Dr Vlok Ferreira

National Technical Director Ruminants, RCL Foods

Wagyu cattle are a genetically unique brood. The marbling occurs in the muscle (intra muscular fat) of the animal rather than on the perimeter of the muscle (subcutaneous fat). When it is a 50/l cross between a Wagyu and an Angus, the Wagyu contributes its intense marbling and the Angus contributes to size and growth. A 75% of Wagyu genetics volition even further improve the marbling and sense of taste of the meat.

It'due south What They Swallow That Matters…And for how long

Wagyu cattle attains its intense marbling relatively late in life – calendar month 28 – 36. Traditional cattle are typically slaughtered at 12 – 18 months. The weight proceeds should be less than the normal ane.vii kg/mean solar day to ii.0/day in a feedlot. At that place are as many methods to grain finishing cattle every bit in that location are farmers. The Wagyu uses a longer, slower feeding and growth method. When all is said and done, the answer is upward to you. Grass fed or Grain fed. The choice is yours. Nice to have a choice, isn't it!

The site of digestion of the maize may play a role in marbling. Grain that bypasses rumen fermentation is digested and absorbed in the minor intestinal tract of the cattle. The starch absorbed from the intestine is idea to increase marbling content more efficiently. The starch in freshly harvested maize digests mainly in the rumen. Every bit maize matures over time (>4 months post harvesting) more starch digests in the small intestine. This "maturing" procedure in maize and maize silage improves up to 12 months of age. The starch in hominy chop is fine and will digest mainly in the rumen and is therefore not recommend.

Grain processing (grinding, steam flaking and the fine starch in chop) tin also impact marbling negatively as this blazon of starch digests mainly in the rumen. Whole maize has less available rumen starch. More starch bypasses the rumen and is digested and captivated in the modest intestine.

At Kansas State University inquiry showed that when the amount of distiller's grains (12% fat) was increased in the diet the effect was reduced marbling. The fat % in hominy chop is 9.0% more than or less and 3.0% in maize, therefore maize volition result in an improved marbling of the muscle. A lower daily fat intake improved the marbling in the meat positively.

Dietary protein level may also touch on marbling. An increase in the poly peptide content of the nutrition may increment starch digestion and absorption in the pocket-size intestine. Increase the dry out matter protein to sixteen% on a DM ground in immature calves after weaning until the weight is at least 300 kg. It tin so exist reduced to 14% poly peptide on a DM basis. The combination of college poly peptide and starch / grain in diets together with xl% of hay or veld grass will lead to more than marbling. The more consistently you can manage your cattle by minimising stress and past standardising your approach to nutrition and management, the more likely the Wagyu industry in South Africa will exist successful. Consistency of direction and nutrition affects the consistency of the final product.

Marbling fat develops at a young historic period in beef cattle. Feeding higher energy feeds to young calves will help increase the amount of marbling. Creep feeding is the easiest way to practise this equally shown by research from Georgia. Therefore, to increase marbling creep-fed (22% crude

protein and xi.5 MJ/kg on a DM basis) calves should exist fed a loftier energy / maize diet earlier and after weaning. Research has non yet precisely determined the minimum ADG below which marbling is at risk or being lowered.

A Usa report showed that calves treated two or more times for bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in the feedlot had a 33% reduction in prime and choice grades (less fatty). Ear implants may also decrease marbling negatively, but some studies show no effect.

There is also marbling differences between sexes. In full general, heifers have more marbling than steers. Timing of castration of bull calves tin besides impact marbling. Male calves left intact for a longer menstruum of time volition take more lean growth. Castrated males eolith fat sooner thus increasing marbling. Intact male calves take a more aggressive disposition which has been shown to reduce marbling.

Residue feed intake (RFI) is a measure out of feed efficiency and is defined as the difference between an animal's actual feed intake and its expected feed intake based on its size and growth. It is independent of the level of production and the lower the value the more efficient the fauna is. In a study with ninety ii yearling Wagyu bulls their RFI was tested and classified into 3 groups: efficient (RFI@ruan > 0.5 standard diviation (SD) below the mean), marginal (RFI +- 0.v SD of the hateful) and inefficient (RFI > 0.v SD above the mean). Inefficient bulls had greater dry matter intake than efficient bulls. Observations from the study suggested that Wagyu sires that are superior for both feed efficiency and marbling tin exist identified with assistance from RFI analysis.

Studies accept been washed quantifying the advantages in fat production when feeding cattle a loftier percentage hay diet over a long menstruation of time. The human body can manufacture about of the fatty types information technology needs, except for essential fatty acids (EFA's). Most positive health benefits are seen in two types of EFAs – linoleic acrid (omega vi) and linolenic acid (omega 3). Wagyu beefiness is an excellent source of both of these EFAs. To meet a growing demand for higher marbled quality beefiness, Wagyu breeders accept a golden opportunity to help meet this need.