AU2003101046A4 - A method of and apparatus for breeding Australian wagyu cattle - Google Patents

Description

16 Doe 2003 17;00 SMOORENBURG ATTORNEYS +613 9712 0159 p.

3 1 A METHOD OF AND A PARATUS FOR BREEDING

AUSTRALIAN

WAGYU CATTLE Field of Invention The present Inventior relates to the breeding of Wagyu cattle. In one form, 6 the present Invention relate to a method of and an apparatus for the breeding of a Wagyu strain with greater lultability for grazing pasture in Australia.

Background Art The present inventor has realised that Wagyu cattle have a high level of Intramuscular fat, namely mi rbllng, the highest of any widely used cattle breed In Australia at the present time Marbling is Important because it strongly influences the eating quality of beef. Well marbled beef, having a beef marbling score (BM8) 3, 4. or 5, compared to lightly marbled beef having a BMS of 1 or 2, is more tender, is considered t have more flavour and is considered juicier. As a result, Japanese consumers becuse of their cultural preference for well marbled beef tend to pay more for w II marbled than for lightly marbled beef. In the order of $1 00/kg compared to $60/ g for lightly marbled beef.

The present invento also realises that, because Wagyu-cross cattle produce better marbled car seses than the Angus. Murray Grey and Shorthorn cattle Australia presently ex; Drte to Japan, their carcasses at 2 years of age are more valuable In Japan, at round $6,000 for well marbled beef compared to around $4,000 for lightly narbled beef. Currently 300.000 well marbled carcasses per year from Au tralla enter Japan. Only 10% of these carcasses come from Wagyu-crosa cal Ie. By 2010. It is estimated that Japan will import 900.000 well marbled carcaes/year. Were these 900,000 carcasses to come from Wagyu-cross cattle, t >e value of Australia's exports of well marbled carcasses to Japan would I rease from $1.2 billion per year to $5.4 billion per year.

The present Inventor has also realised that meeting this enormous commercial opportunity for stralian beef producers and exporters has a number of problems assoc ted with It, namely the present need to lot feed Wagyu-cross cattle for 400 d Lot feeding is accompanied by: COMS ID No: SMBI-00638364 Receved by IP Austria: Time 18:11 Date 2003-12-16 16 Dec 2003 17:00

SMOOREMB

1. loss of topsol.- Grow been found to cause Wagyu-cross cattle/y Irreplaceable topsoil 2. nitrate contamination been found to enter t Into creeks and rivers blue-green algal blooi Darling Basin, the foi and 45-50% of our ag a year will cause moi production from the ML 3. heavy use of water I requires 1.28 million I cattle will require the Intake Lake Eldon, Vic continent on Earth and 4. up to 30% of cattle bec 800kg at 2 years of agl fed. The sensitive linin extra weight, causing a the pain because the t overheat them. So the suffering some pain in t 5. risk to human health 7 Salmonella exposed ti against the antibiotics food poisoning caused treatment falls and h/ 6. a social justice issue time when one sixth facts that 1) each year IURG nTTORMEYS +613 9712 0158 2 g the 2 tonnes of grain each lot fed animal eats has the loss of 10 tonnes of topsoil. Feeding 900,000 ar can result in the annual loss of 9 million tonnes of Of ground water The nitrate in cattle manure has 0 ground water under feed lots and from there goes ohere it causes eutrophication, one form of which Is is. Many of Australia's feedlots are In the Murraybowl that produces 40% of what we eat in Australia cultural exports. Feeding an extra 600,000 animals blue-green algal blooms and could threaten food ry-Darling Basin.

has been found that to grow out each feedlot steer of water. Growing out 900,000 Wagyu-cross of 1.15 million megalltres, one third of the water oria, Australia, holds when full. Australia Is the driest hus water is a valuable resource.

ming arthritic Cattle lot fed for 400 days are 700some 200-300 heavier than had they been grassof their leg joints somewhat degenerates under the mild arthritis. The cattle cannot lie down to relieve eat radiating off the bare ground of the pen would cattle have to stand absolutely still for long periods lair leg Joints.

ie antibiotics In feedlot rations can give bacteria like a continued, low level of antibiotic, resistance sed. The result can be that if a person suffering by Salmonella Is treated with these antibiotics, the sr life is threatened iout a third of grain grown Is fed to livestock at a people in the world are starving. Add to this the tare are 95 million more people on Earth and p.4 COM8 ID No: SMBI-00538364 Received by IP Australa: Time 18:11 ODa 2003-12-16 16 Dec 2003 17:00 SMOOREMBURG ATTORNEYS +613 9712 0159 3 million hectares less k nd available to grow food and the feeding of grain to cattle would be consid red by many to be morally Indefensible.

