Wagyu Research Articles

Mimicking Wagyu beef fat in cultured meat: Progress in edible bovine adipose tissue production with controllable fatty acid composition.

Since the current process of livestock meat production has considerable effects on the global environment, leading to high emissions of greenhouse gases, cultured meat has recently attracted attention as a suitable alternative way to acquire animal proteins. However, while most published studies on cell-cultured meat have focused on muscle tissue culture, fat production which is an important component of the process has often been neglected from this technology, even though it can enhance the meat's final taste, aroma, tenderness, texture, and palatability. In this study, we focused on bovine muscle reconstruction by monitoring and optimizing the possible expansion rate of isolated primary bovine adipose stem cells and their adipogenesis differentiation to be fully edible for cultured meat application. After approximatively 100 days of serial passages, the bovine adipose-derived stem cells, isolated from muscle tissue, underwent 57​±​5 doublings in the edible cell culture medium condition. This implies that by cultivating and amplifying them, a minimum of 2.9​×​1022​cells can be obtained from around 10​g of fat. It was discovered that these cells retain their adipogenesis differentiation ability for at least 12 passages. Moreover, the final lipid composition could be controlled by adjusting the fatty acid composition of the culture medium during the differentiation process, resulting in organoleptic features similar to those of real fat from muscle. This was especially so for the cis isomer oleic acid percentage, an important part of high-grade Japanese Wagyu meat. These characteristics of the primary bovine adipose-derived stem cell proliferation and adipogenesis differentiation provide valuable insights for the in vitro production of meat alternatives.

Measurement of Glycogen Content in Wagyu Beef Using Near-infrared Spectroscopy with Multiple-reflection Attenuated Total Reflectance

Measurement of Glycogen Content in Wagyu Beef Using Near-infrared Spectroscopy with Multiple-reflection Attenuated Total Reflectance

Association between anti-Müllerian hormone levels and reproductive parameters in Wagyu cattle raised in Brazil.

The production of in vitro embryos has sped up the dissemination of superior genetic material. However, the variation among the cattle response to oocyte and embryo production is a challenging factor. This variation is even higher in the Wagyu cattle as the breed has a small effective population size. The identification of an effective marker related to reproductive efficiency would allow the selection of more responsive females to reproductive protocols. The objective of this study was to evaluate the blood levels of anti-Müllerian hormone and associate it with oocyte recovery and blastocyst rate of embryos produced in vitro in Wagyu cows, as well as observe the hormone circulating levels in males. Serum samples from 29 females with seven follicular aspirations and four bulls were used. AMH measurements were performed using the bovine AMH ELISA kit. A positive correlation was identified between oocyte production and blastocyst rate (r = 0.84, P = 9 × 10-9), and AMH levels with oocyte (r = 0.49, P = 0.006) and embryo (r = 0.39, P = 0.03) production. The mean levels of AMH were different between animals with low (11.06 ± 3.01) and high (20.75 ± 4.46) oocyte production (P = 0.01). Males showed high serological levels of AMH (3829 ± 2328 pg/ml) compared with other breeds. It is possible to use the serological measurement of AMH as a method to select Wagyu females with greater capacity for oocyte and embryo production. Further studies correlating AMH serological levels with Sertoli cell function in bulls are needed.

Effectiveness of mānuka and rosemary oils as natural and green antioxidants in wagyu and normal beef

SummaryEssential oils possessing antioxidant characteristics have acquired broad interest as an alternative to synthetic food antioxidants like butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). In this study, mānuka (with 5, 25 and 40% triketone content) (MO), rosemary (RO) and kānuka (KO) oils were characterised and screened through DPPH (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (Ferric radical absorbing power) assays for their antioxidant efficacies. Different triketone levels were selected to examine their effect on the antioxidant activity of MO. All MOs showed higher phenolic content and antioxidant activities than KO and RO. Based on the obtained results, the MO with 25% triketone content and RO were chosen to study their antioxidant effects in pastes prepared from New Zealand normal (3% fat) and wagyu (12% fat) beef during refrigerated storage (7 days). No significant effect of the oils was observed on lipid oxidation in normal pastes during storage. However, MO and BHT significantly reduced lipid oxidation in wagyu pastes, showing the potential of mānuka oil as a natural antioxidant in high‐fat meat products.

