Agriculture Ministry Aims to Boost Wagyu Beef Cattle Breed
The introduction of the most expensive and premium Wagyu beef breed has opened up a world of opportunities for the livestock industry in the country.
Minister for Agriculture and Waterways Vatimi Rayalu said the introduction of Wagyu beef breed off spring born in Fiji through embryo transfer technology.
“Fiji imported around $11.2million of beef meat in 2021 and is largely reliant on beef imports for consumption,” Mr Rayalu said.
Fiji also relies on imported milk, rice, sheep meat, potatoes and beef for daily nutritional needs.
“The tourism sector usually receives a mix of local and imported beef in the tourism market,
“This has raised the need for more beef to be imported to Fiji, consequently providing Fiji with an opportunity to review current beef stock available to meet local demand,”he said.
Embryo Transfer
Mr Rayalu said embryo transfer technology was carefully selected by the Ministry of Agriculture in an effort to maintain quality cattle genetics while at the same time control and manage bovine diseases affecting Fiji’s cattle industry.
“Importation of live cattle pose a very high risk of diseases transmission consequently allowing embryo importation, embryo transfer
is therefor found to be the best way forward to address cattle genetics and its related diseases,” he said.
About Wagyu Breed
Apart from the senepol and brown swiss breed, the Ministry of Agriculture is now on its way to rear and develop two additional prime quality breeds in Fiji through embryo transfer technology.
Mr Rayalu said wagyu calving has started in Koronivia and the droughtmaster calving to follow up at Sigatoka research station by the middle of January.
Benefits of Wagyu Breed.
Mr Rayalu said the quality of Wagyu beef meets the standards required by hotel guests.
“These breeds will add quality meat products to the tourism sector as well,” he said.
Background of Wagyu breed
Wagyu breed actually originates from Japan and its meat product is very expensive, delicious and has become a popular cuisine in many countries.
Mr Rayalu said now that we have the breed in Fiji, more research and development work will be conducted to establish this breed and expand the genetic base.
Beef Investment
The Government through the Ministry of Agriculture has invested in the beef sector through stock yard support and embryo transfer technology.
The Ministry of Agriculture has further developed the cattle breeding center at the Sigatoka research station so that the genetics of these quality breeds are readily available to farmers.