Progress 09/01/03 to 09/30/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: For the latter years of this project the focus has been on the productivity of Wagyu and Wagyu sired calves compared to those of Angus. We found that with Angus dams, Wagyu sired calves were 2.3 kg lighter at birth (35.3 vs. 33.1 kg) and 9.8 kg lighter at weaning (214.6 vs 204.8) than Angus. In contrast with Wagyu cows, Wagyu sired calves were 5.0 kg lighter at birth (37.1 vs 31.2) and 43.1 kg lighter at weaning (231.2 vs 188.2) than Angus. The gestation length of calves that had an Angus sire were 3 d shorter than Wagyu sired calves regardless of the breed of the dam (281.5 vs 284.5). Early research has shown that the fatty acid profile of Wagyu sired animals is different from that of Angus. In a cooperative study with the University of Nevada, Reno, live and carcass data and longissimus muscle samples from 47 progeny of Wagyu and Angus sires bred to Angus cows born in 2004 were available. We did extensive fatty acid analysis on the longissimus muscle samples and analyzed these for sire breed differences. Data were analyzed using a model that included sex, sire breed, sire within sire breed and percent of Angus in the cow as a covariate. Amounts of fatty acids were measured in the longissimus muscle. Least squares means for Angus and Wagyu progeny, respectively were 665 and 664 (600 = USDA Modest) for marbling, .86 and .76 cm for back fat and 79.4 and 72.1 cm squared for rib eye area. Least squares means individual fatty acids for Angus and Wagyu progeny, respectively were 26.8 and 27.4 % for C:16.0, 12.96 and 13.10 % for C18:0, 41.0 and 42.0 % for C18:1n9, 3.03 and 2.72 % for C18:2n6, .15 and .23 % for CLA and 1.78 and 1.56 % for Omega-3 fatty acids. Least squares means individual classes of fatty acids for Angus and Wagyu progeny, respectively were 48.2 and 48.6% for mono-unsaturated fatty acids, 6.73 and 5.70 for poly-unsaturated fatty acids and 44.1 and 44.8% for saturated fatty acids. Total fat in the longissimus was 5.25 and 7.51% for Angus and Wagyu sires, respectively. Additional animals are being evaluated for fatty acid content. These results did not indicate significant differences between Wagyu and Angus sired steers and heifers. Breeding values (EPD's) for as many as 67 Wagyu sires currently being used in the U.S., Australia and some other countries outside of Japan were estimated several times as data became available. The EPD's were estimated using an animal model that included contemporary group and the animal's breeding value. For marbling score, which is the most important trait to Wagyu producers 67 sires were evaluated. There were 31 evaluated for fat thickness, 30 for rib-eye area, 32 for birth weight and 27 for weaning weight. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Jan Busboom, Faculty, WSU; Dr. Holly Neibergs, Faculty, WSU; Dr. Tom Ringhob, Faculty, Univ. of Nevada-Reno; Mr. Dwight Joos, Technician, Univ. of Nevada-Reno; Dr. Jim O'Fallon, Technician, WSU; Dr. Ricardo Zanella, Graduate Student, WSU; Mr. Tom Cummings, Beef Center Manager, WSU TARGET AUDIENCES: The target audience of this research has been beef producers mostly in the Pacific Northwest, but some in other states and a few foreign countries of which Australia is predominant. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The Wagyu industry has been significant in the Pacific Northwest with many small breeders and producers as well as several large companies involved in the industry. The Wagyu breed has three characteristics that make it very valuable in the production of high quality beef in high end restaurants and other specialty markets. These characteristics include the genetic potential for extremely abundant and fine marbling, exceptional tenderness and unique taste. Other characteristics such as growth rate and milk production are inferior to the Angus breed, which is the most popular breed in the U.S. Research at Washington State University is attempting to characterize both Wagyu and Wagyu-Angus crosses. Objective knowledge of growth and carcass traits will enhance the economic value of Wagyu cattle. The production of seed stock in the Pacific Northwest has resulted in top animals that have been sold to producers in many other states and exported to several foreign countries. A major producer and packer located in both Idaho and Washington has produced or purchased a large number of animals (as many as 10,000 head per year) for export to Japan. Currently, there are age restrictions on beef exported to Japan and a similar volume of Wagyu sired beef is being sold domestically or exported to the European Union and a few other countries. Washington State University has been recognized as the dominant scientific research institution for Wagyu cattle and is where most industry members look for objective information.
