world of wagyu genetics

At Brenner Cattle Company, we evaluate cattle based on both phenotype (physical characteristics) and genotype (genetic makeup). While we prioritize raising happy, healthy cows, we recognize that they are also a vital asset and a long-term investment. We love working with them, but we also need them to work for us over the long haul. Good feet, strong bones, and straight backs are prime examples of the physical traits we breed for in our herd. These characteristics are expressed physically but directly correlate to genes that we can pinpoint using genomics. For instance, if a cow has good feet, her calf is highly likely to inherit that structural soundness. If the sire also has good feet, it becomes an even safer bet for the progeny.

To guide these mating choices, elite breeders rely on data-driven metrics for registered cattle. In Wagyu production, these are known as WBVs, or Wagyu Breeding Values. They measure an individual animal's genetic potential to pass desirable traits onto the next generation. As genomics evolve and our herd data grows, our tools and accuracy only continue to sharpen.

Above is an example of one of the animals WBV’s (in this case a young heifer), shown on a graph. The middle of the graph represents the average for the breed, for that year. For each individual measurable trait, to the right is above average, and to the left is below average, relative to the registered herd for that given year. In the registered cattle world, the average is still pretty darn good. And historically, if an animal has good growth traits, its carcass traits would suffer, and conversely. Using genomically enhanced WBV’s however, we can choose matings that improve the expected genetic merit of each individual trait.

The phenotype and genotype of the cow and the bull matter. In our herd, both are looked at very carefully for every mating decision. This ensures the quality of our cattle, their genetics, and ultimately our beef. If you’re interested in talking more in depth about any of this, please give us a call!