An ongoing project of ours is to provide on our website detailed information on the famous sires in Japan, the popular exported foundation sires, and proven, popular non-foundation sires, as well as sires that are important to our breeding program. Where we list a price, such price is the “per-straw,” or “per-dose”, price at which we can usually sell this semen as of May 1, 2019, the last time these prices were updated. If more than a few weeks has passed since our last pricing update, the semen prices shown here are subject to having changed. Some of the semen is rare or becoming rare, and is more likely to have price increases, in which case we have tried to note such. Selling semen of these famous sires is not our primary business and we post these prices in order to help people have better knowledge of “normal” prices for semen from these sires. While we try to have semen on these sires available, inventory can change rapidly and there is no guarantee that we will have any particular semen available at any time in the future. In other words, there can be no guarantee of availability, but we will try to help customers as best we can, and the prices set forth below are our best estimate of the price at which we can sell this semen as of the date we last updated this list.
THE FAMOUS NON-EXPORTED JAPANESE SIRES:
This list contains some of the most prized and popular sires in Japan. These sires are heavily used in Japan and found in the pedigrees of most of the best current animals in Japan as well as in the pedigree of the animals that were exported from Japan. Because neither the sire nor the sire’s semen left Japan, semen on these sires is not available outside Japan. But it is useful to know about these sires because they are prominent in the pedigrees of so many Wagyu animals outside Japan.
Dai 7 Itozakura J65 (FB226 / PEDFAJ65) – The Dai 7 Itozakura J65 line, begun in 1970, is derived from Fujiyoshi cattle in Okayama Prefecture and known widely for frame size, good weight gain and gentle nature. This line is quite popular and used everywhere in Japan. Dai 7 Itozakura J65 was so famous, in fact, that his picture was placed on a Japanese telephone card. His renowned sons and grandsons include Itomichi J1158, Kitaguni 7-8 and Itozurudoi TF151. When these bulls are crossed with highly marbling cows, the Itozakura line bulls will enhance growth. Then when the cows are mated back to a highly marbling Tajama bull, the results are larger framed animals that marble extremely well. This rotation breeding plan is known as Modashi Kohai in Japan. This sire has 22 progeny registered in the USA registry, all of which were born in Japan prior to the export of the majority of Wagyu that left Japan starting in the early 1990’s, which progeny appear in the pedigrees of numerous of the exported foundation animals.
Dai 20 Hirashige J287 (FB330 / PEDFAJ287) – Dai 20 Hirashige J287 is an important sire of the Kedaka line, which was formed in the Tottori Prefecture from descendants of the sire Kedaka J7212 born in 1959. Dai 20 Hirashige 287 is line bred from Kedaka J7212. The Kedaka/Tottori strain of Wagyu has the genetic potential for higher growth rates combined with high meat quality, as well as good conformation, temperament, and fertility. Kedaka bulls are known for their fine hair and loose skin. Dai 20 Hirashige J287’s semen is still used in Japan, although in scant quantity, and the price per straw is well in excess of $1,000. He was awarded the highest honor in Japan of Ikushu-Toroku.
Hirashigekayatsu – Genetics from Hirashigekatsu are not available outside Japan. But he is worth mentioning and knowing because he is arguably the most “fashionable” sire in Japan at this time, and thus knowing his pedigree, and the famous animals in his pedigree, is worthwhile to Wagyu breeders. Hirashgekatsu was sired by Dai 20 Hirashige J287 (Kedaka x Kedaka x Hashimoto) and his maternal grandsire is Takarakatsu (Dai 8 Kedaka x Kedaka x Kedaka) out of a dam by Fukuhana 5. Hirashigekatsu’s pedigree is saturated with Kedaka bloodlines. Hirashigekatsu is a unique bull, having ability in size, growth, ribeye and marbling. He is arguably the most sought-after and admired bull in Japan. He was a winning pedigree throughout the 2007 Zenkyo in Tottori.
Kitaguni 7/8 J1530 (FB581 / PEDFAJ1530) – Kitaguni 7/8 J1530 is a significant Fujiyoshi/Shimane sire, a son of Dai 7 Itozakura J65. Kitaguni 7-8 J1530 sired the Grand Champion at the seventh Zenkyo held in Iwate Prefecture in 1997. Kitaguni 7-8 J1530’s name figures prominently in current Japanese pedigrees, often crossed with sons or daughters of the Yasufuku line of Wagyu. The quality of the meat produced by Kitaguni 7-8 J1530 is considered to be consistently excellent. Kitaguni 7-8 J1530 was the maternal grandsire of record for carcasses that sold for $32,000 and $26,000 at the 2007 All-Japan Wagyu Competition.
Monjiro 11550 (FB201 / PEDFA201) – Monjiro 11550 is one of the most famous of sires within Japan. He is a Tajima-line sire born on March 15, 1981 in Hyogo Prefecture. He was sold as a young bull to “Livestock Improvement Association of Japan” for a price tag of $160,000.00. He produced over 400,000 units of semen over his lifetime and was used extensively with great results for F1 production, and he also has many progeny throughout Japan. He is known for fine marbling, high meat quality, and very balanced calves. He is considered one of the top 10 Wagyu Sires of all time in Japan. He appears in many of the Tajima-line famous foundation sires, including Michifuku, Haruki 2, and many others. Monjirou was named “best young bull” in the Fukushima Zenkyo (the All Wagyu Show held ever four years in Japan). In Japan he has an official proof of DG 0.87 kg, BMS +3.3 and REA 44 cm2.