Publications
- G. T. Church, L. K. Fox, C. T. Gaskins, D. D. Hancock, and J. M. Gay. 2008. The Effect of a Shortened Dry Period on Intramammary Infections During the Subsequent Lactation. J. Dairy Sci. 91:4219-4225.
- Tito A. Wibowo, Charles T. Gaskins, Ruth C. Newberry, Gary H. Thorgaard, Jennifer J. Michal, and Zhihua Jiang. 2008. Genome Assembly Anchored QTL Map of Bovine Chromosome 14. Int. J. Biol. Sci. 2008;4(6):406-414.
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Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Data are available on up to 120 cattle produced in Nevada (Nevada State Prison and University of Nevada-Reno). Not all traits were measured on every animal. Our contribution to this study has been to determine the content of 32 fatty acids in raw and cooked tissues from seam fat, intermuscular fat and longissimus muscle, to conduct tenderness evaluations, to extract DNA, to search for markers for economically important traits and to statistically analyze the data for differences caused by breed, sire and feeding regimes. Personnel from Nevada have provided growth and carcass grade data. The study includes data for bulls and heifers produced by 21 bulls in the years 2001 through 2003. The percent Angus is known for each calf and sires included both Angus and Wagyu Breeds. An objective of this project in the coming year will be to evaluate the differences between Angus and Wagyu animals for weight, carcass and some fatty acid traits with this data. We will also attempt to
determine if there are sire differences within breeds. No Wagyu or Wagyu cross calves produced at WSU were finished for harvest in 2007. Both Angus and Wagyu x Angus calves were produced and data on the calves is being prepared for analysis for differences in birth and weaning weights.
PARTICIPANTS: Holly Neibergs, Jan Busboom, Mark Nelson, Jim O'Fallon, Tom Cummings
TARGET AUDIENCES: Beef Producers in the Pacific North West
PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Substantial fatty acid data is now available for evaluating breed differences.
Impacts
The Wagyu breed is developing a strong place in the high quality beef market in the U.S. There are a number of both large and small producers that are interested in producing Wagyu and Wagyu cross cattle in the Pacific Northwest. Wagyu cattle have a different kind of fat than Angus and the ability to look at the fatty acid profile of both Angus and Wagyu from the same population will be helpful in explaining the differences we observe. Further, it is postulated that Wagyu have a better combination of healthy fatty acids and this research will allow us to evaluate these differences and develop a healthier product for consumers.
Publications
- Williams, G.A., T.L.Ott, J.J.Michal, C.T.Gaskins, R.W.Wright, T.F.Daniels, and Z.Jiang. 2007. Development of a novel model for mapping cryptorchidism in sheep and initial evidence for association of INSL3 with the defect. Animal Genetics. 38:189-191.
- OFallon, J., J.R.Busboom, M.L.Nelson, and C.T.Gaskins. 2007. A direct method of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) synthesis: Application to wet meat tissues, oils and feedstuffs.. Journal of Animal Science. 85:1511-1521.
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Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06
Outputs
Nine steer calves produced by crossing Wagyu bulls on Angus cows were born from March to May of 2005 and placed on feed in October. Animals were harvested after 385 days on feed at an average of 574 days. The diet consisted of 81% barley, 8% alfalfa, 6% blue grass straw and 5% protein and mineral supplement. The steers averaged 232 kg on feed and 647 kg at harvest with a gain of 1.1 kg/day. The carcasses averaged 427.9 kg, with 2.0 cm back fat thickness and 89.9 sq. cm at the 12th rib. The average USDA yield grade was 4.3 and the quality grade was low prime. Feed consumption and conversion is pending. Breeding value analysis of Wagyu sires was conducted to provide Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) values from Wagyu x Angus progeny. This is the first update of the Wagyu Sire Summary since 2001. Eleven new sires were added for marbling and one each for back fat thickness and rib eye area.
