JAPANESE GENETIC ANALYSIS On the basis of proven market relevance (or market value), we believe this Japanese 16/16 assessment is currently the most useful method for describing Australian Wagyu seedstock and predicting near-term breeding outcomes. All seedstock offered here have been expertly assessed using this method. The approach represents a ‘return to basics’, providing both objective and expert intuitive analysis of individual Wagyu over four generations. The first stage identifies the combination of key regional Wagyu strains, each of which predicates a likely outcome. The combinations are then analysed. (See Wagyu In Japan). The Combination analysis addresses the traditions of Japanese Black Wagyu breeding as described by Mr. Kenichi Ono, author of the authoritative ‘Japanese Top 100 Wagyu’ who suggests that successful breeding of Wagyu is to: 1. Understand the characteristics of each strain 2. Plan combinations to cover weak points of individual strains 3. Not over-emphasise one strain From analysis of the balance of combinations, the 16/16 assessment can provide a snapshot of the likely outcome of any joining in key traits including marbling, growth and milk production. Successful assessment is assisted by the relatively small number of superior sires available. The 16/16 system is also useful in planning bull production or a breeder herd with specific target traits. A16/16 assessment of well-known Black Wagyu sires in Australia is presented here. All seedstock for sale by Down Under Genetics is described by 16/16 methodology, with other relevant data. Our objective is to provide high market value information to buyers producing Black Wagyu and Black Wagyu cross cattle for long feeding or breeding programs. Breeding Strategies Breeding strategies for Black Wagyu in Japan have changed considerably since the closed herd situation maintained by individual prefectures through the nation in the past. Outside Hyogo (home of the Tajima strain), each prefecture today uses semen from a range of herds in other prefectures to produce AI sires within highly structured selection programs. The objective is to capture superior traits from outside herds and express these in enhanced next generations. For example, Okayama prefecture has focussed on Kedaka genetics to improve carcass weight and marbling. Across Japan, many sires express the Kedaka bloodline of Hirashigekatsu (bred in Tottori) over the Tajima genetics of Yasufuku. In the end, however, all combinations are assessed against a uniform JMGA carcass grid that measures key traits such as marbling, meat colour and yield. DOWN UNDER GENETICS, LLC pcredner@hotmail.com |
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| GROUP A + Framescore Large + Milk Production + Calf Rasing Ability + Marbling |
| GROUP B + Marbling + Framescore Small + Milk Production (less) + Calf Raising Ability |
| GROUP C + Framescore Large + Marbling + Milk Production + Calf Raising Ability |
| GROUP D + Marbling + Framescore Medium + Milk Production + Calf Raising Ability |
