Wisdom Advanced Wagyu Production System Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Toward the establishment of a sustainable Wagyu production system

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and environmental impact reductions

Eco-feed (feed made from food waste resources) refers to livestock feed produced by utilizing surplus food and by-products from food production.

Wakayama Prefecture is a major producer of mandarin oranges and plums, and the town of Yuasa is known as the birthplace of soy sauce. Therefore, the raw materials we use for eco-feed include by-products derived from Wakayama's specialties, such as mandarin juice, umeboshi (pickled plums), and soy sauce.

The larger the supply of eco-feed, the lower its environmental impact and the greater its contribution to the SDGs. Kishu Wakaushi is a breed of Japanese Black cattle raised on a generous amount of eco-feed. Our eco-feed is manufactured by Eco Management Co., Ltd., and has gained a reputation as a progressive initiative.

Specialized veterinarians have designed feeds that take into account the balance of each nutrient to stabilize the quality of the eco-feed for Kishu Wakaushi.

This eco-feed has also received Eco-Feed Certification from the Japan Scientific Feeds Association.

Rearing

A major feature of rearing Kishu Wakaushi is the utilization of eco-feed.

Conventional Wagyu cattle rearing uses large amounts of imported compound feed, such as corn, which has a negative impact on the environment. However, by rearing Kishu Wakaushi on eco-feed produced in Wakayama Prefecture, we have successfully reduced the use of imported compound feed by about 80%. This success is attributed to the efforts of veterinarians who continuously monitor the eco-feed formulations and the health of the cattle.

The key difference from general Wagyu fattening is that no Kishu Wakaushi develop any deficiency diseases because we place no restrictions on vitamin A intake. Currently, it is common practice in Japan to fatten Wagyu cattle by reducing the vitamin A content in their feed. This places a significant strain on the health of Wagyu cattle, leading to conditions such as hepatitis and loss of eyesight. However, Kishu Wakaushi cattle are raised healthily in a relaxed environment, in accordance with the animal welfare standards outlined below.

Cows eat the eco-feed and give birth to calves, which then consume the same eco-feed and grow into fully mature Kishu Wakaushi cattle. This sustainable cycle is precisely why Kishu Wakaushi cattle are referred to as the SDGs Wagyu.

Contributing to local communities & recycling local resources

1. Eco-feed

   Approximately 90% of Wagyu cattle breeders in Wakayama Prefecture use eco-feed produced by Eco Management Co., Ltd. The use of eco-feed in the livestock sector involves upcycling surplus food and food manufacturing by-products. Our SDG initiative has been very well received by food manufacturing companies in Wakayama Prefecture.

2. Cattle manure compost

   This compost is widely used in local orchards (mandarins, plums, etc.) and farms, enabling us to establish a form of circular agriculture where the residue from mandarin juice production is converted into eco-feed.

Industry-government-academia collaboration

1. National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO)
   • Environmental impact assessment (e.g., greenhouse gas emissions)
     https://www.alic.go.jp/content/001247640.pdf (in Japanese)
   • Eco-feed component analysis, etc.
2. Kindai University
   • Meat quality analysis
     • Vitamin E content (1.7 times higher than normal)
     • Fatty acid content
   • Taste testing
     • Sensory evaluation (e.g., melt-in-the-mouth texture, softness) conducted by a large panel of evaluators
     • Correlations with crude fat content
       https://www.kindai.ac.jp/bost/news/topics/2021/05/032428.html (in Japanese)
   • Visits by university students, etc.
     https://www.kindai.ac.jp/news-pr/news-release/2023/08/039665.html (in Japanese)
3. Wakayama Prefecture: Eco-feed supply testing, etc.

Animal welfare

Animal welfare in livestock farming is an approach that aims to raise animals in ways that promote healthy lives by minimizing stress and satisfying their need for movement. In other words, the goal is to avoid causing physical and mental stress to livestock and to prevent disease. This approach is attracting considerable global attention. Because we do not restrict vitamin A intake—as is commonly done elsewhere—none of our cattle suffer from deficiency-related illnesses. Furthermore, not only do we have veterinarians on hand at all times to prevent and treat disease, but we also rigorously manage hygiene and are committed to ensuring the comfort of our cattle.