Impacts
The Wagyu breed has three characteristics that make it very valuable in the production of high quality beef in high end restaurants and other specialty markets. These characteristics include the genetic potential for extremely abundant and fine marbling, exceptional tenderness and unique taste. Other characteristics such as growth rate and milk production are inferior to the Angus breed, which is the most popular breed in the U.S. Research at Washington State University is attempting to characterize both Wagyu and Wagyu-Angus crosses. Objective knowledge of growth and carcass traits will enhance the economic value of Wagyu cattle.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05
Outputs
In September of 2004 seven heifers and eight steers sired by six Wagyu sires were started on a long period feeding program to evaluate the costs and potential income of Wagyu production for the very high quality beef market. Two of the animals were 100%, 10 were greater than 93.75%, 2 were 87.5% and 1 was 50% Wagyu. Five sires were represented. Calves were 197 days of age when they were placed on a grower diet for 84 days on September 7 (Period 1). Diets consisted of barley, supplement, blue grass straw (BGS) and potato by-product, which had average percent contributions of 52, 39.5, 6 and 2.5 of the dry matter, respectively. On December 1 the diet was changed to 66.5 % barley 20% BGS, 6% supplement and 7.5 potato by-product (dry matter basis) for 210 days (Period 2) and on June 29, 2005 (period 3) was changed again to 84 % barley 12% BGS and 4% supplement (dry matter basis). The expected date of harvest is March 13, 2006 when the average age will be 750 days after
552 days on feed. The intent has been to achieve a daily gain of .91 kg/day (2 lb/day) over the complete feeding period. Average daily gain for the first 84 days was .91 kg/d, .89 kg/d for the next 216 days and was .84 kg/d from 12/1/04 to 1/4/06. Yardage was charged at $.40 per animal per day. Cost of feed was $.0856, $.1014 and $.1257 / kg for periods 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The last weigh date was January 4 and at that time the feed cost was $1.20 / kg gain and with yardage included the cost was $2.19 / kg. The average price paid for the animals was based on CattleFax plus a $.20 premium and averaged $657.27. On a per animal basis the total cost of gain (feed + yardage) was $853.69 with the resultant total cost of $1510.87. Animals averaged 608 kg. The breakeven cost is 2.58 / kg ($1.13 / lb) on a live animal basis. When animals are harvested standard carcass measures will be collected for determining USDA Quality and Yield grades. Carcass values will be determined on a grade and
yield basis using current prices at the time. In addition, a break down of the weights and values all carcass cuts will be taken, which will allow for a more detailed analysis.
Impacts
Because of a strong demand there is a great deal of interest by cattle producers in the development of niche markets for beef such as organic, natural, grass finished and other types. Wagyu beef has been shown to be more tender and able to achieve higher degrees of marbling with lower subcutaneous fat at heavier weights than other breeds. Wagyu also has a different and healthier fatty acid composition with a greater ratio of monounsaturated to saturated fatty acids. Potential producers are interested in knowing the costs and benefits of raising Wagyu or Wagyu crosses for the very high quality beef market in the U.S. Wagyu and Wagyu crosses have also been exported to Japan and other Pacific Rim countries and these countries offer the potential for a profitable export market. This is the only study that has been conducted in the U.S. for evaluating costs and values realized from raising very high quality beef.