In short, the Inventor has found that Australian beef producers have a problem. On the one hand supplying Japan with 900,000 well marbled Wagyucross carcasses a year is a huge commercial opportunity. On the other hand, in supplying this market, It cau loss of precious topsoil, contamination of ground water with nitrates, uses va t quantities of water, causes arthritis In up to 30% of cattle and may risk the healt of Japanese consumers.

It is an object of the present Invention to alleviate at least one problem associated with the prior art.

It Is a further object othe present invention to provide a breeding method that will result in the develo vnent of a Wagyu strain that can ase Wagyu-cross animals that can produce relatively well marbled carcase substantially on pasture and forage alone.

Any discussion of locuments, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to wplain the context of the invention. It should not be taken as an admission that a ry of the material forms a part of the prior art base or the common general knowl ge In the relevant art in Australia or elsewhere on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein.

Summary of Invention The present inventio provides, In one aspect of Invention, a method of and or an apparatus for a locting suitable animals for the breeding of Wagyu cattle, the method includin the steps of selecting dams and or sires for breeding stock based on a etermlination that the dams and or sires exhibit a relatively higher food Intake, and a relatively higher intramuscular fat (IMF%), as indicated by their estimate breeding values (EBVs) for feed intake and IMF%.

Preferably, selecting t ams and I or sires for breeding stock is based on a determination that the damn and or sires display a minimum level of body capacity. Structural soundnes and meat yield.

Preferably, the higher fd intake Is determined by measuring feed Intake in automatic feeders.

Preferably, the higher sture intake is determined by use of a PEER method.

COMS ID No: SMBI-00538364 Receied by IP Autrlla: Time 18:11 Date 2003-12-16 16 Dec 2003 17:00 SMOORENBURG RTTORNEYS

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+613 9712 0159 Preferably, the highi scanning and IMF% of a method.

Preferably, body cap such as, body depth behi chest width as seen from the Preferably, structural leg structure.

Preferably, bulls with Identified.

Preferably, meat yle eye muscle area, suboutan Preferably, the oomrn scanning In the live animalJ The present Invention and an apparatus for select the method Including the ste based on a determination characteristic based on the through the use of estimat

IMF%.

4 r IMF% of an animal is measured by ultrasound mrcass is chemically measured by the microwave city is determined with reference to measurement, )d the ribs and height as viewed from the side, front, and rump width viewed from behind.

soundness Is determined by correct foot shape and correct foot shape and leg structu are visually is determined by measuring components, namely us fat depth, and rib thickness.

ents of meat yield are measured by ultrasound d by hand held Instruments In the carcass.

provides, in another aspect of Invention, a method of i suitable animalste for the breeding of Wagyu cattle, is of selecting dams and I or sires for breeding stock hat the dams and or sires exhibit at least one tnimals genetic merit for feed Intake and /or IMF% breeding values (EBVe) for feed Intake and or Preferably, a combinaion of feed Intake and IMF% Is used.

Preferably, the at lea, gives the feed Intake EBV an Preferably, the AusWi heifers and 200 bulls are sel their feed Intake and IMF%.

Preferably, the AusWa and the best 10 of 200 bullk parents of the next generatior Preferably, the-AusWs the top 10 bulls as the actual one characteristic Includes an AusWag EBV that I the IMF% EBV equal weighting.

a EBV Is used to select the best 400 weeners. 200 rcted, of 2750 born for subsequent measurement of 9 EBV is used to select the best 100 of 200 heifers to .be mated at one year old as the potential EBV Is used to select the top 14/15 helfers and arents of the next generation.

COMS ID No: SMBI-00538364 Received by IP Auteala: Tim. 18:11 Date 2003-12-16 16 Doe 2003 17:01 SMOOREMBURG RTTORNEYS +613 9712 0159 The present inventk method of and an appara including the step of sale accordance with any one of Preferably, the met (eggs) from the ovaries of IF one of the eggs.

Preferably, the methc production (IVP), and that a progeny.

Preferably, the paren and the top 0.3% of bulls are Preferably, the methc year that their EBVs for feed years of the breeding progr year.