Shigeshigenami 10632 (FB219 / PDFA10632) – Shigeshigenami 10632 is one of the most famous sires in Japan. He is the sire of Itoshigenami TF148 and Suzunami, the dam of Suzutani, one of the most highly respected female Wagyu to have been exported from Japan, who sired both Sanjirou and Shigeshigetani, two of the most famous “2nd generation” sires outside Japan. The Tajima strain of Wagyu consists of breeding from three major sire lines, Kumanami, Naka-Doi and Oku-Doi. Shigeshigenami is the reason the Kumanami line is on that elite list. Shigeshigenami was born in 1972 in Hyogo prefecture, and was originally named Masaki, but his name was changed when Hyogo prefecture bought him as a prospective sire. A year after Hyogo prefecture purchased him, Shigeshigenami was sold to Yodomi-san, a calf grower who entered him in a Miyagi auction in June 1974 where he was purchased for the then unbelievable record price of 4.5 million yen, by Miyagi prefecture. By the time of his death in 1980, almost 30% of all Wagyu calves in Miyagi Prefecture had been sired by Shigeshigenami and he is ranked Number 4 by Kenichi Ono in his book “Outstanding Wagyu Of Japan” following Yasufuku J930, Dai 7 Itozakura and Kitaguni 7/8.
Tanifuku-Doi (FB621 / PEDFAJ1606) – Tanifuku-Doi J1606 is famous for being considered the number one Tajima sire in Japan, and is directly sired by Yasutani Doi, who is in turn sired directly by Yasumi Doi. He is the direct sire of two famous sires that were exported from Japan, Kimifuku 3 and Kikutsurudoi TF146.
Yasufuku J930 (FB576 / PEDFAJ930) – In the Japanese 2001 Sire Evaluation Report, Yasufuku J930 is listed as the sire of the three highest marbling sires in Japan: number one, Yasufuku 165-9; number two, Fukusakae; and number three, Yasuhira. In the ninth Zenkyo (2007 All-Japan Wagyu Competition, which is held once every five years), Yasufuku J930 bloodlines dominated the contest, siring one champion and grandsiring two others. Yasufuku J930 was also the maternal grandsire of two runners-up and grandsire of the other runner-up. Yasufuku J930’s name appeared on all three champion sires and all three runners-up. Yasufuku J930 is linebred to Yasumi Doi J10328. Offspring of Yasufuku J930 produced one carcass that sold at auction for $97,000 at the 2007 All-Japan Wagyu Competition. Other carcasses produced by descendants of Yasufuku J930 sold for $45,000, $42,600, 49,000 and $68,000. There are only two sons outside Japan, Yasufuku Jr. and a lesser-used sire Kousyun (FB19540).
Yasumi Doi J10328 (FB548 / PEDFAJ10328) – Yasumi Doi J10328 is one of the most famous of all Wagyu in Japan. Many of the famous exported animals of the Tajima line trace back to Yasumi Doi, many through his most famous son Yasutani Doi. Yasumi Doi is without question one of the most prominent members of the Tajima/Tajiri line of cattle, which descended from Tajiri, a sire born in the Mikata District of Hyogo Prefecture. The Tajiri line is an influential sire line to which almost all strains within Hyogo Prefecture are related. This Tajiri lineage is known for outstanding carcass qualities and good temperaments. However, the Tajima/Tajari line also expresses a smaller frame size and a lower growth rate.
THE FAMOUS EXPORTED FOUNDATION SIRES:
This list of sires contains the most popular, most heavily utilized sires that were exported from Japan. At least one, and many times, two or more of these sires are found in the pedigrees of the majority of the Wagyu outside Japan.
Dai 6 Seizan – (FB6204 / IMJFP2947) – Dia 6 Seizan 006 is a relatively underutilized Wagyu sire who possesses growth and maternal characteristics from the Tottori/Kedaka line and size from Itozakura. He is sometimes referred to as the “6th Westholme” bull. Dai 6 Seizan was exported from Japan to Australia by Westholme but was used less than the other Westholme bulls. He is a meaningful out-cross to the substantial majority of Wagyu animals outside Japan. The bull UKB Dai 6 Kitaseki is sole offspring of Dai 6 Seizan registered in the USA registry, and so using the UKB Dai 6 Kitaseki sire is the only path to injecting the genetics of Dai 6 Seizan into offspring in the USA. We have very limited inventory at $500 with pricing subject to change because this semen is in very short supply.
Fukutsuru-068 – (FB2101 / IMJFMJ068) – Fukutsuru-068 is a 100% Tajima bloodline Wagyu sire who is one of the most famous Wagyu sires in U.S. history, and a prime example of Tajima bloodlines. He was ranked #1 in marbling in all of the WSU Sire Summaries between 2001 and 2016, which sire summaries are based upon Washington State’s progeny tests using reference sires, being displaced for the #1 rank by Sanjirou 3 in the 2017 sire summary, in which he ranked #2 for marbling. Japanese Venture Partners (JVP) imported Fukutsuru-068 into the United States in 1994. Fukutsuru-068’s sire is the offspring of Yasumi Doi J10328 and Kikutsuru J978542, two of the most famous Japanese Wagyu. (Kikutsuru J978542 was nicknamed the “Hyogo Cow“, Hyogo being the home prefecture of genuine Japanese Kobe Beef.) Fukutsuru-068 traces twice to Kikutsuru J978542, who was born in 1967 and gave birth to 16 calves, seven of whom became famous. He also traces twice to Yasumi Doi J10328, the sire of Yasutanidoi J472 and Monjiro 11550, and grandsire of Yasufuku 930. There were 372 progeny registered in the USA registry and 961 progeny in the AUS registry as of 5/1/2019. SCD/Tenderness: AA/7. F11C. Semen is becoming rare. We have limited inventory at $500, but subject to change because this semen is becoming in short supply.
