Wagyu Breeding Bloodlines

WAGYU BREEDING - WHAT BLOODLINE SHOULD I CHOOSE? When it comes to Wagyu bloodlines, there's a lot to learn and a lot to choose from.  We've listed some of the most common bloodlines below and their traits. 

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Tajiri or Tajima

 

Originating from the Hyogo prefecture, these black cattle were originally used to pull carts and plows so the developed larger forequarters and lighter hindquarters. They are generally smaller framed with slower growth rates, but produce excellent meat quality with large eye muscle and superior marbling. They are thought to be ideal for the production of F1 cattle for slaughter. The Tajima bloodlines are generally regarded as producing the best quality meat in all of Japan.

Fujiyoshi or Shimane

 

From the Okayama prefecture are medium framed cattle with average growth rates and good meat quality.

Tottori or Kedaka

 

From the Tottori prefecture were originally pack animals in the grain industry, so they are larger animals with straight, strong back lines and generally good growth rates. However, their meat quality is variable. Best strain for milking ability. Combinations of all 3 lines are often used for Fullblood meat production.

Kochi and Kumamoto

 

The red lines, Kochi and Kumamoto, have been strongly influenced by Korean and European breeds, particularly Simmental. It is critical for Wagyu breeders to understand the characteristics of each line when cross breeding to produce higher quality Wagyu beef.

The production of Wagyu beef in Japan is highly regulated and progeny testing is mandatory. Only the very best proven genetics are kept for breeding. Realising the value of their unique product, the Japanese Government banned the export of Wagyu and declared them a national treasure. However in 1976, four bulls were exported to the United States and Wagyu were graded up from the American cow herd and was the beginning of a two decade window of Japanese genetics entering North America and filtering through to Australia and the rest of the world to today where Wagyu genetics exist on every continent even though actual numbers remain relatively low in comparison to the more popular beef breeds.

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The Tajima line is the most popular of the bloodlines. Although their frame is smaller, they are some of the best genetics for F1 production when it comes to increasing the profitability of you herd.  Keep in mind, wherever you end up sourcing your Wagyu embryos or semen, go for the quality, not the price tag. The quality of the genetics will be the deciding factor of your Wagyu breeding program's return of investment. Don't be shy, reach out and call the ranches or brokers who sell the semen and embryos for Wagyu breeding and ask questions!  In the end, the quality of your research will lead to the best purchase for for your operation.

Lolo Trail Ranch is happy to help you in your quest.  Give us a call and we'll be happy to speak with you about all things Wagyu, it's what we do! (406) 273-9139 

Shigeshigetani Wagyu Semen - Tajima Bull

There seems to be endless choices when it comes to the selection of wagyu semen.  One of the top bloodlines you will want to consider for your wagyu breeding is the Shigeshigetani.

 Shigeshigetani is not widely known in the United States, but he represents a powerful Wagyu genetics.
 
Shigeshigetani’s mother is Suzutani, Sanjirou’s dam. And Shigeshigetani’s sire is Haruki II (half-brother of Michifuku, sired by the same bull, Monjiro 11550).  Suzutani’s maternal sire was Shigeshigenami J10632, and her maternal grandsire was Shigekanenami, which is the bull that made the Kumanami line famous. The Kumanami family is known to have extremely potent marbling genes.

According to World K’s Group, who owns the bull, Shigeshigetani’s progeny have been absolutely exceptional:

• 3,800 F1 calves fed 540 days [ADG = 2.156 lbs].

• 90 percent graded 9+ on the Australian scale [grading above 12.9 on a numerical scale, which is three full grades above the highest USDA grade of Prime].

• 10 percent graded 7-9, on a numerical marbling scale 10-12.9. [On the USDA scale, numbers 7-9 would be considered Prime+ and Prime++.] 

The Wagyu semen, SHIGESHIGETANI 30T, ranked #1 for rib eye area, #1 for carcass weight, #2 for back fat, and #8 for marbling in the 2014 National Wagyu Sire Summary with 26 progeny. Bar R Shigeshigetani 30T is a large framed Tajima bull and his progeny show excellent carcass traits plus growth performance. 

Call (406) 273-9139 if you have more questions about this premium wagyu semen SHIGESHIGETANI 30T.

Wagyu Semen of the Michifuku Bloodline

There seems to be endless choices when it comes to the selection of wagyu semen.  One of the top bloodlines you will want to consider for your wagyu breeding is the Michifuku.