Preferably, the metho4 generation are to be mated The present inventior animal bred In accordance w Preferably, the animal The present Inventi method of and an appra suitability of breeding, inc accordance with a predeter instruction set, being adaptec The present Inventior computer program product in readable program code and medium for determining the c cornjunction with a data prr Including computer readable performing the method as dli n provides, in yet another aspect of invention, a us for the breeding of Wagyu cattle, the method ng at least one suitable animal for breeding in e methods disclosed herein.

further includes the step of collecting oocytes helfers and subsequently In vitro fertilising at least d Includes transvaginal recovery (TVR) and In vitro lows each of the top hoifers to be the dam of 40-50 8 of the next generation to the top 0.5% of heifers measured by Aus Wag EBV.

d produces so many closely related animals each Intake and IMF% are relatively accurate in the early mme and after that, Increase In accuracy year by further Includes the step of the parents of the next one year of age for one year only.

provides, in still a further aspect of Invention, an h the method as disclosed herein.

is an Australian Wagyu.

i provides, in a still further aspect of Invention, a us for determining characteristics of animals for uding processor means adapted to operate In lined Instruction set, and, in conjunction with said to perform the method as disclosed herein.

provides, in yet a further aspect of invention, a :luding a computer usable medium having computer ximputer readable system code embodied on said laracteristics of animals for suitability of breeding In cessing system, said computer program product code within said computer usable medium for Josed herein.

COMS ID No: SMBI-00538364 Received by IP Autralia: Time 18:11 Date 2003-12-10 16 Dec 2003 17:01 SMOOREMBURG ATTORNEYS +613 9712 0159 The present inventk a computer program pro computer readable progra on said medium for facilitat with a data processing computer readable code w, method as disclosed herein The present inventlo apparatus for selecting suit methods as disclosed hereli Other aspects and pi or defined In the appends Invention.

In essence, the presen by using a strain of Wagyu cross animals that can proc substantially without the nee that the Japanese Wagyu c well on pasture alone. Ther the solution to the above ider first, Japanese Wagy years; second. they are being third, they are losing s The present inventio, eliminate prior art problems apparatus, to develop a W produce well marbled carcass DETAILED

DESCRIPTIC

The following descriptic Australian Wagyu, also with comparison Is disclosed in: I provides, In another and further aspect of invention, jct including a computer usable medium having i code and computer readable system code embodied i g the breeding of an Australian Wagyu in conjunction stem, said computer program product including it in said computer usable medium for performing the r provides, In still another aspect, a method of and an ible animals In accordance with any combination of erred aspects are disclosed in the specification and claims, forming a part of the description of the invention proposes a solution to prior art problem(s) ttle. namely the Australian Wagyu to breed Wagyuce a well marbled carcass on pasture and forage to be fed grain In a feedlot. The inventor has found nnot breed Wagyu-cross animals that will marble are three reasons why the Japanese Wagyu Is not tified problems: cattle have rarely grazed pasture In the last 1200 selected against feed intake; and me of their genetic propensity to marble.

seeks to minimise and eventually substantially y providing a.breeding method, and corresponding gyu strain that can sire Wagyu-cross cattle that es without the need to be lot fed.

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idescribes the present Invention referred to as the reference to prior art as the Japanese Wagyu. A COMS ID No: 8MB1-00538364 Received by IP Australia! Time 18:11 Date 2003.12.18 16 Doc 2003 17:02 SMOOREMBURG ATTORNEYS +613 9712 0153 7 A. the breeding objective Ised B. the way In which the si es and dams of the next generation are selected and used.

A. A BREEDING OBJEC IVE As detailed below, the present Invention seeks to improve the pasture/forage Intake by sael ctIon of cattle for feed Intake rather than against It as Is done In Japanese Wagyu. alone.

The present Invention also seeks to improve Intramuscular fat (IMF%).

Furthermore, the invention IS used with grazing animals rather than with animals confined to a feeidlot.

Japanese Wagyu 1. Selection with the res 11 that feed Intake Is decreased 2. Selection with the Int nt of increasing IMF% and meat yield 3. Selection done on lot ed animals Australian Wagyu 1. Selection with the int nt of increasing feed Intake 2. Selection with the Int« nt of Increasing IMF% only 3. Selection done on gra lng animals An explanation of the diffe ences In breeding objective 1. The performance and progeny tests Japanese Wagyu bulls undergo Identify the bulls high st in efficiency of feed conversion (EFC). These bulls become Al bull The high negative genetic correlation, 0.69, between EFC and fe< d intake means that each generation of Japanese Wagyu cattle have lower feed Intake than the previous generation.