Haruki 2 – (FB1614 / WKSFM0139) – Haruki 2 is well regarded for being a very balanced Wagyu bull, with 56% Tajima, 19% Shimane, 13% Itozakura and 6% Kedaka genetics. Directly sired by Monjiro, one of the most famous of all Japanese sires, who is in turn directly sired by the famous Yasumi Doi. Known for small birth weight calves that grow rapidly to above average size at weaning and yearling ages, with good carcass qualities. Most recognized as being a well balanced, high Tajima-line sire who’s female offspring can raise a good calf while also having very good carcass qualities. During the early breeding of Wagyu outside Japan, he was considered to be good enough to breed to the outstanding cow Suzutani, which resulted in the the famous second-generation sire Shigeshigetani. There were 549 progeny registered in the USA registry and 1,547 progeny registered in the AUS registry as of 5/1/2019. SCD/Tenderness: VA/3. Tested free of the 5 traditionally-known genetic recessive disorders, but it has become known that he is a carrier of the more recently discovered IAARs gene. We have inventory at $125.
Hirashigetayasu ETJ001 J2351 – (FB670 / IMJFAJ2351) – Hirashigetayasu was sired by Dai 20 Hirashige J287, a famous Japanese Kedaka line-bred sire. His maternal great-grandsire is the distinguished Tajiri-line sire Tayasudoi. Hirashigetayasu’s Kedaka lineage shows strong propensity for growth and balance with a larger frame. An official Japanese progeny test showed that at least 80 percent of his steers would gain A5 grade, the highest given to carcasses in Japan. There were 532 progeny registered in the USA registry and 3,042 progeny registered in the AUS registry as of 5/1/2019. Group C. SCD/Tenderness: AA/4. Tested free of the known genetic recessive disorders. We have inventory at $100.
Itohana 2 TF38 – (FB2294 / IMUFN2294) – Itohana 2 is a line bred Dai 7 Itozakura son of the Fujiyoshi line. He is typically used to increase frame size and improve maternal ability when bred against the Tajima lines. The progeny of TF Itohana 2 exhibit excellent maternal ability, good milking ability, and good frame size. He is a male calf of Aino 6, a notable fact given that 100% of the carcasses (17 of 17 cattle slaughtered) from the Aino group graded A-5 – the highest grade possible and the average live weight was 1,040 lbs. There were 253 progeny registered in the USA registry as of 5/1/2019. Group A. SCD/Tenderness: VV/6. F11C. We have inventory at $90.
Itomichi 1/2 TF36 – (FB2126 / IMUFP0036) – Itomichi 1/2 produces good quality carcasses with large frame size. He is used to increase mature size and growth rate without reducing marbling. He adds good maternal traits including very good milking ability in his female offspring. He is sired by the great Itomichi, one of seven sons out of more than 1,000 to outperform his sire, Dai 7 Itozakura. Itomichi 1/2’s grandsire is Dai 7 Itozakura J65. His mother, Dai 2 Kintou, and grandmother, Ezokintou 1A, are high-grade cows of the Haraharashu line. His great-grandmother, Ezokintou J11961, was awarded Grand Prize at the third Zenkyo (All-Japan Wagyu) competition. The Dai Ni Kinto line is known for producing consistently large, quality beef. Experienced Wagyu breeders claim to have used Itomichi 1/2 to increase mature size and growth rate without reducing marbling. There were 570 progeny registered in the USA registry and 1,052 registered progeny in the AUS registry as of 5/1/2019. Group C. SCD/Tenderness: VV/6. Free of the known genetic recessive disorders. We have inventory at $100.
Itomoritaka J2703 EJT002 – (FB681 / IMJFAJ2703) – Itomoritaka is known for early growth, large mature size, and for transmitting outstanding milk production in female offspring. However, he is generally regarded as having lesser carcass qualities as compared to the average fullblood Black Wagyu. He is of mixed Fujiyoushi and Kedaka bloodlines. Known for relatively short gestation length with heavier birth weights, with weaning and yearling weights near the top of the breed average, and for outstanding, best-in-the-breed milk production. Carcass attributes, however, are below the breed average. Rib eye size and retail yield are outstanding, but marbling is near the bottom for the breed. He is typically used to improve size and maternal characteristics in offspring. There were 238 progeny recorded in the USA registry and 1,478 progeny recorded in the AUS registry as of 5/1/2019. Group A. SCD/Tenderness: VA/4. CHSC. We have inventory at $100.
Itoshigefuji TF147 (FB3681 / IMUFQTF147) – Weighing roughly 2,640 lbs., Itoshigefuji TF147 is extremely large in size for a Fullblood Wagyu bull. Japan-born and a linebred son of Itofuji and his dam, Dai 30 Noboru, Itoshigefuji TF147 is a direct descendant of the famous cow family Takenotanitsruru. His original bloodlines trace back over 300 years. He is known for being gentle and well-blanced, with excellent growth rates, excellent feed conversion, and he produces F1 Wagyu cross cattle with excellent weaning weights. According to David Blackmore, “Itoshigefuji has been the most valuable bull used in our breeding herd. His progeny’s carcass quality far exceeded the expectations of his pedigree. The strength, constitution, milk and forage ability has left his daughters the best brood cows in our herd.” There were 197 progeny registered in the USA registry as of 5/1/2019. SCD/Tenderness: AA/7. CHSC. We have inventory at $80.
Itoshigenami TF148 (FB3682 / IMUFQTF148) – Although not nearly as popular in the USA as in AUS and other countries, Itoshigenami TF148 is considered to be one of the top three bulls exported from Japan. He is the only son of the famous Shigeshigenami exported from Japan. A medium-framed bull weighing 1,650 pounds, with excellent conformation, Itoshigenami TF148 is 75% Tajima and 25% Fujiyoshi. He is arguably one of the best Wagyu bulls when it comes to marbling and carcass traits. There are three key families in the Tajima line: Nakadoi, Okudoi and Kumanami. The bull which made the Kumanami line famous was Shigekananami (Itoshigenami’s grandsire) who had great influence over the line. Itoshigenami TF148 was sired by Shigeshigenami – a double cross of Shigekananami and therefore highly inbred in the Kumanami bloodline. Shigeshigenami’s family has extremely potent marbling genes. According to Kenichi Ono, author of “Outstanding Wagyu in Japan,” published in 1999, Shigeshigenami is “the bull most representative of ‘quality Wagyu.’” There were 506 progeny recorded in the USA registry and 5,132 progeny recorded in the AUS registry as of 5/1/2019. SCD/Tenderness: VV/?. F11C. This semen is starting to become more rare and more difficult to find. We have limited inventory at $90, but subject to change.