Michifuku is thought to be the best carcass bull ever to leave Japan. Even with smaller framed offspring, his progeny’s carcass characteristics are superb. Michifuku was formerly the number one marbling bull in the U.S.  He is Yasumi Doi on his sire side and Yasutanidoi J472 on the dam’s side. Yasutanidoi and Yasumi Doi are 2 of the most famous Tajima sires. It should be pointed out that Michifuku’s sire, Monjiro, produced carcasses that sold for $21,000 at the 2007 All Japan Wagyu Competition.

Although Michifuku produces smaller framed offspring, his progeny’s carcass characteristics are superb.  The IWG KIMIFUKU 117 comes from this bloodline and is bred specifically for F1 production.   His other qualities include:

• Exceptional Quality Carcass
• Excellent Marbling
• Medium Frame
• Excellent Temperament
• Improves Profitability 20-30% Over Traditional Beef Animals

IWG KIMIFUKU 117 may not look impressive due to his smaller frame, but his carcass characteristics are undeniable and of premium quality.

To learn more about this top quality wagyu semen selection, CLICK HERE.

Or feel free to give us a call: (406) 273-9139

Wagyu Semen for F-1 Cattle Breeding & Production

Wagyu is the breed that made Kobe Beef famous and is the generic name for Japanese cattle.  Wagyu  produce the world’s best tasting beef and the most healthful too due to its unique high ratio of oleic acid.  In fact, according to noted fat expert, Dr. Stephen Smith of TX A&M University, Wagyu Beef approaches olive oil in health benefits. The Wagyu breed is in high demand.

However, you don't need raise fullblood wagyu to increase the value of your herd.  F-1 production is the best way to integrate the award winning Wagyu genetics into your existing herd, no matter the cattle breed.

F1 production is crossbreeding Wagyu with other breeds. It is an alternative to fullblood Wagyu breeding. The aim of crossbreeding is to introduce the Wagyu characteristics to enhance the carcass traits and other desirable traits of the Wagyu breed. Although introducing Wagyu into a herd is traditionally done to increase marbling and eating quality of the carcass, several producers have introduced Wagyu to increase fertility in their herd also.

Crossbreeding with Wagyu can give massive improvements in carcass features such as marbling in the first cross. Additionally hybrid vigor assists the carcass weight to remain high. Another important factor in producing a highly marbled carcass is keeping the animal on a rising plane of nutrition throughout its life. An animal’s fetal stage is the first stage affected by nutrition; this is called ‘fetal programming’. After the organs of a fetus have formed the muscle structure is next to develop during the pregnancy. In this stage the foundation for the ability of the animal to express intra-muscular fat (marble) is developed. This means keeping the cow in good condition is essential during the pregnancy, not only for her ability to conceive again after giving birth but also to give her unborn calf the best chance to achieve its highest marbling potential.

Lolo Trail Ranch sells premium Wagyu semen and WagyuEmbryos. Although we have a variety of Wagyu semen types that emphasize certain properties, our Wagyu bull IWG KIMIFUKU 117 has been bred specifically for F-1 production.

FEATURES OF THIS SPECIFIC SIRE:

• Birth Date: June 11, 2013
• Registration No.: #FB16469
• Grade: Fullblood
• Blood % : 100
• Bloodline: Michifuku
• Bred Exclusively for F-1 Production
• Exceptional Quality Carcass
• Excellent Marbling
• Medium Frame
• Excellent Temperament
• Improves Profitability 20-30% Over Traditional Beef Animals

DESCRIPTION:

It is widely said that Michifuku is thought to be the best carcass bull ever to leave Japan. Even with smaller framed offspring, his progeny’s carcass characteristics are superb. Michifuku was formerly the number one marbling bull in the U.S. Wagyu Sire Summary, and consistently ranks second in ribeye area (REA) and fourth in backfat thickness (EPD). Michifuku’s sire, Monjiro 11550, is linebred to Tajima J105, great-grandsire of Yasumi Doi J10328. Michifuku’s dam, Michiko J655635, was sired by Tanishige 1526 and grandsired by Yasutanidoi J472. Yasumi Doi J10328 and Yasutanidoi J472 are considered to be two of the most famous of the Tajima/ Tajiri line.

Are you interested in F1 production and want to learn more about introducing Wagyu genetics to your existing herd?  Would you like to talk about Wagyu Semen options and their unique features? Give Lolo Trail Ranch a call at 406-273-9139, we are happy to answer any questions you may have.  We also have more information on our website:  www.lolotrailranchwagyusemen.com