14. What is the genetic make-up of Stockyard wagyu and what does Wagyu F1 mean?
Stockyard wagyu beef is derived from animals with genetics from Crossbred Wagyu F1 50% to Wagyu Fullblood 100%.
- Purebred - Purebred Wagyu was developed as a result of the breeding of a Fullblood Wagyu bull with a base cow of another breed, such as Angus. From this initial mating, called a Crossbred Wagyu F1 50%, the heifer is retained and mated to a Fullblood Wagyu bull. The progeny of these second mating results in a Crossbred Wagyu F2 75%. The F2 heifer is then mated again to a Fullblood Wagyu to produce a Crossbred Wagyu F3 87%+; and so on until four crosses have been made. This animal which consists of 93%+ wagyu genetics is recognised in the USA and Australia breeding programmes as Purebred.
- Crossbred Wagyu or F1 - This is a very popular description used to describe a first cross animal derived from a Full blood Wagyu bull being mated with a dam from another breed (normally Angus or Holstein). This Crossbred Wagyu F1 calf will contain 50% Wagyu genetics; and if raised and processed correctly these cattle produce a superior product to that of their dam's breed.