Publications
- Gaskins, C.T., G.D. Snowder, M. K. Westman, and M. Evans. 2005. Influence of Body Weight, Age, and Weight Gain on Fertility and Prolificacy in Four Breeds of Ewe Lambs. J. Anim Sci. 83:1680-1689.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
Data for production to weaning for 2001 has been presented, but this report gives a combined analysis of data for Wagyu and Angus cows bred to 2 Wagyu and 2 Angus sires to produce calves in years 2001 and 2002. The number of calves available for the analysis was 55 and 42 for 2001 and 2002, respectively. Weaning ages were 189 d in 2001 and 162 d in 2002 and differed because of pasture conditions. Weaning weights were adjusted to the approximate mean of 175 d. The data were analyzed using a model that included year of birth, sex, age of dam, sire breed, dam breed and sire breed by dam breed interaction. The interaction was not significant for any of the traits considered. With Angus dams, Wagyu sired calves were 2.3 kg lighter at birth (35.3 vs. 33.1 kg) and 9.8 kg lighter at weaning (214.6 vs 204.8) than Angus. In contrast with Wagyu cows, Wagyu sired calves were 5.0 kg lighter at birth (37.1 vs 31.2) and 43.1 kg lighter at weaning (231.2 vs 188.2) than Angus. The
gestation length of calves that had an Angus sire were 3 d shorter than Wagyu sired calves regardless of the breed of the dam (281.5 vs 284.5). Efficiency of production was measured as the age adjusted weaning weight divided by the metabolic cow weight (weight.75) at weaning. For Angus cows the efficiency of Wagyu sired calves was 5.5% lower (1.83 vs 1.73) than Angus. For Wagyu cows the difference (1.81.vs 1.76) was similar, but not significant. Angus cows averaged 642 kg at weaning while Wagyu cows averaged 521 kg when adjusted for body condition score.
Impacts
Cattle producers in the Pacific Northwest and across the U.S. have interest in Wagyu cattle because they provide a source of very high quality, tender and palatable beef. Our research provides valuable information comparing the productivity of Angus and Wagyu cows when mated to both Angus and Wagyu bulls. Problems with these cattle mainly center on poor maternal abilities of Wagyu dams resulting in low growth rates to weaning. Calves sired by Wagyu bulls have low birth weights resulting in few calving difficulties in first calf heifers, which is of great value to commercial producers. The lowered rate of calving difficulty has a positive economic benefit to the commercial producer because of lower labor cost and a higher percentage of calves weaned. Wagyu x Angus calves are smaller at weaning, but are sold at a premium for the high quality beef market. The combined effect of lower calving difficulty and greater value per pound of calf weaned provides the incentive for
the use of Wagyu bulls. Production of purebred Wagyu is necessary for the propagation of the breed and to provide breeding bulls for commercial production. Our research shows the lower productivity of purebred Wagyu cattle compared to Angus and the need to evaluate ways to make genetic improvement, especially in milking ability and growth of calves to weaning. Washington State University is a center of focus for the Wagyu business because of the research that we have conducted.
Publications
- Kuber, P.S., J. R. Busboom, E. Huff-Lonergan, S. K. Duckett, P. S. Mir, Z. Mir, R. G. McCormick, M. V. Dodson, C. T. Gaskins, J. D. Cronrath, D. J. Marks, and J. J. Reeves. 2004. Effects of biological type and dietary fat treatment on factors associated with tenderness: I. Measurements on beef longissimus muscle. J. Anim Sci. 82(3):770-778.
- Rogers, P.L., C.T. Gaskins, K. A. Johnson and M. D. MacNeil. 2004. Evaluating Longevity Of Composite Beef Females Using Survival Analysis Techniques. J. Anim. Sci. 82:860-866.
- Baker, D.A., C.R. Shumway, C.T. Gaskins, and A.C. Linton. "Selecting AI Beef Sires for Maximum Profit." Professional Animal Scientist 20 (August 2004):336-43.