Itozuru Doi TF151 (FB3685 / IMUFLTF151) – Itozurudoi TF151’s grandsire is Dai 7 Itozakura J65 and his maternal grandsire is Yasumi Doi J10328. He is known as a fabulous composite bull in the industry. Itozurudoi TF151 is 50 percent Tajima, 25 percent Fujiyoshi, and 25 percent Kedaka. He has an extremely big frame, weighs 2,420 lbs., carries early maturing traits that produce great Full Blood mothers with excellent milk, and is the best marbling bull of the Fujiyoshi bloodlines. According to noted Wagyu expert, Shane Lindsay, Itozurudoi TF151 beat Michifuku in every statistical category of comparison in Full Blood Wagyu carcasses. By the time his progeny were tested and his value was discovered, Itozurudoi TF151 was deceased, leaving a very limited supply of semen, and semen from Itozurudoi is the most expensive semen in the Wagyu breed. There were 234 progeny registered in the USA registry as of 5/1/2019. SCD/Tenderness: Unknown. F11C. Semen is extremely rare, with single straws selling for $13,000 and $16,000 in two separate public sales in the 2nd half of 2023. This semen is almost impossible to find, making it likely the most expensive foundation sire in the Wagyu breed. Itozuru Doi is the only foundation Wagyu bull that has been cloned, and he was cloned multiple times, and the semen of the available cloned sires is much less expensive and we have inventory at $80.
Kamui TF152 (B115) – Kamui is the only “Mishima” bull exported from Japan. The Mishima line are native Japanese cattle that Wagyu in Japan are descended from, but they are not considered Wagyu in Japan, and Kamui is not considered Wagyu by the American Wagyu Association. Offspring sired by Kamui, even if the dam is a registered fullblood Wagyu, are considered “F1” or “first cross” 50% Wagyu. The Mishima line of cattle are wild cattle in Japan, and this likely contributes to a more “high strung” or “wild” disposition in offspring, which offspring of Kamui are known to sometimes exhibit. There were no progeny registered in the USA registry as of 5/1/2019. Tested free of the known genetic recessive disorders. SCD/Tenderness: untested. We have inventory at $80.
Kenhanafuji (FB2461 / IMUFN2461) – Kenhanafuji is a sire that is respected for making superior females. His bloodlines are 75% Fujiyoshi and 25% Kedaka. His sire, Itohana, is a linebred Dai 7 Itozakura son, and is one of Dai 7 Itozakura’s highest marbling sons in Japan, and is also famous for being the grandsire of Dai 1 Hanaguni. His dam, Hanafuji, is sired by the famous Kedaka sire, Kensei, with Kedaka bloodlines known for larger frames, superior meat quality, high productivity, feed efficiency and good temperament. There were 121 progeny registered in the USA registry as of 5/1/2019. SCD/Tenderness: VV/?. Tested free of the known genetic recessive disorders. Semen is rare and price is highly variable and increasing. We have limited inventory at $300, but subject to change as this semen is in short supply.
Kikuhana TF37 (FB2127 / IMUFN2127) – Kikuhana is known for producing larger, faster-growing offspring with excellent phenotype, and for female offspring with good maternal traits, although carcass attributes such as marbling, marbling fineness and ribeye size are below average for the Wagyu breed. While he has sired numerous progeny, less has been written about this sire. He is sired by the famous Itohana, who is line bred Dai 7 Itozakura. There were 321 progeny registered in the USA registry as of 5/1/2019. Tested free of the known genetic recessive disorders. SCD/Tenderness: VV/7. We have inventory at $90
Kikutsurudoi TF146 (FB3615 / IMUFRTF146) – Kikutsurudoi is smaller framed (reportedly roughly 1,320 lbs. mature weight) with above average marbling and marbling fineness. This bull comes from a combination of Tanifuku-Doi – the number one Tajima sire in Japan – and Kikutsuru, the famous “Hyogo Cow,” recognized for having had the single most influence in increasing size and carcass quality in Tajima bloodlines. Because of his smaller size, Kikutsurudoi TF146 is recommended for increasing marbling in larger Wagyu. Of interest is that most of the available frozen semen on Kikutsurudoi has an issue in that it reportedly “lacks an enzyme that prevents penetration of the Zona Pellucida”, which makes conception rates low. Likely for this reason this sire has been underused and there are relatively few registered offspring, especially relative to the genetic potential of his pedigree. Some have offered an opinion that treating the donor cow vaginally with Trypsin antibiotic might be helpful. There were only 97 progeny registered in the USA registry as of 5/1/2019. Group D. SCD/Tenderness: AA/6. F11C. This semen is becoming rare and hard to find, with prices considerably higher recently compared to the recent past, and likely to continue higher as the semen becomes more rare. We have very limited inventory at $300, but subject to change because the semen is becoming rare.
Kikuyasu-400 (FB2100 / IMUFM2100) – Kikuyasu-400 is a linebred Kikunoridoi bull. His maternal grandsire is Kikuterudoi, son of Kikunoridoi, who was one of the highest marbling bulls in the history of the Wagyu breed, and arguably the most famous bull bred in Hyogo Prefecture, home of Japanese Kobe Beef. Kikuyasu Doi, the sire of Kikuyasu 400, sired the Grand Champion Group (of four carcasses) and Grand Champion at the Japanese National Carcass Competition. Kikuyasu-400 was the largest and heaviest Tajima bull to leave Japan. At the time, he weighed an impressive 1,980 lbs. Kikuyasu-400 sired Kinu T077, a cow that produced progeny which, to date, have all graded BMS +9. Hyogo Prefecture, home of the Tajima line, has designated her dam, Kinu 1, the best foundation stock for breeding. Kikuyasu-400 is used to improve size and ribeye size while maintaining the Tajima bloodline in offspring. Marbling and marbling fineness are generally regarded to be less than for other popular Tajima-line sires, but still very good compared to the average Wagyu sire. There were 484 progeny registered in the USA registry as of 5/1/2019. Tested free of the known genetic recessive disorders. SCD/Tenderness: AA/5. Semen is starting to become somewhat rare. We have limited inventory at $250, but subject to change as this semen is in short supply.