Australian beef produ rs seeking to produce a well marbled Wagyu-cross carcass on pasture nd forage alone can't be reliant on a breeding programme that resul in animals having a decreased feed intake. By contrast, the Australia Wagyu In accordance with the present Invention will be selected with th intent of Increasing feed Intake.

2. IMF% as expressed y marbling influences the carcass price In Japan about ten times more n meat yield does. Yet the Japanese Wagyu is selected with the inten of increasing the four components of meat yield as well as for marbling. Is greatly slows the rate of genetic Improvement In COMS ID No: SMBI-00638364 Received by IP Australia: Time 18:11 Date 2003-12-18 IS Doe 2003 17:02 SMOGREMBURG RTTORNEYS +613 9712 0159 marbling. The preo Increases the chance marbled carcass on p 3. All Japanese Wagyu conduct their breedln Wagyu, and its cross grazed and will spen< no lot feeding Is req conducted In the Aust B. WAY IN WHICH SIRE SELECTED AND USE The way in which the sa are selected and used stron marbling (IMF%) Is made an that the Japanese Wagyu masons why this is are pres and dams will be selected marbling.

Japanese Wagyu 1. Breeding values (BVs poorly accurate 2. Selection is made wit contributing to meat yl 3. Half or more of the fen 4. Generaiion interval (G Selection with the int 6. Harmful Inbreeding cox Australian Wagyu 1. BVs used to select par 2. Selection is made wit yield 3. Only about 0.5% of fen 4. Generation interval on 8 nt Invention seeks to select for marbling only. This of breeding a Wagyu strain that can produce a well re and forage only, their crosses are lot fed. it is thus appropriate to I programme In a feedlot. By contrast, the Australian Ie In accordance with the present Invention, will be decreasing time In feedlots until eventually little or ired. Its breeding programme should and will be allan grazing environment AND DAMS OF THE NEXT GENERATION

ARE

res and dams of the next generation of Wagyu cattle lly influences whether or not genetic improvement in J its rate of genetic Improvement. There is evidence as losing its propensity to marble. The probable rted as is the way in which Australian Wagyu sires and used to ensure rapid genetic improvement in used to select parents of the next generation are the intent of increasing marbling and the four traits Id ales born are used as dams of the next generation Son male and female sides Is very long nt of increasing EFC is reducing marbling Id be occurring ints of the next generation are very accurate the Intent of increasing only marbling, not meat lies born are used as darns of the next generation tale and female side is very short COMS ID No: SMB-00638364 Received by IP Australia: Time 18:11 Date 2003-12-16 16 Doe 2003 17:03 SHOOREMBURG IMITTORMEYS +613 9712 0159 p.11 Selection with the In 6. Great care will be tab Effects of these factors or 1. The sires and dames -selected on their brm are only 40-60% accL traits or those of theli differential low and as decline is slow.

By contrast, the bre dams of each generat present invention, will will be available on U and their half-albs.

selection differential Y marbling will be rapid.

2. Selection with the IntE Japanese Wagyu gre Important carcass t Improvement for mart carcass trait selected f 3. To maintain herd size the females of breedin a result, selection df genetic improvement f By contrast, SD on breeding programme used to breed herd n calves from each of recovery (TVR) of egg 4. Wagyu cows are long Japanese Wagyu bri This makes GI on the f 9 ant of improving feed Intake increases marbling n to minimise Inbreeding genetic Improvement In marbling of each generation of Japanese Wagyu cattle are ding values (BVs) for five carcase trails. These BVs to because there Is no Information on their carcass parents. This low accuracy of BVs keeps selection a result, genetic change In marbling Improvement or ing values for marbling used to select the vires and on of Australian Wagyu cattle, In accordance with the be 70-80% accurate because marbling information iem, their parents, their grandparents, their full-slbs The high accuracy of their marbling BVs ensures I be high and, as a result, genetic Improvement in nt of Increasing for five carcass traits as is done In Uy slows the rate of genetic improvement in the most alt, namely marbling. To maximlese genetic lng In the Australian Wagyu marbling is the only r.

in Japanese Wagyu breeding herds, half or more of age must be used to breed herd replacements. As rentlal (SD) on the female side is low and slow Iows.

he female side Is high in the Australian Wagyu ecause only 0.5% of each year's crop of females is placements. This is achieved by producing 45-50 me top 0.5% of females bom using transvaglnal and their subsequent in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

ived. There are also very valuable and as a result, ders do not sell them until they are 10+ years old.

imale side 12+ years.

