential banking terms are being tied to on farm methane mitigation strategies.

Measuring and selecting for feed efficiency based on NFI can be part of the solution. Testing bulls is an excellent starting point; identifying and making genetic selection decisions in heifers and replacement females will replicate efficiency across the entire herd and stack generationally.

WAGYU IN VYTELLE NETWORK DATABASE

Vytelle curates the world’s largest multibreed efficiency database incorporating 25 breeds. There are seven Wagyu animals in the top 25% most feed efficient cattle in the entire database of nearly 284,000 animals. The database includes phenotypic feed efficiency data on over 1,600 Wagyu bulls, heifers, and steers from five different sites around the world. Of the 1,600 cattle, 274 Wagyu heifers and bulls have been included in Vytelle’s multi-breed efficiency database to calculate expected breeding values (EBVs). The Wagyu NFI EBVs have moderate accuracies, up to 0.38, and range from -0.32 kg to 0.40 kg.

Feed conversion ratios (FCR) of over 53,000 efficiency-tested cattle in Vytelle’s database shows that, on average, cattle consume 7.23 kg, on a dry matter basis, for every kilogram of gain. Selection for NFI in the breeding herd can significantly impact feed conversion and feed savings in the feedlot, especially for long-fed Wagyu programs. A 15% improvement in efficiency, which is highly probable when selecting for NFI, results in an average FCR of 6.15:1. When considering a feeding period of 450 days with feedlot entry and finishing weights of 300 kg and 725 kg, respectively; along with feed costs of $380/tonne as fed ($630/tonne of dry matter given a ration with a 60% dry matter content), a 15% improvement in efficiency will result in feed savings of $291.91/head. A 15% improvement in efficiency in the feedlot is significant, but further improvements are possible; 11% of the efficiency-tested cattle in the Vytelle database have FCRs below 5:1.

ANIMAL NUTRITION & HUSBANDRY

BIOSECURITY / ODOUR CONTROL

CARBON CANCELLING/CAPTURING

DROUGHT MITIGATION

FOOD & FEED SECURITY

HEAT STRESS PREVENTION

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT

MEAT QUALITY

ORGANIC WASTE MANAGEMENT

SOIL RESTORATION

Protecting the environment and addressing climate change is a global imperative. Talk to us about how you can be part of the solution.

Dr Les Sandles

Internationally renowned Ag-consultant and thought leader, Dr Les’ unique insights continue to influence soil, plant, animal and human nutrition. His research has evolved into a revolutionary method for transitioning farms from chemical to sustainable practices. Healthy soils produce healthy food, which in turn promote healthy animals & people, and ultimately, a healthy planet. He believes that in the final analysis farmers will be expected to provide the solution to climate change.

0425 436 622 | drles@4sight.bio

Jon Reynolds

Jon’s passion is finding solutions! Be it biosecurity, innovative feed supplements, or eliminating flies and odours from your facilities, Jon’s your man. More than a decade working with progressive farm businesses to implement sustainable agribusiness solutions, Jon will work with you to find a solution to your problem, ensuring it meets our criteria to have a positive impact on your cattle, your business, the food chain in its entirety, and ultimately to the benefit of the planet.

0423 008 495 | jon@4sight.bio

The triple challenge: genetic selection for feed efficiency

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FEMALE TRAIT BENEFITS OVER VARIOUS AGES

The benefits of genetic selection in longfed Wagyu programs also impact mature female populations. Due to the trait’s heritability, it’s anticipated that genetic selection for low NFI in younger, growing cattle would exhibit the same directional effect on mature cow intake.

A study led by Harvey C. Freetly, U.S. Department of Agriculture, measured feed intake and body weight gain in 687 heifers and 622 commercial crossbred 5-year old cows. His team calculated feed intake and growth measurements in divided groups of heifers over an 84-day period at 228 days and 333 days of age, respectively. Rations were predominantly silage and forage crop based with heifers weighed nine times throughout the trial.

The study determined feed intake and average daily gain (ADG) to be heritable and genetically correlated between heifers and

REFERENCES

1 (Agri-facts, 2006)

» Agri-facts; Practical Information for Alberta’s Agriculture Industry (2006), https://open. alberta.ca/ dataset/91a77dec-f0a4-49c2-8c54f172fe568e2c/resource/721e982cb90f-4605- 9de0-a3b8bb312b1f/ download/2006-420-11-1.pdf, accessed October 9, 2018.

2 (Koch et al., 1963; Basarab et al., 2003)

» Basarab, J. A., M. A. Price, J. L. Aalhus, E. K. Okine, V. M. Snelling and K. L. Lyle (2003), “Residual feed intake and body composition in young growing cattle”, Can. J. Anim. Sci., 83: 189- 204.

mature cows. They expected similar directional effects would occur in both young, growing heifers and cows, and encouraged selection for ADG and reduced intake.

At

Vytelle, we believe that genetic progress is the solution to this triple challenge, and one that can deliver permanent and compounding benefits.

A similar research project led by noted livestock nutritionist, Cory T. Parsons, examined the relationship between heifer postweaning NFI classification and cow reproductive efficiency. They also analysed production traits including cow body weight, body condition, and calf weaning weights.

His trial included 347 Black Angus females and over the course of three breeding seasons and calves weaned, they determined no discernible difference between heifer postweaning NFI classes, later reproductive performance, or production parameters.

These results prove critical as beef cow herds are understood to consume approximately 70% of annual farm feed resources.

Vytelle’s platforms and research have shown proven value in genetically selecting for feed efficient animals. Benefits score highly in increased profit and reduced costs associated with feed resource savings without affecting size, growth, and performance traits. NFI savings remain constant through an animal’s lifetime without discernible effects on reproduction and efficient animals generate lower methane emissions.

Ideally, all these benefits can be implemented by using Vytelle’s integrated technology platform to accelerate genetic progress—a permanent and compounding solution to the triple challenge facing the global agriculture industry.

» Koch, R. M., L. A. Swiger, D. Chambers and K. E. Gregory (1963), “Efficiency of feed use in beef cattle”, J. Anim. Sci., 22(2): 484-494.

3 Koch, Arthur, Crew

» Koch, R. M., L. A. Swiger, D. Chambers and K. E. Gregory (1963), “Efficiency of feed use in beef cattle”, J. Anim. Sci., 22(2): 484-494.

» Arthur, P. F., J. A. Archer, D. J. Johnston, R. M. Herd, E. C. Richardson and P. F. Parnell (2001a), “Genetic and phenotypic variance and covariance components for feed intake, feed efficiency, and other postweaning traits in Angus cattle”, J. Anim. Sci., 79: 2805-2811.

» Arthur, P. F., G. Renand and D. Krauss (2001b), “Genetic and phenotypic relationships among different measures of growth and efficiency in young Charolais bulls”, Livest. Prod. Sci., 68: 131- 139.Crews, D. H. Jr., N. H. Shannon, B. M. A. Genswein, R. E. Crews, C. M. Johnson and B. A. Kendrick (2003), “Genetic parameters for net feed efficiency of beef cattle measured during postweaning growing versus finishing periods”, Proceedings, Western Section, American Society of Animal Science, 54: 125-128.

We have been investing in superior Wagyu Full Blood genetics to produce the most balanced Wagyu cattle outside of Japan. Flushing programs at Holbrook Veterinary Centre have been running for four years now, with progeny being integrated into Full Blood and F1 production.

Our first cohort of progeny from our first progeny test program (in cooperation with QGI) are due to enter feedlots this winter. It is programs like this that importantly validate BREEDPLAN EBV’s. All genetics we invest in, now must be run through similar programs.

PETE AND PIP BISHOP

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