- Kuber, P.S., J. R. Busboom, S. K. Duckett, P. S. Mir, Z. Mir, R. G. McCormick, C. T. Gaskins, J. D. Cronrath, D. J. Marks, and J. J. Reeves. 2004. Effects of biological type and dietary fat treatment on factors associated with tenderness: II. Measurements on beef semitendinosus muscle. J. Anim Sci. 82: 779-784.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Wagyu and Angus cows were bred to 2 Wagyu and 2 Angus sires to produce 14 AxA, 16 AxW, 14 WxA, and 8 WxW calves (Sire x Dam) in which carcass data is currently available. Identification of an additional 9 head was lost in the packing plant, but identification will be made using DNA techniques. These animals, which were born in the spring of 2001, were fed for an average of 657 days for export to the Japanese market. Breed crosses differed for hot carcass weight (HCW), back fat thickness (BFT) and marbling score (MS). For AxA, AxW, WxA and WxW, respectively HCW were 387, 423, 396 and 381 kg, BFT were 1.47. 1.97, 2.11 and 1.49 cm and MS were 782, 871, 917 and 873 (700 = USDA Moderate, 800 = USDA Slightly Abundant). Longissimus muscle samples from the 61 steers and heifers are being evaluated for fatty acid content.
Impacts
There are a number of cattle producers in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Texas and a few other states who are in the business of raising Wagyu cattle for breeding stock and meat. Washington State University is a center of focus for the Wagyu business because of the research that we are conducting. In addition to meat that is more tender and preferable to consumers Wagyu cattle have been shown to have a different fatty acid profile that domestic cattle such as Angus, which may be healthier for humans. Significant health benefits to humans could accrue from eating a high quality protein food like beef that has a healthy constituency of beneficial fatty acids such as CLA, and a lower level of fatty acids such as palmitic, which causes an elevation of LDL. The ability to identify breeds and sires within breeds that produce progeny with more beneficial fatty acids is of importance to the beef industry because of better consumer acceptance. Our carcass data indicates
that carcasses that are half or purebred Wagyu have higher marbling scores. Current research will combine information from several research projects to provide an enhanced study of fatty acids in beef muscle of Wagyu, Angus and Wagyu x Angus crosses. Consistency of results will provide evidence for the differences in the amounts of fatty acids in two breeds of beef cattle and their crosses.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
The Wagyu breed has potential to improve marbling, tenderness and taste in domestic beef used for high quality markets. Knowledge of the production capability of Wagyu cattle is important for beef breeders if Wagyu cattle are to be introduced into the mainstream beef production markets. For this reason 32 Wagyu and 31 Angus cows were bred to 4 Wagyu and 3 Angus sires to produce 25 AxA, 26 AxW, 24 WxA, and 22 WxW calves (Sire x Dam) over a two-year period. Purebred Angus calves were heavier at both birth and weaning than purebred Wagyu calves. Birth weights (lbs) for the AxA, AxW, WxA, and WxW calves were 85, 73, 81, and 66, respectively, while weaning weights were 523, 436, 510, and 406, respectively. Angus cows were heavier at birth and at weaning than Wagyu cows. Weights (lbs) for Angus and Wagyu cows at birth were 1329 and 1050 while weights at weaning were 1433 and 1166 respectively. No difference between Angus and Wagyu cows was observed for body condition scores
or for a measure of biological cow efficiency (calf weaning weight/cow metabolic weight). Efficiency ratios for Angus and Wagyu cows were 2.21 and 2.16 respectively. These results show important differences in the physical attributes and performance of the two breeds. Knowledge of the comparative evaluation of purebred Wagyu cows to Angus cows is valuable to producers contemplating the use of Wagyu in production programs. Knowledge of their strengths and weaknesses are necessary in making sound management decisions. We are currently collecting carcass data on 61 steers and heifers that were raised in this project, purchased by and cooperating producer and are currently being harvested. Fatty acids in the longissimus dorsi muscle will be analyzed in the coming year.