Kikuterushige TF150 (FB3684 / IMUFMTF150) – A line bred Kikuterudoi Tajima-line bull. Offspring reportedly have excellent carcasses, but are known to be smallish and slow growing. Some breeders have also noted that some offspring have undesirable temperaments. This combined with carcass qualities that are not as good as some of the other high-Tajima-line sires that also tend to be smallish, is the probable reason that this sire has not been heavily used. There were only 60 progeny registered in the USA registry and 1,167 progeny registered in the AUS registry as of 5/1/2019. SCD/Tenderness: untested. F11C. $80
Kimifuku 3 (FB4568 / PEDFX456) – Kimifuku 3 is the second of two sons from the great Japanese bull Tanifuku-Doi that is available outside of Japan. This bull is the highest marbling bull Mr. Shogo Takeda of Takeda Farms raised. He is a carrier of both the CL16 and F11 genetic recessive disorder genes, which is one reason that his use has been less than it otherwise would have likely been based on his pedigree. There were 28 progeny recorded in the USA registry as of 5/1/2019. SCD/Tenderness: AA/3. CL16C and F11C. Semen is rare and is very difficult to find.
Kinto TF39 (FB2290) – Kinto is a less popular Takeda Farms foundation/import sire. His pedigree traces back to Dai 7 Itozakura twice in the paternal line, and once in the maternal line. And the maternal line traces back to the Ezokintou line. Offspring of Kinto are known to sometimes exhibit a “high strung” disposition. There were 60 progeny registered in the USA registry as of 5/1/2019. Tested free of the known genetic recessive disorders. SCD/Tenderness: VV/8. We have inventory at $90
Kitaguni Jr. (FB2422 / WKSFP0001) – Kitaguni Jr., a valuable son of Kitaguni 7-8 J1530 and a grandson of Dai 7 Itozakura J65, was born in 1994. In progeny tests conducted by his owner, World K’s Group, in Australia, 1,800 F1 calves were fed 540 days, achieving 1.8 lbs. ADG, with 65% grading 9+ on the Australian scale, with the remaining 35 percent all grading 7-9. There has been conflicting data on this bull. Several large Wagyu breeders that feed out steers and harvest Wagyu beef state that Kitaguni Jr. makes outstanding carcasses. However, up through the end of roughly 2017, the AUS Breedplan data suggested that marbling performance was only slightly above average. Then, more recently, in early 2019, the AUS Breedplan data shows that marbling and marbling fineness attributes are some of the best in the breed. Kitaguni Jr. is a “balanced” bull, being 37% Tajima, 25% Itozakura, and 12.5% each Kedaka, Shimane and Okayama based upon the 16×16 Analysis. There were 387 progeny registered in the USA registry and 360 progeny registered in the AUS registry as of 5/1/2019. SCD/Tenderness: untested, but SCD is known to be “VA” based upon analysis of testing of progeny. Tested free of the known genetic recessive disorders. We have inventory at $150
Kitateruyasudoi J2810 (EJT003) (FB686 / IMJFAJ2810) – Kitateruyasudoi, often referred to as the “003” bull, is a linebred Kikuterudoi son of Terunagadoi (as is Kikuyasu 400) a preeminent sire of the historical Tajima/Tajiri line. Kitateruyasudoi’s paternal grandsire and maternal greatgrandsire is Kikuterudoi. Kitateruyasudoi also traces back to both Yasumi Doi J10328 and Yasutanidoi J472 twice. Kitateruyasudoi has a strong prepotency for bigger frame size and desirable coat type. He is one of the six foundation sires of Westholme Wagyu (now AAco) in Australia. AUS Breedplan data is relatively accurate for this sire due to the number of progeny included in the analysis, including the number of carcasses analyzed. AUS Breedplan shows that he is known for shorter gestation length and lighter birth weights, withc relatively light weaning and yearling weights, with below average milk production, but outstanding carcass attributes including a large rib eye area, low rump fat, and excellent retail yield and marbling. He has a reputation for excellent carcass attributes together with relatively good size for a Tajima-line sire. There were 203 progeny recorded in the USA registry and 3,923 progeny recorded in the AUS registry as of 5/1/2019. SCD/Tenderness: AA/4. FllC. We have inventory at $125
Kousyun (FB19540) – Kousyun, like Yasufuku Jr., is sired by the famous Japanese sire Yasufuku 930, and therefore represents an opportunity to inject genetics from this very famous Japanease sire into progeny. However, Kousyun has very few recorded progeny as compared to Yasufuku Jr., with only 40 recorded progeny in the USA registry as of 5/1/2019. SCD/Tenderness: VA/7. CL16C. We have limited inventory at $250
Mazda (FB103 / IMUFA0103) – One of the two 1976 original Black Wagyu imports. In spite of the fact that this bull was exported way back in 1976, not a lot is known about carcass quality. There are insufficient progeny in the AUS EBV data to draw any conclusions from. Offspring are of moderate size and good phenotype conformation, as would be expected from its high Tottori genetics. There were 409 progeny recorded in the USA registry and 94 progeny recorded in the AUS registry as of 5/1/2019. SCD/Tenderness: untested. CHSC. Semen is rare and prices are highly variable, with prices at public sales ranges from $1,000 to $2,500.