Mānuka Oil vs. Rosemary Oil: Antimicrobial Efficacies in Wagyu and Commercial Beef against Selected Pathogenic Microbes

Essential oils possessing antimicrobial characteristics have acquired considerable interest as an alternative to chemical preservatives in food products. This research hypothesizes that mānuka (MO) and kānuka (KO) oils may possess antimicrobial characteristics and have the potential to be used as natural preservatives for food applications. Initial experimentation was conducted to characterize MOs (with 5, 25, and 40% triketone contents), rosemary oil (RO) along with kanuka oil (KO) for their antibacterial efficacy against selected Gram-negative (Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli), and Gram-positive (Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria through disc diffusion and broth dilution assays. All MOs showed a higher antimicrobial effect against L. monocytogenes and S. aureus with a minimum inhibitory concentration below 0.04%, compared with KO (0.63%) and RO (2.5%). In chemical composition, α-pinene in KO, 1, 8 cineole in RO, calamenene, and leptospermone in MO were the major compounds, confirmed through Gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Further, the antimicrobial effect of MO and RO in vacuum-packed beef pastes prepared from New Zealand commercial breed (3% fat) and wagyu (12% fat) beef tenderloins during 16 days of refrigerated storage was compared with sodium nitrate (SN) and control (without added oil). In both meat types, compared with the SN-treated and control samples, lower growth of L. monocytogenes and S. aureus in MO- and RO- treated samples was observed. However, for Salmonella and E. coli, RO treatment inhibited microbial growth most effectively. The results suggest the potential use of MO as a partial replacement for synthetic preservatives like sodium nitrate in meats, especially against L. monocytogenes and S. aureus.

Beef Nutritional Characteristics, Fat Profile and Blood Metabolic Markers from Purebred Wagyu, Crossbred Wagyu and Crossbred European Steers Raised on a Fattening Farm in Spain.

A high intramuscular fat content characterizes Wagyu (WY) cattle breed. Our objective was to compare beef from WY, WY-by-Angus, or Wangus (WN) steers with European, Angus-by-Charolais-Limousine crossbred steers (ACL), considering metabolic biomarkers pre-slaughtering and nutritional characteristics, including health-related indexes of the lipid fraction. The fattening system with olein-rich diets and no exercise restriction included 82 steers, 24 WY, 29 WN, and 29 ACL. The slaughter ages and weights were (median and interquartile range) 38.4 mo.-old (34.9-40.3 mo.) and 840 kg (785-895 kg) for WY; for WN, 30.6 mo. (26.9-36.5 mo.) and 832 kg (802-875 kg), and for ACL steers, 20.3 mo.-old (19.0-22.7 mo.) and 780 kg (715-852 kg). Blood lipid-related metabolites, except for non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and low-density level cholesterol (LDL), were higher in WY and WN than in ACL, while glucose was lower in WY and WN. Leptin was higher in WN than in ACL. Pre-slaughtering values of plasma HDL underscored as a possible metabolic biomarker directly related to beef quality. The amino-acid content in beef did not differ among experimental groups, except for more crude protein in ACL. Compared to ACL, WY steers showed higher intramuscular fat in sirloin (51.5 vs. 21.9%) and entrecote (59.6 vs. 27.6%), more unsaturated fatty acids in entrecote (55.8 vs. 53.0%), and more oleic acid in sirloin (46 vs. 41.3%) and entrecote (47.5 vs. 43.3%). Compared to ACL entrecote, WY and WN showed better atherogenic (0.6 and 0.55 vs. 0.69), thrombogenicity (0.82 and 0.92 vs. 1.1), and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic index (1.9 and 2.1 vs. 1.7). Therefore, beef's nutritional characteristics depend on breed/crossbred, slaughtering age and cut, with WY and WN entrecote samples showing a healthier lipid fraction.

Prospek dan Tantangan Agroedutourism di Moosa Edufarm Kabupaten Solok Provinsi Sumatera Barat

Developing Agroedutourism needs to look at the prospects and challenges ahead. The purpose of this study is to analyze the prospects and challenges of agroedutourism in moosa edufarm solok district of west sumatra province. This research was conducted by field observations and interviews with the management. Further the data obtained are analyzed descriptively. The results of this study are in the management of agroedutourism for cattle farming with adult pen sizes which currently accommodate a maximum of 31.5 heads or 31.5 ST livestock. This still shows prospects in the development of cattle in the future. In terms of the carrying capacity of animal feed forage (KPPTR) Effective, it shows that the increase in cattle population in moosa cannot be done because it is negative (-) 24.14ST based on BK needs. This is because the grass forage land managed independently by Moosa Edufarm is only 0.49 ha while the total real population of ST is 32.25. This will be a challenge going forward for managers. In addition, the challenges in managing agroedutoruism in Moosa Edufarm are the outbreak of diseases that attack humans and cattle, the marketing of wagyu cattle which can only be done to certain groups (middle and upper consumers).

From Colonial Hoof to Metropolitan Table: The Imperial Biopolitics of Beef Provisioning in Colonial Korea

ABSTRACT Compared to research conducted into the development of transoceanic meatways between Europe, the Americas, and Australasia during the long nineteenth century, relatively little is known about how meatways internationalized in East Asia. This article fills this gap in the literature by investigating how Japan exploited the bovine resources of colonial Korea. As a “hoof-to-table history,” it explains how bureaucrats, agricultural scientists, veterinarians, and merchants constructed imperial technoscientific regimes that made it possible not only to improve and sanitize Korean bovine bodies into meat suitable for Japanese palates but also to transport them not dead but alive. It also shows how failures at breeding based on Western strains and models led to a policy reversal that upheld the “purity” of Korean cattle. Threatened by the possibility that Korean beef could be superior to Japanese beef, the article argues how imperial meatways functioned in suppressing the “Koreanness” of cattle to making beef softer and more “sophisticated” than the tougher textures Koreans were portrayed as liking.