Impacts
There are a number of cattle producers in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, Montana, Texas and a few other states who are in the business of raising Wagyu cattle for breeding stock and meat. Washington State University is a center of focus for the Wagyu business because of the research that we are and have conducted. The current phase of the project provides producers with valuable information about the productivity of Wagyu cows for producing weaning calves. Knowledge of the comparative evaluation of purebred Wagyu cows to Angus cows is valuable to producers contemplating the use of Wagyu in production programs. Knowledge of their strengths and weaknesses are necessary in making sound management decisions.
Publications
- Rogers, P.L., C.T. Gaskins, and K. A. Johnson. 2002. Cow efficiency and calf growth to weaning of purebred Wagyu and Angus cows with purebred and reciprocally crossed calves. J. Anim. Sci. 80 (Suppl. 2):117 (Abstr.).
- Mir, P., Z. Mir, P.S. Kuber, C.T. Gaskins, E.L. Martin, M.V. Dodson, J.A. Elias-Calles, K.A. Johnson, J.R. Busboom, A.J. Wood, G.J. Pittenger and J.J. Reeves. 2002. Growth, carcass characteristics, muscle conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content and plasma insulin concentrations in response to intravenous glucose challenge in high percentage Wagyu, Wagyu X Limousin and Limousin steers fed sunflower oil-containing diets. J. Anim. Sci. 80:2996-3004
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
The Wagyu breed is used to produce long fed, highly marbled carcasses for export to Japan and has potential to improve marbling, tenderness and taste in domestic beef used for high quality restaurant trade. Knowledge of the production capability Wagyu cattle is important. Thirty Angus and 28 Wagyu cows were mated to 2 Angus and 2 Wagyu sires to produce 13 AxA, 14 AxW, 18 WxA, and 14 WxW calves (Sire x Dam). Birth weights (lbs) for AxA, WxA, AxW, WxW were 85, 79, 69, and 68, respectively, while weaning weights were 515, 490, 418, and 415, respectively. Calves by the Angus dams were heavier at both birth and weaning than calves by Wagyu dams. Angus cows were heavier at weaning (1388) and had higher conditions scores (4.9 on a 1-9 scale) than Wagyu cows that (1126 and 4.7). These results show important differences in the physical attributes and performance of the two breeds. Sire expected progeny differences (EPD's) for marbling score were computed for the 2001 Wagyu
Sire Summary. Compared to the 2001 summary the number of records increase from 1142 to 2476 and six new sires were evaluated. These sires were in the top 20% for marbling EPD's. The sire summary is widely used by breeders in the U.S., Canada, Australia and other countries.
Impacts
Knowledge of the comparative evaluation of purebred Wagyu cows to Angus cows is valuable to producers contemplating the use of Wagyu in production programs. Knowledge of their strengths and weaknesses are necessary in making sound management decisions.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00
Outputs
Purebred cows and bulls of the Wagyu and Angus breeds were mated in the spring of 2000 in a factorial arrangement to produce progeny that will be born in January through March of 2001. Sires in the two breeds were selected to have high marbling EPD's. Birth weights, weaning weights, cow weights, condition scores and ultrasound measures of fat thickness of cows will be collected during 2001. Sixty-four cows (35 Angus and 29 Wagyu) were mated by artificial insemination to 2 Angus and 2 Wagyu sires. Nine Angus cows and 9 Wagyu Cows were mated to Angus sire New Design 036 while 8 Angus and 6 Wagyu cows were mated to Angus Sire GT Expo. Matings to Wagyu sires included 10 Angus and 6 Wagyu cows to Michifuku and 8 Angus and 8 Wagyu to Takazakara.
Impacts
Research at WSU has been important in developing an industry utilizing this breed to produce high quality meat for export to Japan and other countries and for use in restuarants and gourmet catalogs in the U.S. More information is needed on live production traits of Wagyu and how they compare to other breeds. This research will provide information which will allow producers to develop more efficient breeding systems for utilizing the Wagyu breed.
Publications
- Elias Calles, JA, CT Gaskins, JR Busboom, SK Duckett, JD Cronrath, JJ Reeves. 2000. Sire variation in fatty acid composition of crossbred wagyu steers and heifers. Meat Science 56:23-29.
