• There are clear marbling and human health benefits. Marbling improves the eating experience while providing a significant source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated fat (MUFA, mainly oleic acid), and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Compared to ordinary beef, Wagyu beef has 30% more CLA, which studies have shown reverses diabetes symptoms, reduces body fat and suppresses the build up of arterial plaque.

• The breed has excellent calving ease. The Tajima line of Wagyu bulls is desirable for first crosses due to their high marbling characteristics passed on to the progeny. Many producers breed F1 or F2 progeny as terminal offspring using Tajima genetics. These F1 crosses can be done with confidence due to Wagyu calving ease. The high value of F1 crosses coupled with low birth weights of around 20 to 25 kg make Wagyu bulls the perfect choice for first-calf heifers. When used over Angus cows, average birth weights are 25 to 30 kg.

• The breed is highly fertile. Wagyu bulls and cows reach puberty early, are very fertile, and have a strong libido. The bulls can service many more cows than most other breeds. The black Wagyu are heat tolerant and maintain fertility when most other animals struggle with heat stress. Furthermore, it is common for bulls and cows to remain reproductively sound until 18 years old. Importantly, Wagyu cows have outstanding udder structure and rarely have problems. Udders of Wagyu cattle over 10 years old often look as they did when the cow had her first calf. The outstanding udder of the Wagyu is also passed on to the offspring of the F1 cross.

• They have a calm temperament. Wagyu are a gentle breed, with bulls having an easy-going temperament. This pays off in the feedlot with better performance, improved carcass merit, less bruising and reduced treatment costs.

• High carcass yield (dressing percentage) and economic premiums. With their unique genetic ability to accumulate marbling, Wagyu cattle produce the highest percentage of prime carcasses. Wagyu have less back fat and larger rib eye area for any given carcass weight, which results in a better yield grade. Due to their quality and refinement of bone, Wagyu have a much better meat to bone ratio than most other breeds and will pass this on to their calves. F1 Wagyu feeder calves can be sold at a premium due to the high demand for prime beef. Wagyu carcasses deliver quality and yield grade premiums, while 100% Fullblood Wagyu which are grass fed maintain a high level of marbling, providing more profit for the local beef producer.

Crossbreeding Wagyu with other breeds is a good alternative to Fullblood Wagyu breeding. The aim of crossbreeding is to introduce desirable Wagyu characteristics such as enhanced carcass traits while also harnessing the benefits of heterosis (crossbreeding). See “What are the advantages of breeding Wagyu cattle?” to investigate the many benefits the Wagyu breed could bring to your herd.

Because they are genetically distinct from British, Continental, and American breeds, heterosis can be maximised by using Wagyu in a crossbreeding program. One such benefit is seen through the low birth weights associated with Wagyu, yet F1 animals reach the large mature size of the crossed breed.
Artificial insemination utilising frozen semen is a good way to incorporate the advantages of Wagyu cattle into your herd. Click here to see the semen available from Norman Wagyu.

For more information about how to read the Genetic Testing and EBV information for our bulls, read our Genetic Testing and EBV Info page.