COMS ID No: SMBI-00638384 Reaelved by IP Australla: Time 18:11 Date 2003-12-16

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16 Dec 2003 17:03 SMOOREMBURG 14TTORNEYS +613 9712 0159, P-12 Almost all mating arr ngst Japanese Wagyu is done by A. Al sires are first used at 4-5 year used lightly until 9progeny assessed 1 'proven', popular AJ by up and coming Al 12+years.

In the Australian Wa year of age only, r top females are used the female two years.

The Al sires widely u cattle are the highest and progeny tests. T there is a negative ger By contrast, the Ausb next generation are t Increases the capacit genetic correlation of 6. A very high level of in the Japanese Wagyu The widespread use, I related to one anothe creating a problem. It its marbling Is declinin In developing the Aus inbreeding.

METHODS USED IN THE PF The purpose of breedi that, as a Wagyu-cross an substantially on pasture an urgently. Because of the ur have been developed to max after the completion of their progeny test. They are 1 years of age by which time they have sufficient r carcass traits to be considered proven. Once *s are used for many years before being displaced lrea. This pattern of use makes GI on the bull side breeding programme Al bulls wil be used at one aldking GI on the bull side two years. Simllarly, the at one year of age and not thereafter making GI on ed to produce each generation of Japanese Wagyu In the breed In EFC as determined by performance reduces the capacity of their progeny to marble as tic correlation of 0.21 between EFC and marbling.

Jan Wagyu bulls and heifers used to produce the a highest In their calf crop in feed Intake. This of their progeny to marble as there is a positive 0.19 between feed Intake and marbling.

eading was practised In the Ig" century to establish ,reed. This gives the breed a narrow genetic base.

the present era, of relatively few Al sires that are r and to the females being Inseminated could be uld be making the Japanese Wagyu so inbred that ralian Wagyu great care will be taken to minimise ESENT INVENTION g the Australian Wagyu Is to have a Wagyu strain nal, produces a relatively well marbled carcass forage alone. We need this Australian Wagyu ency, the methods used In the present Invention nise the'rate of genetic improvement in feed Intake COMs ID No: SMBI-0538364 Received by IP Auslla: Time 18:11 Date 2003-12-16

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16 Doe 2oo3 17103 SMOORENBURG RTTORNEYS +813 9712 0159 C.13 and marbling. They do so high accuracy and by ensu generation interval Is very a In describing this aspe incorporating at least one c new.

1. the PEER method ol 2. measuring Individual 3. using calllpers etc to capacity /height score 4. assessing structural s estimating Intramus ultrasound scanning; 6. estimating meat yield 7. determining estimate 8. calculating each anim 9. using the AusWag

E

months of age; using the Aus Wag El months of age;

I

W identifying the parents of the next generation with Ing that the selection differential Is very high and the Irt.

of the present Invention, the present approach. In more of the following methods, Is considered quite estimating Individual pasture Intake: eed intake using automatic feeders; make linear measurements and to generate a body for each animal: ndness; lar fat percentage (IMF%) In yearling animals using n yearling animals using ultrasound scanning; breeding values (EBVs) for feed Intake and IMF%; i's AusWag

EBV;

3V for the first selection of breeding animals at 3 V for the second selection of breeding animals at 12 using the Aus Wag EfV for the final selection of breeding animals at 24 months of age; 12. semen collection, proc 13. collection of oocytes

(TVR);

14- In vitro fertilisation of a embryo transfer using 16. estimating chemical I1 technique.

Before proceeding to de detail, a summary of the diff done before in breeding Wag ssing and storage; eggs) from live heifers using trarsvaginal recovery ga and their subsequent culture (NP); on-surgical means; and I or.