- Elias Calles, JA , CT Gaskins, JR Busboom, SK Duckett, JD Cronrath, JJ Reeves, RW Wright Jr. 2000. Differences among Wagyu sires for USDA carcass traits and palatability attributes of cooked ribeye steaks. J Anim. Sci. 78:1710-1715.
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Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99
Outputs
Sire expected progeny differences (EPDs) for growth (birth and weaning weight) and carcass (marbling, ribeye area and external fat) traits were computed for American Wagyu sires using best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) with an animal model. Data included performance records from the individual sires, half Wagyu progeny and sire and dam pedigrees from edited field records for birth weight (n = 766), weaning weight (n = 432), marbling (n = 1142), ribeye area (n = 436) and external fat (n = 428). EPDs for birth weight ranged from -2.8 to 2.8 kg (-6.1 to 6.1 lbs.), weaning weight from -12.6 to 10.0 kg (-27.7 to 22.1 lbs.) and marbling score from -0.99 to 0.8. All marbling data were collected on animals fed long term for the Japanese market which requires a minimum of 300 days on feed. Ribeye area EPDs ranged from -4.8 to 3.7cm2 (-0.75 to 0.57 in2) and those for external fat ranged from -0.33 to 0.43 cm (-0.13 to 0.17 in). Wagyu birth weight and weaning weight EPDs
show substantial genetic variability while the EPDs for marbling, ribeye area and external fat show much less variability. At this time, it is possible to select Wagyu sires for the evaluated traits with a good degree of accuracy, however, more progeny data are critical in order to increase accuracy levels and balance the data for each trait.
Impacts
These are the first EPDs on American Wagyu sires which will allow beef cattle producers to select Wagyu sires for both carcass and growth traits. These data are instrumental in the survival and expansion of a U.S. Wagyu export business into Japan.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98
Outputs
Wagyu cattle in the United States have a great economic potential. These cattle have higher than average marbling, which has significant economic value in both domestic and export markets. Wagyu cattle have also been shown to have better eating qualities (tenderness and flavor) when fed Japanese style to heavy weight over a long (360 days) feeding period. Expected Progeny Differences (EPD's) which are estimates of genetic potential were calculated for 36 sires based on 1142 progeny in 37 contemporary groups. Recently imported full blood (100% Wagyu ancestry) bulls had higher marbling EPD's on average. JVP Fukutsuru 068 was the top bull with an EPD of .84 followed by Michifuku (EPD .50). An EPD of 1.0 would raise marbling one level and USDA quality grade by 1/3. In a detailed study involving 126 progeny of 8 Wagyu sires significant differences were observed for marbling, rib eye area, fat thickness, tenderness, juiciness and flavor. Fatty acids and cholesterol also
differed among sires. This is important because research shows that substituting oleic and lenoleic acids for saturated fatty acids (mainly palmitic) lowers serum low density lipoprotein (HDL) levels and total cholesterol. Wagyu cattle have been shown to have a more favorable monounsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio than some other breeds. Our research shows that some sires have profiles of fatty acids that are more favorable for human health.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Gaskins, C.T., J.A. Elias Calles, and J.J. Reeves. 1998. 1998 National Wagyu Sire Summary for Marbling. Animal Science Dept., Washington State University, Pullman, WA.
