This subsection is based on Japanese Government (MAFF)livestock census data, which demonstrates that the key price/quality relationships in Japanese national feeder calf markets are defined by breeding as the key predictor for future JMGA grading value.
Fullblood Black Wagyu feeders make up by far the greatest volume of sales, and greatest unit value is also achieved by Black Wagyu. Actual unit values and volumes of other important breed categories are shown both in actual terms and relative to Black Wagyu. Both ages and weights at calf market are similar across breeds.
Holstein calf market volumes are NOT indicative of actual sales. The majority of Holstein feeder cattle are produced in vertical systems starting at calf rearing units and progressing direct to feedlots. The Holstein numbers below therefore describe a small spot market. Non-Holstein F1 calves are not traded in these markets.
| Japanese Beef Calf Market Breed Segments: Relative Unit Volume/Value | |||||
| Calendar 2011 | No. Hd | Av. Wt (Kg) | Av. $AUD Unit | Rel. Vol. Unit % | Rel. Val. Unit % |
| FB Black | 361630 | 277 | $5310 | 100% | 100% |
| FB Red WY | 5137 | 286 | $4080 | 1.42% | 76.83% |
| Holstein | 8720 | 269 | $1242 | 2.41% | 23% |
| F1 (Holstein) | 61626 | 290 | $3282 | 17.04% | 61% |
A six year snapshot of the Japanese national calf market is provided below. The Holstein section represents 100% Holstein-breed calves trading outside the mainstream vertical production system described above.
| HOLSTEIN | CROSS BREED（F1） | |||||
| YEAR | NO. HEAD | AVERAGE |
Average Price/hd |
NO. HEAD |
AVERAGE | Average Price/hd |
| WEIGHT | WEIGHT | |||||
| HEAD | Kg |
AUD |
HEAD | Kg | AUD | |
| 2006 | 15,877 | 274 |
$1,534 |
77,203 | 282 | $3,422 |
| 2007 | 12,297 | 273 |
$1,332 |
83,673 | 288 | $2,826 |
| 2008 | 9,975 | 270 |
$1,181 |
82,971 | 290 | $2,177 |
| 2009 | 10,980 | 270 |
$1,166 |
66,521 | 288 | $2,784 |
| 2010 | 11,158 | 266 |
$1,135 |
59,354 | 286 | $3,474 |
| 2011 | 8,720 | 269 |
$1,242 |
61,626 | 290 | $3,282 |