F% In camrasses at 2 years old using the microwave todbe the Australian Wagyu embodiment In more itences between this Invention and what has been u cattle is described below: COMS ID No: 8MBI-0038304 Received by IP Austraiia: Time 18:11 Date 2003-12-16 18 Dee 2003 17:04 SMOOREMB Wagyu cattle have n by any method, let namely measuring individual feed Intake nor has a feed Intake method, let alone invention; IMF% has been use scanned IMF% In yei IMF% or marbling on determining each ani EBV Is entirely new Wag EBVs; using the AusWag El parents of the next gE never been used in bi TVR and IVP are us they are presently usm animals out of top produce a large numt of females base top 400 on AusWag Used in this way T currently achieved in Interval from 12+ year A description of Australian reference to the numbering a 1. The PEER (Publlshec method is used to estimate dally pasture intake as they In the PEER method this Is n measuring the energy JRG ATTORNEYS +613 9712 0159 p.14 er before been selected for feed intake at pasture lone using the methods employed in this Invention, ividual pasture intake with the PEER system, in automatic feeders and assessing body capacity: EBV been determined before In Wagyu cattle by any sing the computer programme designed for this In Wagyu before as a measure of marbling but not ding animals as In this Invention. Generally carcass year old animals Is measured; nal's AusWag EBV from their feed Intake and IMF% s is the computer programme used to calculate Aus V to make the first and second selection of potential neration and the final selection of actual parents has ing Wagyu cattle; to a limited extent In Wagyu breeding. However only to produce the maximum number of slaughter agyu females. This invention uses TVR/IVP to r of breeding animals, 2750 per year, from the top J on their AusWag EBV, with the aim of selecting the EBV as the potential parents of the next generation.

R/IVP greatly Increases the selection differential Wagyu breeding and greatly shortens generation in Japanese Wagyu breeding to 2 years.

Wagyu embodiment in more detail Is below, with xbve: Estimates of Energy Requirements) method. This ch bull's raze irrigated pasture from 3 to 12 months of age.

)t directly measured, it is Inferred by: wntent of the pasture COMS ID No: SMBH-0063364 Received by IP Australia: Time 18:11 Date 2003-12-16 19 Dec 2003 17:04 SMOOREMBURG RTTORNEYS +613 9712 0159 13 knowing from publis estimates the energy an animal of lveweight

X

requires to grow at Y kg/da while walking Z km/day grazing an Irrigated pasture, and measuring the actua liveweight, daily growth rate of each animal and estimating (from observation how far It walks/day whilst grazing.

2. Automatic feeders. This method is used to accurately measure each animal's feed Intake of lucer e plus barley pellets. The system works as follows: 10 feeders a set up In a yard large enough to give 100 animals ample personal space, read access to drinking water and ready access to the automatic feeders.

each feeder ii 10 animals eating from It. For example, animals 1gain entry to feeder 1. imals 11-20 eat from feeder 2 and so on. Each animal Is fitted with an indl ,idual neck collar that acts as an electronic key to 'unlock' Its particular feeder and that allows the feeder to measure and record how much each animal con umes when it eats at its feeder. Each feeder has a small silo that Is filled daily wth luceme-barley pellets.

(ill) the pellets fed animals contain lucerne and some grain.

(iv) the first group 100 animals undergoes its feed Intake test for 8 weeks In January-February hen they are 9 months old, the second group of 100 in March-April at 9-10 mon hs of age, the third group in May-June at 11-12 months old and the fourth g oup In July-August. Young animals experience the same rate of average daily g in from 6 months to 14 months of age. This enables the 400 animals to be co ared In feed Intake after adjusting for average liveweight during the 56 days on test each group of 00 animals has a 21 day adjustment period on the automatic feeders. Then the 5-day feed intake test is conducted.

3 4. Making linear measu ements and assessing structural soundness When the 400 anima s are one and two years of age they will have a series of linear measurement done on them. The measurements will be done in the following way: each animal is restrai ed in a head ball In an open sided crush which permits easy access to the a Imal. Animals will be mildly sedated with an intramuscular dose of acetylprom wi COMS ID No: SMBI-00638364 Reived by IP Atralia: Time 18:11 Date 2003-12-16 IS Doe 2003 17:05 SMOOREMBURG ATTORNEYS +613 9712 0159 16 14 using a set of call ra, a measuring pole and a tape measure we will measure the animal's he ight and the various measures of its body capacity, namely body depth (at the hort ribs), body width (across the loin and across the chest), body circumference around the chest) and body length.

These measurement will be entered Into a computer and the computer will be programmed to gene ate a body capacity/height score.

On its release from the head ball/crush each animal will be visually inspected and scored for a of its structural soundness, namely fore and hind-leg structure, foot angle and heel depth.

5 6. Establishing IMF% a d meat yield using ultrasound scanning.

When the 400 ani als are 12 to 14 months and 24 months old they undergo scanning using a real-time ultrasound system. This system utilises Image analysis software to oxtrat textural characteristics that are then used to predict IMF% and the traits that comprise meat yield, namely eye muscle area, sub-cutaneous thickness an rib thickness 7. Calculating EBVs for f ed Intake and IMF% Estimated breeding v ue (EBV) for feed Intake is calculated for each of the 400 animals using its own f ed Intake and the feed Intake of its close relatives, including its parents, grandf arents, uncles, aunts, great uncles and great aunts and Its half siabs and full sl This EBV Is a 70+% accurate Indication of Its genetic merit for feed Intake.

