P.PSH.0715-Wagyu Collaborative Genetics Research Project - Stage 2 Final Report

Summary

This project was initiated to facilitate the collection of 5,000 carcase records and genotypes to help establish a genomic analysis and assist with the calculation of Wagyu specific variance components and genetic parameters to enable the calculation of highly accurate Single Step Wagyu EBVs. These EBVs would in turn allow the development and calculation of Wagyu specific BreedObject Indexes.

Objectives

This project has been designed to achieve the best technical and business outcomes for the Wagyu breed’s genetic improvement. It aims at building on the platform created in Stage 1 (P.PSH.0646) and moving to full implementation and commercialisation of Single-Step BREEDPLAN EBVs for the Wagyu breed.

Key findings

The subsequent capture and recording of large volumes of commercial progeny performance records from birth to carcase supplied critical information for the implementation of a genomic analysis for the Wagyu breed. The use of the digital carcase camera and the incorporation of Ausmeat data supported the collection of large volumes of carcase data which assisted with the development of Wagyu specific EBVs for carcase quality traits.
The genomic EBVs made it possible to then develop four additional BreedObject Indexes which focus on Wagyu specific production systems and markets.

The development and validation of a genomic test to determine the percentage Wagyu content of an animal was necessary to facilitate the registration and performance recording of “unknown” Purebred animals with no pedigree as “base” animals in a performance register. This helped to establish a SNP genomic test service to predict performance of un-phenotyped Fullblood/Purebred Wagyu animals.

A Matesel service was established using the genomically enhanced EBV and BreedObject Indexes to help members optimise matings to increase genetic progress while reducing inbreeding at the same time. This Matesel service also assisted several members to establish their own progeny test programs to identify promising young sires.

Benefits to industry

This project contributed significantly in making the implementation of Single-Step BREEDPLAN for Wagyu possible. It also facilitated the development of Wagyu specific carcase EBVs to improve the carcase quality of commercial slaughter animals. Once genomic EBVs were implemented, four BreedObject, indexes were developed. These EBVs and Index values make it possible for Wagyu breeders to now accurately select superior breeding animals and to make rapid genetic progress in the highly valuable Wagyu carcase traits. These developments fast tracked the genetic development of the Wagyu breed and will, for many years to come, greatly benefit all segments of the Australian Beef industry which use Wagyu genetics to increase their profitability.

MLA action

MLA continues to deliver data captured as part of the Livestock Genetics Program and implement the recommendations in this report.

Future research

The AWA regards the collection of performance data from genotyped Wagyu animals as a very high priority. To build on the achievements of this project and further expand the existing reference population, the AWA designed and implemented a progeny test program. The first round of progeny test matings, using 38 bulls, have already been completed.