Michifuku (FB1615 / WKSFM0164) – Michifuku is thought by many to be the best overall carcass bull ever to leave Japan. Even with smaller framed offspring, his progeny’s carcass characteristics are superb. Michifuku was formerly the number one marbling bull in the U.S. Wagyu Sire Summary, and consistently ranks second in ribeye area (REA) and fourth in back fat thickness (EPD). Michifuku’s sire, Monjiro 11550, is linebred to Tajima J105, great-grandsire of Yasumi Doi J10328. Michifuku’s dam, Michiko J655635, was sired by Tanishige 1526 and grandsired by Yasutanidoi J472. Yasumi Doi J10328 and Yasutanidoi J472 are considered to be two of the most famous of the Tajima/Tajiri line. Yasumi Doi J10328 sired Yasutanidoi J472, as well as Dai 2 Yasutsuru 774, sire of Fukutsuru 068. Yasumi Doi J10328 also grandsired Yasufuku 930, sire of Yasufuku Jr. and grandsire of Takazakura. Yasumi Doi J10328 appears twice in Michifuku’s pedigree. Descendants of his sire Monjiro 11550 produced carcasses that sold at auction for $16,000, $18,000 and $21,000 at the 2007 All-Japan Wagyu Competition. In progeny tests conducted by his owner, World K’s Group, in Australia, 12,000 F1 calves were fed 540 days, achieving 2.31 lbs. ADG, with 85% grading 9+ on the Australian scale, with the remaining 15 percent all grading 7-9. There were 793 progeny recorded in the USA registry and 4,927 progeny recorded in the AUS registry as of 5/1/2019. SCD/Tenderness: AA/5. Tested free of the known genetic recessive disorders. We have inventory at $90
Mitsuhikokura TF149 (FB3683 / IMUFNTF149) – Known for growth, milk, and as perhaps the “thickest” bull in Wagyu breed. He is the highest percentage Shimane bloodline bull outside of Japan. He produces outstanding breeding females with exceptional milking ability and maternal traits. Offspring have a deep chest cavity and a good top line with consistency, but carcass qualities are below average for the Wagyu breed. There were 97 progeny recorded in the USA registry and 91 progeny recorded in the AUS registry as of 5/1/2019. SCD/Tenderness: VV/6. CHSC. We have inventory at $80.
Mt. Fuji (FB104 / IMUFA0104) – One of the two 1976 original Black Wagyu imports. There were 414 progeny recorded in the USA registry and 74 progeny recorded in the AUS registry as of 5/1/2019. Data on offspring is light, but what data exists shows that Mt. Fuji transmits lighter birth weights, and calves have lower weaning and yearling weights, mature cows are on the smaller side of average for the Wagyu breed, that milk production is above average, ribeye size is smaller, retail yield is relatively low, and marbling is average for the breed. Not tested for the known recessive disorders. SCD/Tenderness: Untested. Semen is rare and prices are highly variable, with prices at public sales ranges from $1,000 to $2,000.
Shigefuku 005 (FB6538 / IMJFF0005) – The “5th Westholme bull”, Shigefuku 005 is well regarded for excellent early growth and mature size. This bull was never physically exported from Japan; only a small amount of semen was exported from Japan to Australia, some of which was then exported from Australia to the USA. Shigefuku is the only line bred Kedaka bull of the exported Japanese Wagyu genetics, and is 75% Kedaka and 25% Tottori bull, raised in Tottori prefecture. He is the only 100% Kedaka/Tottori sire available outside Japan. In Japan, Wagyu breeders have shifted to a heavier emphasis on Kedaka liniage since around year 2000, trying to focus on larger-framed and more balanced growth sires of Kedaka lineage. 7 of the top 10 Wagyu sires in Japan during the 10- year 2005 to 2015 period have been of largely Kedaka heritage, and recently, the Kedaka cow has been valued above all others in Japan. For these reasons, Shigefuku has been growing in popularity outside Japan since approximately 2010. Shigefuku is less well-proven in terms of AUS Breedplan data, but is generally well regarded for excellent growth, excellent milk, and balanced frame/size. Less is known about Shigefuku’s carcass qualities qualities. The AUS Breedplan data, which is not highly accurate for this sire because of limited progeny analyzed, as of 5/1/2019, shows that Shigefuku’s impact as a sire includes somewhat longer than average gestation length, somewhat below-average birth weights, lighter weaning and yearling weights, but heavier than average mature cow weight (although, oddly, below-average carcass weights), outstanding milk production, and poor marbling, marbling fineness and ribeye size. However, there are some experienced breeders who believe that Shigefuku’s carcass traits are better than indicated by the current AUS Breedplan data. There were 184 progeny recorded in the USA registry and 289 progeny recorded in the AUS registry as of 5/1/2019. Tested free of the known recessive genetic disorders. SCD/Tenderness: Untested. Semen is somewhat rare but can be found at prices around $750
Takazakura (FB2892 / WKSFN2892) – Takazakura is the son of Takaei 1412 (grandsired by Yasufuku J930). In progeny tests conducted by his owner, World K’s Group, in Australia, 1,200 F1 calves were fed 540 days, achieving 1.87 lbs. ADG, with 68% grading 9+ on the Australian scale, 22% graded 7-9, with the remaining 10% percent all grading 4-6. There were 198 progeny registered in the USA registry and 348 progeny registered in the AUS registry as of 5/1/2019. SCD/Tenderness: VA/8. We have inventory at $125
Terutani J2494 TF40 (FB2409 / IMUFJTF40) – Terutani is a lesser-used Tajima-line bull. Generally known for low birthweights, slower growth and smaller mature size, but good meat quality, mostly based upon good ribeye size and retail yield more so than outstanding marbling. Traces to Yasumi Doi on both sides of his maternal pedigree. There were 128 progeny registered in the USA registry as of 5/1/2019. Group B. SCD/Tenderness: VA/4. F11C. We have inventory at $90
Yasufuku Jr. (FB4697 / WKSFS0100) – Yasufuku Jr. traces Yasumi Doi J10328 in his pedigree three times. His maternal grandsire was Monjiro 11550, also sired by Yasumi Doi J10328. In progeny tests conducted by his owner, World K’s Group, in Australia, 1,200 F1 calves were fed 540 days, achieving 1.94 lbs. ADG, with 78% grading 9+ on the Australian scale, with the remaining 22 percent all grading 7-9. There were 397 progeny registered in the USA registry as of 5/1/2019. SCD/Tenderness: AA/4. CL16C. We have inventory at $100
THE WELL-PROVEN, POPULAR NON-FOUNDATION SIRES:
The “well proven” and “popular” sires we include in this list are well-known, popular sires, who have sired a large number of registered offspring. To qualify for this list, a sire must not be an original import animal, and must have been proven through progeny tests to have a high degree of merit and/or must be a highly utilized sire with a relatively large number of registered progeny from multiple or preferably numerous Wagyu breeders.