An EBV for IMF% Is iso calculated for each of the 400 animals using its own feed Intake and the feed Intake of its close relatives.

A computer programm i can be used to calculate these two EBVs.

8 to 11. Calculating the Aus ag EBV and using It The breeding objectiv Is to select for feed intake and marbling So a selection index comprising the feed intake EBV and the IMF% EBV Is required.

This selection Index is calk the AusWag EBV comprising the feed Intake EBV and the IMF% EBV in a 50:6 weighting A computer programm will be used to calculate the AusWag EBV.

The AusWag EBV Is u aed: COMS ID No: SMB1-00538364 Received by IP Australia: Time 18:11 Date 2003-12-16 16 Doc 2003 17:05 SMOOREMBURG ATTORNEYS +613 9712 0158 p.17 1. on the 2750 Wagyu the 400, 200 bulls an 400 animals continue ii. on the 400 animals a 100 helfers with the collected from themrn This semen is used come 7200 embryos 1 ill. on the 400 animals a and the top 10 bulls animals to be assessi 12. Semen collection, pro When they are 12-14 have semen collected from to mid-December. Each collections/week x 24 weeks each of the 20 bulls.

The straws, 288,000 o 13. Tranavaginal recovery When they are 12-14 damrns begin to have oocytes weeks, from early Septembe The technique consist I. introducing the left through the rectal we II. Imaging the grasped identify the 1 to 3 mr lii. introducing an aspirt the vaginal wall Into fluid and oocyte out Iv. repeating this proced Each week, an average total of 180 eggs per heifer o calves born each year to Identify at 3 months of age d 200 heifers, with the highest AusWag EBV. These In the breeding programme 12 to 14 months old to identify the 20 bulls and the Ighest AusWag EBVs. These 20 bulls have semen nd the 100 heifers have eggs collected from them.

fertilfse the eggs in vitro. From this programme iat result In 2750 live calves 24 months of age to Identify the top 14-15 heifers t will be the parents of the next generation of 400 d.

masing and storage months old, the 20 bulls selected as potential sires hem three times/week for 24 weeks, from early July mllection Is processed into 200 straws. Three x 200 straws/collection results in 14,400 straws for them, are frozen and maintained In liquid nitrogen.

of oocytes (TVR).

months old, the 100 heifers selected as potential (eggs) collected from the ovaries twice/week for to mid-December.

of: rm Into the rectum, and gently grasping one ovary

I

ovary on a screen using an ultrasound scanner to follicles on the surface of the ovary ing needle into the vagina and pushing it through nme follicle then another etc, aspirating the follicular each follicle re with the other ovary.

of 12 eggs are recovered from each heifer giving a Br 15 weeks..

COMS ID No: NMBI-00638364 Received by IP Australia: Time 18:11 Date 2003-12-16 16 Doe 2003 17:0G SMOOREMBURG RTTORNEYS +613 9712 0159 16 14. In vitro production (I 4

P)

Each day's collectior of 600 eggs (6 eggsaheifer x 100 heifers) Is taken to the laboratory and plaec in a culture medium in preparation for in vitro ferilisation. Semen from th< 20 bulls is used to fertlise the eggs in the following 8 way; i. the top 50 heifers hi ve their eggs fertillsed with the semen of the top bulls and II. the next 50 heifers (i anked 51 to 100 in AusWag EBVs) have their eggs fertllised by the next 0 bulls (ranked 11 to 20 In AusWag EBVs) Once fertlised, the eggs now blastocysts, are grown In a specially prepared culture medium to 6 days of age at which age they become embryos.

Some 40% of eggs become rible embryos.

It Is expected that 7 0 embryos will be produced from 100 heifers, an average of 72 /heifer. Som< 65% of these embryos are graded A. These are frozen and Implanted into c ws after thawing. The remaining 35% of embryos are B grade and must be m; lanted/transferred fresh.

Transferring embryos Embryos are transferr d to/implanted Into heifers and cows in dairy herds using a non-surgical technlq e, much like Al. One embryo per cow is placed into the uterine horn closest to thi ovary with the corpus luteum.

The B grade embryos romn the September and half the October collections are transferred fresh Into effers and cows in south western Victoria and Gippsland. These are the m nths when much Al Is done In southern Victoria. All A grade embryos and the B grade embryos fertilised In late October, November and December are transfeed to heifer and cows In northern Victoria In November and December.

