Recent media reports of the Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in Miyazaki Prefecture on the southern Island of Kyushu in Japan make for sobering reading for all involved within the Wagyu Industry in Australia. It is times like these that we are very thankful for the vigor of our country’s quarantine process. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry has done an excellent job in providing bio-security of the highest level to protect the Australian Beef Industry.

Whilst feeling extremely sorry for our fellow Wagyu breeders in Japan, presently Australia is totally free of foot and mouth disease (FMD). There has never been a direct import of live Wagyu cattle from Japan to Australia. The last Wagyu genetics to leave Japan were exported to the United States of America in the late nineties.

Wagyu beef produced in Australia is a first class product produced by people dedicated to providing a product which is both safe and superb in its eating quality.

Australian Wagyu Association Ltd

18/05/2010

The latest edition of the Update Magazine (April 2010) has just been released. Articles include:

• Genetic Conditions
• BVDV and lotfeeding Wagyu
• Coles Supermarket entry into premium meat market
• a look inside Mayura's successful Wagyu brand,

 and lots more!

The presence of multiple autosomal recessive disorders in the Wagyu breed is well recognised in Japan and the Government has been actively testing and reporting lethal and sub-lethal conditions for many years. 
Interest in genetic disorders gained momentum after an official visit to Japan in February 2009 by the AWA Executive. After an exhaustive 12 months of research and laboratory development based on Japanese data by Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute EMAI in Sydney (and UQ),  the AWA is now in a position to offer a panel test on several known conditions that were identified has having a 'potential'  presence in the Australian Wagyu population.       

As part of the initiative, the AWA Council approved the testing of the fifty (50) most influential sires that have had the largest impact on the Australian herd. AWA is currently finalising the pricing of disease panel testing for Members.

At a recent AWA Council meeting, a new regulation was passed that all AI Candidates Sires  must be tested and results published as a part of their candidature application.

In addition, it is encouraged that all breeding stock that is to be sold and, including donor females are tested. Any suspect individual/s that are displaying symptoms would also be an indication for testing. 
 

Insert: Prof. Kunieda; Leading research scientist from Okayama University, Japan and keynote speaker at the 2009 AWA Conference

It is important to note that this initiative will be a work in progress and will continue to develop as new information comes to hand. The AWA will endeavor to provide regular updates as the information comes to hand. The concept of recessive disease testing is one of risk MANAGEMENT; clearly identifying those genetics that may be at risk,  and then making educated decisions on selection that will aid genetic progress and minimise any economic loss.

To view the latest results (07/05/2010) on our AI Sires click here. To help explain what these recessive disorders are all about and how you can manage any risk in your own herd click here. 

All other inquires please contact Michael Beattie at the AWA office on 02 6773 3355 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Japanese Meat Grading Association (JMGA) has released a new marbling standard with BMS photos. The calculation of the grade hasn’t changed, but these new photos have been developed to show the actual level of marbling for each BMS score. The previous photos were from gel-models and didn’t show the finer flecks of marbling that is present, leading to problems with accuracy and subjective measurement. The new photos have been designed to solve these problems, and improve accuracy of grading.

To view the JMGA standard click here