005 Shigefuku 13M (FB6540) – A son of the foundation sire Shigefuku, this bull is an outcross to the majority of popular Wagyu genetics outside Japan. Out of a cow sired by Kitateruyasudoi 003, in turn out of a cow with Dai 7 Itozakura prominent in both the top and bottom of her pedigree, and with Yasumi Doi also in her pedigree. According to UKB, his breeder and owner, he is “likely one of their all-time great bulls” and “he has proven himself time and time again, with offspring producing brilliantly out of the feedlot” and “he or his sons add mass and marbling/quality points and increase yields”. There were 170 progeny registered in the USA registry as of 5/1/2019. SCD/Tenderness: Untested. Free of the known genetic recessive disorders. Semen can be found at approximately $100.
Bar R Nakagishiro 56T (FB7719 / PEDFC006T) – Nakagishiro 56T shows the growth of his dam, Nakagishi 5, who was included in World K’s last importation. Nakagishi 5, who is a balanced blend of Itozakura and Kedaka lines, has only four recorded offspring, and 56T is the only bull from this cow. He is sired by the very popular Sanjiro, who himself is sired by the famous Michifuku out of the famous Suzutani cow, and is a well known and highly proven 100% Tajima sire with outstanding carcass traits. Nakagishiro 56T has gained attention due to his good phenotype style, size, and structural correctness, as well as the fact that 50% of his DNA (from his dam) is from a dam that was not heavily utilized outside Japan and this therefore gives him “out-cross” value. 54% Tajima, 16% Itozakura, 7% Shimane, and 7% “Other”, and 4% each and Hiroshima, making him a balanced Wagyu bull. There were 180 progeny recorded in the USA registry and only 9 progeny recorded in the AUS registry as of 5/1/2019. Group C. SCD/Tenderness: AA/8. Free of the known genetic recessive disorders. Semen can be found at approximately $100
Bar R Shigeshigetani 30T – (FB8177 / BRCFC0030) – “30T” as he is often referred to in order to differentiate him from his famous sire Shigeshigetani, is a well proven sire developed by Jerry Reeves of Bar R Wagyu. He has proven to have the strong propensity of his sire Shigeshigetani to transmit his desirable characteristics to offspring in a very consistent manner. He has been proven in multiple Washington State Sire Summary progeny tests, which sire ranking information is based upon progeny tests utilizing reference sires to produce a set of EPDs based upon the multiple WSU progeny tests that have been conducted. Such progeny tests have shown that 30T is an outstanding “balanced” Wagyu sire, with excellent back fat, ribeye area, carcass weight, and marbling. And perhaps most importantly, when all of the measurements are evaluated, he does “well”, if not “best” in virtually all measurements. For a “high-Tajima-line” sire, he is on the larger size. His progeny are docile and his daughters’ dispositions and mothering abilities are good. The fact that he ranks highly in the number of registered offspring in spite of the fact that he is a relatively new “3rd generation” sire is testament to the fact that there are many who “believe in” 30T. There were 454 progeny recorded in the USA registry and 3 progeny recorded in the AUS registry as of 5/1/2019. Group D. SCD/Tenderness: VA/3. Tested free of the known genetic recessive disorders. We have inventory at $100
BR Itomichi 0602 – (FB5100 / PEDFV602) – Itomichi 0602 is perhaps the most famous and popular of the sons of Itomichi 1/2. He is well regarded for possessing the outstanding early growth and maternal characteristics of his sire Itomichi 1/2. He reportedly weighed 2,100 lbs. as a mature bull. There were 120 progeny recorded in the USA registry and 19 progeny recorded in the AUS registry as of 5/1/2019. We have inventory at $55.
