Genetic diversity and trends of Australian Japanese Black cattle

Japanese Black is the predominant strain of Australian Wagyu cattle. Due to limited importation of cattle from Japan into Australia, there are concerns of declining genetic diversity and increasing inbreeding. This study investigated inbreeding status and genetic diversity in Australian Japanese Black cattle. Average generation interval was 6.4 years. Inbreeding coefficients increased from 4.2% in 2000 to 7.2% in 2019. The average effective population size was 43.4. Estimated F-statistics suggested that subpopulations were not evident in Australia Japanese Black cattle. It is advisable for Australia Japanese Black breeders to continue monitoring inbreeding levels and to develop breeding strategies to balance genetic gain and increased rates of inbreeding.