Transfers are done lx days after the cows/heifers shows heat (oestrus).

From the 7200 embry t s transferred, the expectation is 2880 pregnancies (a 40% pregnancy rate) and 750 live calves at weaning.

16. Estimating IMF% In the carcass COMS ID No: SMBI-00538364 Received by IP Ausbrla: Time 18:11 Da 2003-12-10 16 Dec 2003 17:06 SMOUREMBURG ATTORMEYS +813 9712 0159 P.19 The proportion of a n to 40% In Wagyu cai using the microwave technk i. a standard weight microwave oven, ii. the assumption s1 ma iii. after 5 minutes in a muscle, now dehydn iv. because intramuscu muscle sample betwe between them In IMF While this invention embodiments thereof, It v modification(s). This applic adaptations of the invention and including such departun or customary practice within applied to the essential featu As the present inve departing from the spirit of V be understood that the abo, invention unless otherwise within the spirit and scope c Various modifications and e within the spirit and scope of specific embodiments are to which the principles of the p claims, means-plus-funotlon performing the defined fun( equivalent structures. For o structural equivalents in thi wooden parts together, who 17 usde that Is fat, namely Intramuscular fat, varies from casses. This IMF% can be determined chemically ue as follows: f muscle is ground and placed in a beaker in a that muscle has a standard water content nicrowave oven at a certain temperature the ground ted, Is weighed r fat does not vaporise, differences In weight of the en the animals are assumed to be due to differences 6 has been described in connection with specific ill be understood that it is capable of further atton Is intended to cover any variations, uses or following In general, the principles of the invention a from the present disclosure as come within known art to which the invention pertains and as may be s hereinbefore set forth.

itlon may be embodied In several forms without ie essential characteristics of the invention, it should described embodiments are not to limit the present specified, but rather should be construed broadly f the Invention as defined in the appended claims.

lulvalent arrangements are Intended to be included the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the be understood to be Illustrative of the many ways in wsent invention may be practiced. In the following clauses are Intended to cover structures as tion and not only structural equivalents, but also xample, although a nail and a screw may not be t a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure eas a screw employs a helical surface to secure COMS ID No: SMBI-00538364 Received by IP Ausatrla: Time (Him) 18:11 Date 2003-12-16 16 Dec 2003 17;06 SMnOOREMBL wooden parts together, In th screw are equivalent structu "Comprisel/comprisir the presence of stated fee preclude the presence or ac components or groups there JRG ATTORMEYS +613 9712 0159 18 o environment of fastening wooden parts, a nal and a res.

g" when used in this specification Is taken to specify Lures, integers, steps or components but does not dition of one or more other features, Integers, steps, f." COMS 10 No: SMBI-0038364 Received by IP Austlia: Time 18:11 Da 2003-12-18

Claims (4)

1. A method of selecting suitable animals for the breeding of Wagyu cattle, the method including the steps of: selecting dams and or sires for breeding stock based on a determination that the dams and or sires exhibit: a relatively higher food intake a relatively higher intramuscular fat as indicated by their estimated breeding values (EBVs) for feed intake and IMF%.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, further including the step of: selecting dams and or sires for breeding stock based on a determination that the dams and or sires display a minimum level of body capacity, structural soundness and meat yield.

3. A method of selecting suitable animals for the breeding of Wagyu cattle, the method including the steps of: selecting dams and I or sires for breeding stock based on a determination that the dams and I or sires exhibit at least one characteristic based on the animals genetic merit for feed intake and /or IMF% through the use of estimated breeding values (EBVs) for feed intake and or IMF%.

4. A method as claimed In claim 3, wherein the at least one characteristic includes an AusWag EBV that gives the feed Intake EBV and the IMF% EBV equal weighting. COMS ID No: SMBI-00585739 Received by IP Australia: Time 18:52 Date 2004-01-25 Jan 2004 17:49 SMOORENBURG nTTORNEYS +813 9712 0159 p. Apparatus adapted to determine characteristics of animals for suitability of breeding, said apparatus including: processor means adapted to operate in accordance with a predetermined instruction set, said apparatus, in conjunction with said instruction set, being adapted to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3. DATED THIS 25th day of January 2004 SMOORENBURG PATENT TRADE MARK ATTORNEYS PO BOX 9 KANGAROO GROUND, VICTORIA, 3097 AUSTRALIA COMS ID No: SMBI-00585739 Received by IP Australia: Time 18:52 Date 2004-01-25