The Australian Wagyu Association sire progeny test program at Kerwee Feedlot has now seen over 620 animals fed through the GrowSafe NFI facility.
The first two cohorts have been killed through the Stockyard branded supply chain having collected full performance data for growth, feed conversion, health and carcase grading outcomes in a commercial relevant setting.
This program is the most comprehensive way to compare the genetic impact of sires with the rest of the Wagyu industry.
The next placements of cattle will be required to enter mid-April.
Preliminary data from this project have shown that good feed efficiency does not negatively impact growth or marbling. Selection based on NFI could, therefore, enhance the profitability of cattle if included in a balance selection program.
The outcomes have been benchmarked with the most commonly used sires including Itoshiganami and Michifuku and are looking to prove the next elite sire.
Results from the program will be presented at the Wagyu Edge Conference in May 2018.