28 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Claxby Estates Wagyu genetics add another value stream Richard Loader Reducing the number of bobby calves while creating additional value, were key drivers for Claxby Estate’s decision to use Wagyu semen over the bottom end BW of their dairy cows, says Sam Spencer-Bower who oversees farm business on behalf of the family. Family owned and operated, Claxby Estate runs three dairy units in Swannanoa, North Canterbury, milking 3000 Kiwi cross cows, with support blocks used for wintering and young stock. Using First Light genetics, the first crop of 300 wagyu calves were born on farm last year. “I don’t believe we will ever, or should ever, get rid of all bobby calves but this is a way of reducing the number and adding another value stream. “We only want to breed replacement dairy cows from our better cows, and in the past we’ve put other beef crosses over the poorer performing cows. We prefer to sell them as four-day old calves for someone to rear, but some years the margin isn’t there for the rearers. First Light have provided us with a contract and guaranteed outlet for the wagyu progeny.” Wagyu’s ease of caving, compared to bigger calves from other breeds was another key driver for Claxby Estate decision to use wagyu genetics. Claxby Estate ended up with three hundred calves last year, of which two hundred calves went back to First Light as ninety-five kilo weaners, to be place on other finishing farms First Light have contracts with. “We have a little bit of room on our run-off so we’re aiming to finish the remaining one hundred calves on farm. The target weight for heifers is 480 kilograms, while the target weight is over 575 kilograms for steers. They then go to First Light for processing. We selected First Light because we liked the certainty they provided and I also liked their professionalism and strong commitment to marketing the product.” While on farm the wagyu cattle are fed entirely on grass and crops. First Light also have a requirement that no antibiotics are used, and that the animal welfare policy follows the NZFAP (Farm Assurance programme), which is consistent with Claxby Estate’s own animal welfare policy. Sam says from what he understands, putting wagyu over a kiwi cross cow produces very good meat with good marbling scores, based on a grass-fed diet. “We get paid based on the marbling score of the finished cattle. Weight comes into it but the schedule increases based on marbling score, and there are premiums paid for later finishing and for ‘breed to finish’. We’ve tasted a bit of wagyu ourselves and it is very much the flavour, the soft texture and the scent of the meat that makes it so good. I think it is quite distinctly different from other meat - it’s beautiful.” Looking ahead, Sam says the use of wagyu genetics has been successful and Claxby Estate will continue to use wagyu genetics as part of its farm policy, but may move to selling more of the calves as weaners, or some at seven-day old calves, simply because of the room required on the run-off to finish them. Claxby Estate’s Sam and Jo Spencer-Bower with daughters Chloe and Ruby. We’re proud to be working alongside the Claxby Estate team. We’re impressed with their dedication to the health and wellbeing of their herd. Enhancing Lives Together Building relationships with the farming community in North Canterbury for decades! www.rangioravetcentre.co.nz The preferred milking systems partner for Dairy Farmers Ph 0800 577 583 | www.morrisonagri.co.nz Proud to support Claxby Estate
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