LMR RMW Itomoritaka 1430Y (FB14234 / LMRFG1430Y) – LMR RMW Itomoritaka 1430Y, or “Rocky” as he is commonly referred to, is an up-and-coming bull that combines the size, early growth and maternal qualities of his sire Itomoritaka, with a dam sired by Sanjirou, one of the top carcass sires in the breed, in turn out of World K’s Nakazakura, a rare female that the bull’s promoter, the late Eldon Clawson, thought very highly of. The Nakazakura dam in the lower-right-hand corner of the pedigree had only 11 registered progeny. She is sired by Itomichi, who is in turn sired by Dai 7 Itozakura, and she is the sole exported progeny of the dam Nakagishi 5, who’s pedigree traces to both Dai 7 Itozakura as well as Harumi in both her sire’s and dam’s pedigree. Eldon Clawson, after viewing many of the offspring of Nakazakura, saw great potential in this rare female, stating that all of the offspring he saw out of her, including both direct and indirect offspring, and sired by different sires, were consistently phenotypically correct, relatively large, well balanced animals. With the breeding of one of the top size/growth/maternal sires (Itomoritaka) to a dam sired by one of the top carcass sires (Sanjirou), the obviously hoped for outcome is a sire that inherited the best qualities of each superstar animal in the pedigree, but this has not yet been proven. With the exception of the maternal grand-sire, Sanjirou, the genetics in Rocky are relatively underutilized in the Wagyu breed and therefore Rocky represents an out-cross to a large percentage of the existing Wagyu outside Japan. And because his sire Itomoritaka is a carrier of the CHSC genetic recessive disorder, using Rocky as a sire provides an opportunity to inject the genetics of Itomoritaka to offspring without the possibility of offspring inheriting the CHSC gene. And his sire Itomoritaka’s SCD/Tenderness is VA/4 while Rocky’s is AA/7, so using Rocky as a sire, rather than his sire Itomoritaka, also ensures that all offspring will inherit the preferred “A” SCD gene, as well as inherit more of the genes responsible for a higher Tenderness DNA test result. Rocky has not yet been proven through a progeny test, and AUS Breedplan data for Rocky, is based upon insignificant offspring measured, so the AUS Breedplan data essentially reflects “pedigree EBVs” based upon the EBVs of the animals in his pedigree. But Rocky has been used by a number of respected Wagyu breeders and has a substantial number of fullblood offspring registered in the USA registry for a second-generation sire. Rocking 711 Ranch purchased Rocky in early 2020 and has entered him into a progeny test with several other bulls including Itoshigenami TF148 as a reference sire, so that he can be proven. Results from that progeny test should be available in the summer of 2023. There were 307 progeny recorded in the USA registry as of 2/1/2020. SCD/Tenderness: AA/7. Free of the known genetic recessive disorders. We own this bull and we have both domestic-use as well as exportable semen, both conventional as well as female sexed semen available. See further details at www.Rocking711.com/semen. $40
TBR Kikutnami 4051A – (FB19600) – This bull is interesting to some breeders because his pedigree represents an opportunity to inject semen from Kikutsurudoi TF146, a foundation sire known for having issues with the semen that was collected that makes getting pregnancies difficult, while also injecting significant genetics from the popular Itoshigenami TF148 sire (his dam is line bred Itoshigenami). Because both his sire and his maternal grand sire are both carriers of the F11 genetic recessive disorder, using this sire provides an opportunity to utilize the genetics of both of these sires without the possibility of injecting the F11 gene into offspring. There were 102 progeny recorded in the USA registry as of 5/1/2019, and this bull is not registered with the AUS registry on 5/1/2019. SCD/Tenderness: VA/7. Free of the known genetic recessive disorders. Semen is available from Triangle B Ranch.
UKB Dai 6 Kitaseki – (FB6204 / USAFB6204) – UKB Dai 6 Kitaseki, or “Kitaseki“, is a rarely utilized size/growth/maternal sire from Tottori/Kedaka line. He is the only offspring registered in the USA registry of the sire Dai 6 Seizan, an Itozakura/Tajima cross, known as the “6th Westholme bull”. His maternal grand-sire Dai 8 Yuhou is a Tottori bull who was known to add good frame size to his offspring and high milking and maternal traits to his daughters. Kitaseki represents an opportunity to inject the rare Dai 6 Kitaseki Tottori bloodline into offspring in the USA Wagyu herd, while including size/maternal traits from his maternal side. There were 92 progeny recorded in the USA registry and only 5 progeny registeredf in the AUS registry as of 5/1/2019. SCD/Tenderness: Untested. Free of the known genetic recessive disorders. Semen is in low supply, is rare and becoming more rare and cost is highly variable.
WK’s Sanjirou – (FB2501 / WKSFP0100) – It has been said that Sanjirou has the potential to become one of the most influential sires of the Tajima line. He is sired by Michifuku and out of Suzutani, who most regard as the best carcass-attribute female to have been exported from Japan. He has a proven ability to transmit to offspring great meat quality, large ribeye area, thick rib and high yields. In the 2006 U.S. Wagyu Sire Summary, Sanjirou ranked third highest in marbling, behind Fukutsuru 068, but ahead of his sire, Michifuku. Sanjirou is a linebred Yasumi Doi J10328 bull. Yasumi Doi J10328 sired Yasutanidoi J472 and grandsired both Fukutsuru 068 and Yasufuku 930. Sanjirou is out of the prominent Japanese cow Suzutani, who represents one of the most potent bloodlines in Japan. Her great-grandsire, Yasumi Doi J10328, is widely known for his ability to produce excellent meat quality and size. Suzutani’s sire was Tanishige 1526, whose progeny test results demonstrate that he has heritable traits with a BMS score +3.1 (above the national average of +2.1) and a yield grade of 72.7 percent. Suzutani’s mother was Suzunami and her grandsire was Shigeshigenami J10632, who, though largely unknown in the United States, has a reputation for producing the best genetics in Japan (see Shigeshigetani). Sanjirou’s genetic background suggests that he will have ideal meat production efficiency, with great meat quality, large REA, thick rib and high yield rate. In progeny tests conducted by his owner, World K’s Group, in Austrailia, 6,800 F1 calves were fed 540 days, achieving 2.09 lbs. ADG, with 88% grading 9+ on the Australian scale, with the remaining 12 percent all grading 7-9. There were 700 progeny recorded in the USA registry and 542 progeny recorded in the AUS registry as of 5/1/2019. SCD/Tenderness: AA/7. Free of the known genetic recessive disorders. We have inventory at $100.
WK’s Shigeshigetani – (FB2907 / WKSFP1593) – Shigeshigetani is a famous sire that is believed to have a high degree of propensity to transmit his characteristics to offspring. He is bred from some of the most famous and highly regarded genetics exported from Japan, and has been well proven. He is 75% Tajima line. His offspring are born small but grow relatively rapidly, and grow to have a long body with good ribeye size. Shigeshigetani’s offspring exhibit relatively rapid growth to relatively good size, which is impressive given the fact that his genetics are 75% Tajima line, which is known for being slower growing and achieving a smaller overall mature size. He is regarded as having very potent carcass quality genetics. There were 803 progeny recorded in the USA registry and 519 progeny recorded in the AUS registry as of 5/1/2019. SCD/Tenderness: VA/3. Tested free of the known genetic recessive disorders. We have inventory at $150.