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Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97
Outputs
Progeny testing of Wagyu sires is important for the genetic improvement of the Wagyu breed. Washington State University (WSU) is the leader in attempting to quantify genetic differences among Wagyu sires. Angus and crossbred cows at WSU and one commercial producer were randomly mated to one of 8 Wagyu sires in the spring of 1994. Calves were born in the spring of 1995, weaned in the fall transported to WSU in Dec., fed a rolled barley/alfalfa haylage diet (6-7 head each) to gain an average of 1.5-2 lbs. per day until they were slaughtered on 2/26/97. Significant differences were observed among sires for all traits. Progeny of sires imported from Japan in recent years (new genetics) had on average more marbling, larger rib eyes and lower adjusted fat thickness than progeny of sires that were developed from four Wagyu sires imported in 1976 (old genetics). However, progeny of one of the 1976 sires had the second highest average marbling scores. These results are
important because they demonstrate important genetic differences between Wagyu sires for marbling and other traits. Results indicate that recently imported Wagyu sires are genetically superior to those produced by sires imported in 1976. To improve product quality and increase profits producers should exploit these genetic differences.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Busboom, J.R., et al. 1997. Using ultrasound for precision feeding and marketing of cattle. Proc. of the Washington State University Third Wagyu Symposium, Olympia, WA.
- Maki, S., et al. 1997. The growth performance of Wagyu-cross (F1) cattle during a background, grazing, and finishing phase. Proc. of the Washington State University Third Wagyu Symposium, Olympia, WA.
- Elias Calles, J.A., et al. 1997. Comparison of fatty acid composition and palatability characteristics of beef from various Wagyu sires. Proc. of the Washington State University Third Symposium, Olympia,
- Xie, Y.R., et al. 1996. Effects of time on feed and postmortem aging on palatability and lipid composition of crossbred Wagyu beef. Meat Sci. 43:157-166.
- Xie, Y.R., et al. 1996. Effects of breed and sire on carcass characteristics and fatty acid profiles of crossbred Wagyu and Angus steers. Meat Sci. 43:167-177.
- Gaskins, C.T. 1997. Understanding EPD Concepts. Proc. of the Washington State University Third Wagyu Symposium, Olympia, WA.
- Gaskins, C.T., et al., 1997. 1997 National Wagyu Sire Summary for Marbling. Proc. of the Washington State University Third Wagyu
- Gaskins, C.T., et al., 1997. The Seventh Annual All-Japanese Wagyu Show, Morioka Japan, September 11-15, 1997. Proc. of the Washington State University Third Wagyu Symposium, Olympia, WA.
- Gaskins, C.T., et al., 1997. Washington State University 1997 Wagyu Progeny Test: Preliminary Carcass Report. Proc. of the Washington State University Third Wagyu Symposium, Olympia, WA.
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Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96
Outputs
Cows in the WSU herd & those belonging to a commercial producer were randomly bred to 8 Wagyu bulls in spring, 1995. Steers & heifers (n=128) were weighed & placed on pasture at WSU on Apr 19, 1996. On Jul 8 the cattle were weighed, randomly assigned within sex & sire to one of 18 pens & fed a high concentrate diet to gain about 1 kg/day. The cattle were weighed at approximate 28-day intervals during both the pasture & concentrate feeding periods. The cattle are scheduled for slaughter in Feb & Mar, 1997. Least squares means were computed from a model that included sire sex & pen. Sire by sex interaction was tested in another model & found to be not significant for any monthly weight or daily gain. In addition to the daily gains for each period, daily gains for the 80 days on pasture & 177 days on feed through Jan 3, 1997 are presented. Steers & heifers differed (P<.05) for all weights & gains, but sires only differed (P<.05) for pasture daily gain & weights through
Nov 8. Sire, number of progeny & least squares means for feedlot daily gain, & pasture daily gain were: Alvin, 15, 2.91, 0.87; Fame, 16, 2.82, 0.69; Haruki, 6, 2.67, 1.72; Judo, 8, 2.55, 1.76; Konishiki, 21, 2.85, 1.35; Mazda, 20, 2.90, 1.27; Michifuku, 19, 2.85, 0.77; Rueshaw, 10, 2.82, 1.24; x-bred, 9, 2.72, 2.64. Least squares means for monthly weights on 4/19/96, 5/17/96, 6/2/96, 7/8/96, 8/1/96, 9/13/96, 10/11/96, 11/8/96, 12/10/96, 1/3/97 were 124, 806, 808, 901, 915, 1008, 1139, 1244, 1302, 1364, 1408, respectively.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
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