On the basis of ease of application and low cost, this Japanese model for pedigree analysis is currently the most accessible method for basic and rapid grouping of Australian FB Wagyu breeding stock by prefectural origin, suitable to assist in the prediction of breeding outcomes for operations of all sizes. With an identical focus on the prefectural bloodline foundation, similar evaluation has been the basis of F1 Wagyu sire specification at Australian feedlots for many years.
Many Australian fullblood breeders were introduced to Japanese pedigree analysis methodology by Japanese master breeder Mr Shogo Takeda, who has extended the analysis to create a ‘Rotation’ methodology for the multi-generation production of balanced commercial fullbloods (Download: Takeda Rotation PDF: here) Mr Takeda uses pedigree analysis to assess the ‘mix’ outcome probability of heritable influences from the Japanese sub-genomes or prefectural strains, which must be first identified within each individual. From analysis of variables, assessment can deliver a prediction of the potential outcome of any joining in key traits including marbling, growth and milk production. The method 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
- Understand the characteristics of each strain
- Plan combinations to cover weak points of individual strains
- Not over-emphasise one strain
Japanese pedigree analysis of all registered fullblood animals in the Australian Japanese Black Wagyu herd is available through Consultancy here. A 16/16 listing of leading local sires is available from this site here. (Click the 16/16 sublink). Identical analysis of current Japanese market sires is available on this site here.