Growth reflected in carcass weight (HSCW) is the second major profitability determinant in Australian fullblood production. Most FB are 900 days-of-age (doa) or more at slaughter, and carcasses commonly vary from about 530kg (liveweight 850~ 900kg) down to less than 350kg (lwt 650~680kg). Given identical preparation and feeding, the variation is largely explained by genetics.
There are no BREEDPLAN 900 day EBVs to enable direct comparison of pedigree genetics at this age, data collection for 600 day EBVs cutting off a 900 days. The Australian Wagyu GEBV summary provides the best clues to higher growth FB bloodlines.
The following table provides indicative economic returns (Australia: Nov. 2013) from representative FB carcasses of varying marble scores and weights after 600~630 days on feed (DOF). Good growth with marbling is more profitable than lower growth with top marbling:
| Indicative Returns: High/Low Growth FB Carcasses W/Varying AUS-MEAT Marble Scores | ||||
| DOF | HDCW (kg) | AUS-MEAT M/S | Gross Carcass Return $AUD | |
| Steer 1: | 600~630 | 530 | 9 | $7950.00 |
| Steer 2: | 600~630 | 530 | 7 | $6890.00 |
| Steer 3: | 600~630 | 530 | 5 | $5300.00 |
| Steer 4: | 600~630 | 380 | 9 | $5700.00 |
| Steer 5: | 600~630 | 380 | 7 | $4940.00 |
| Steer 6: | 600~630 | 380 | 5 | $3800.00 |
| Source: T. Suzuki, Blue Mountains Wagyu, 2013. | ||||