Breeding Tips for the Dai 7 Itozakura Lineage by Kenichi Ono
Table of Contents
When breeding foundation animals like Itohana 2, Itomichi 1/2, Itoshigefuji TF147, Itozurudoi TF151, and Kikuhana, it’s essential to capitalize on their unique traits while addressing any potential weaknesses inherited from their lineage. Here are detailed breeding strategies for each, with a focus on maximizing carcass quality, maternal ability, growth, and marbling, all while drawing from their connection to Dai-7 Itosakura.
Figure 1. TF38 Itohana 2
Itohana 2 (TF38)
Traits:
Itohana 2 is known for increasing frame size and improving maternal ability. His progeny also exhibit excellent milking ability and produce good-sized carcasses. Aino 6, his dam, is particularly notable for producing 100% A-5 grade carcasses, making this line highly desirable for premium beef.
Breeding Strategy:
1) Pair with High-Marbling Tajima Line Cows: Since Itohana 2’s primary strength is in frame size and maternal traits, pairing him with cows from Tajima lines, known for superior marbling, will balance frame and meat quality. This combination can produce cattle with both large carcasses and exceptional marbling.
2) Focus on Female Offspring: Itohana 2 excels in maternal ability, so using him in a breeding program where maternal traits are needed, especially for future brood cows, will enhance milking capacity and frame size.
Figure 2. TF36 Itomichi 1-2
Itomichi 1/2 (TF36)
Traits:
Itomichi 1/2 excels in increasing frame size and growth rate without sacrificing marbling. His maternal line, the Haraharashu, consistently produces large, high-quality beef. He is a direct descendant of Itomichi, one of Dai-7 Itosakura’s most successful sons.
Breeding Strategy:
1) Emphasize Growth and Size: Itomichi 1/2 should be used in programs aiming to increase frame size while maintaining good marbling. His balanced genetics make him an ideal sire for increasing the size of carcasses without compromising quality.
2) Cross with Strong Marbling Lines: To optimize meat quality, pair him with cows from high-marbling lines such as Tajima or Shimane. This will enhance both the carcass size and marbling of offspring, particularly suited for markets demanding larger, well-marbled beef.
3) Leverage Maternal Traits: His daughters inherit excellent maternal qualities, making Itomichi 1/2 ideal for producing strong brood cows with good milk production.
Figure 3. TF147 Itoshigefuji
Itoshigefuji (TF147)
Traits:
Itoshigefuji TF147 is known for his immense size (2,640 lbs.) and strong growth rates. His progeny exhibit excellent feed conversion and good weaning weights, and his daughters are highly valued for their brood cow qualities.
Breeding Strategy:
1) Boost Carcass Yield: Use Itoshigefuji TF147 to increase carcass size and maximize weight gain. His size and feed conversion efficiency make him a valuable sire in programs focusing on growth and yield.
2) Combine with High-Marbling Lines: Since marbling isn’t his strongest trait, it’s advisable to breed him with cows from lines that emphasize marbling, like the Kedaka or Tajima lines, to produce offspring with both size and high meat quality.
3) Develop Strong Brood Cows: His daughters are known for their strength and milk production. Itoshigefuji is ideal for developing maternal lines, ensuring future generations have the structure and constitution needed for successful breeding herds.
Figure 4. TF151 Itozurudoi
Itozurudoi (TF151)
Traits:
As a composite bull (50% Tajima, 25% Fujiyoshi, and 25% Kedaka), Itozurudoi TF151 is renowned for his large frame and exceptional marbling ability, outperforming even Michifuku in marbling. He is known for producing high-quality mothers and being the best marbling bull among the Fujiyoshi bloodlines.
Breeding Strategy:
1) Optimize for Marbling and Size: Itozurudoi TF151 should be used in programs focusing on producing large-framed cattle with premium marbling. Pairing him with cows from high-growth lines will further enhance the size of offspring, but marbling will remain the key selling point.
2) Breed for Early Maturity: His offspring tend to mature early, which is advantageous for commercial production. Focus on crossing him with cows that mature quickly and exhibit excellent milk production to ensure that female offspring maintain high productivity.
3) Leverage His Scarcity: Given the rarity and high demand for Itozurudoi TF151’s genetics, use him strategically to improve the quality of foundational herds, especially in producing high-value F1 cattle for premium markets.
Kikuhana (TF37)
Traits:
Kikuhana is primarily used for producing larger, faster-growing offspring. His female progeny are known for their good maternal traits, although his marbling and carcass attributes are below average compared to other Wagyu bulls.
Breeding Strategy:
1) Improve Marbling: Since Kikuhana is known for his size and growth traits but lacks in marbling, pair him with cows from highly marbled lines to improve the overall quality of the beef. Tajima line cows will provide the necessary marbling while maintaining good growth.
2) Develop Maternal Herds: Kikuhana’s daughters are strong maternal cows, so focus on using him to build a herd of reliable, good-milking brood cows with robust maternal instincts. His frame size and growth rates will complement maternal traits, ensuring balanced herds.
General Recommendations for Breeding with Dai-7 Itosakura’s Line
Use for Growth and Frame: These bulls are especially valuable for increasing frame size, growth rate, and maternal traits. Breeders looking to improve the size and productivity of their herd should emphasize these foundation bulls, particularly in crossbreeding programs with smaller Tajima lines. Given Dai-7 Itosakura’s potential weaknesses in marbling, pairing his grandsons with cows from Tajima or other highly marbled lines will help enhance this critical Wagyu trait.
Enhance Marbling through Crossbreeding: While many of these bulls excel in growth and maternal traits, marbling can be improved by pairing them with highly marbled Tajima or Shimane lines. This will result in offspring that have both size and the fine marbling Wagyu is known for.
Correct Structural Weaknesses: To counter Dai-7 Itosakura’s knock-kneed hind legs, it’s important to choose cows with strong leg and bone structures, ensuring better uniformity and structural integrity in the next generation.
Focus on Temperament and Adaptability: Use these grandsons to develop herds that are not only high-quality in terms of meat but are also manageable and adaptable to various environments, reflecting their grand-sire’s strengths in these areas.
Select for Maternal Herds: Given the strong maternal traits in many of these foundation bulls, such as Itoshigefuji and Itohana 2, they are ideal for developing brood cow lines. Focus on breeding programs that prioritize milk production, constitution, and reproductive ability to produce well-rounded females.
By following these strategies, breeders can maximize the genetic potential of these foundation bulls and produce high-quality Wagyu cattle that meet market demands for both size and premium marbling.
References
小野健一. 日本名牛百選〔改訂版〕. 肉牛新報社.