40 Years of Malaysia's Look East Policy and Relocation of Indonesia's Capital: Serumpun Solution in Sarawak-West Kalimantan Cross-Border Halal Hub

The relocation of Indonesia's new capital to Kota Nusantara (East Kalimantan) is a game changer. It creates a spill-over of the prosper thy neighbour policy upon the existing West Kalimantan-Malaysia Sarawak border for the first Japanese Big Eon in Kuching (Malaysia's Sarawak) and potential Halal Wagyu beef market in Pontianak (Indonesia's West Kalimantan). Both countries should seize this golden opportunity to revisit their respective Look East Policy (LEP) with Japan and integrate Japan's advantages in quality assurance to overcome different regulatory Halal practices. After all, sustaining the Halal economy is no longer determined by the growing Muslim population alone but a shared knowledge and mutual policy lessons on Halal regulations and quality assurance. While both countries are essential players in the global halal hub and shared trade borders, there needs to be more harmonisation between Kalimantan-Sarawak's cross-border halal framework. With the Indonesian decision to relocate to a new capital, Kota Nusantara (located in East Kalimantan), there is a severe immediate need to bring LEP's benefits and profile the existing business ecosystem in Kuching (the capital of Sarawak) and Pontianak (capital of West Kalimantan).

Meat the challenge: Segmentation and profiling of Japanese beef mince and its substitutes consumers

Shifts in protein production methods are an emerging challenge toward realizing a sustainable society. This paper aims to examine preferences among Japanese consumers regarding attributes of beef mince and its substitutes, to develop consumer segments based on these preferences, and to explore the segment with higher acceptance of replacement from conventional products. This paper also aims to explain intersegment differences from consumer heterogeneity in human values, scientific literacy, and sociodemographic viewpoints for a deeper understanding of consumer behavior in each segment. The results of an online choice experiment involving 4421 consumers in Japan, using food labels on mince showed that Japanese-origin organic beef was associated with the highest utility among the five production methods mentioned. Five consumer segments were identified with latent class analysis: novelty accepters, generous customers, attribute-economy balancers, price–conscious, and conservatives, which vary in preference in choice behavior, sociodemographic, human values, and scientific literacy.

Elemental profile of tail hair to evaluate nutritional status of Angus, Nelore and Wagyu cattle breeds

Elemental profile of tail hair to evaluate nutritional status of Angus, Nelore and Wagyu cattle breeds

PSIII-16 The Influence of Olive Byproduct Supplementation on American Wagyu Feedlot Performance and Carcass Characteristics

Abstract Eighty-three American Wagyu steers (725 ±10.7 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of olive byproduct supplementation on feedlot performance and carcass characteristics. We hypothesized that with supplementation of olive byproduct would improve feedlot performance and longissimus muscle intramuscular fat composition. Steers were blocked by initial body weight (BW) and randomly assigned within block to one of two treatments. Treatments consisted of: 1) Control diet (basal ration with no olive byproduct) + 1 kg of supplemental cracked corn per animal per day, or 2) Control diet + 1 kg of supplemental olive byproduct per animal per day. Steers were housed in feedlot pens (n=4 steers/pen; 11 replicates/treatment) and fed a traditional American Wagyu finishing diet (DM basis: 68.4% DM, 14.3% CP; 74.8% TDN, 1.16 Mcal/kg NEg, 5.3% crude fat). Diets were delivered to pens, once daily, in the morning in amounts to allow ad libitum access to feed over a 24 h period. Olive byproduct and cracked corn were top-dressed to the appropriate treatment pens immediately after delivery of the basal ration. Steers were individually weighed on d -1 and 0, and approximately every 28 d throughout the 177 d experiment. Equal numbers of steers per treatment were slaughtered throughout the experiment and carcass data were collected. Data were analyzed using a mixed effects model of SAS (SAS Inst. Inc.) for a randomized complete block design. Steers receiving olive byproduct had a lower final BW (P < 0.01) when compared to steers receiving the control diet. Longissimus muscle long chain fatty acids C18:1 and C:22:0 were greater (P < 0.05) and C18:0 lesser (P < 0.05) in controls when compared to steers supplemented with olive byproduct. Under the conditions of this experiment, feeding olive byproduct reduced final BW and had minimal impacts on longissimus muscle fatty acid composition.

PSIII-A-16 Preliminary Study: How Does Maternal Nutrition Affect Intramuscular Adipocyte Development in Longissimus Thoracis and Biceps Femoris Muscles of Wagyu Fetuses?

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the effects maternal nutrition on Wagyu (Japanese Black) fetal intramuscular fat. Multiparous Wagyu cattle (N=12) were randomly allocated to two nutrition groups: high-nutrition group (HN: 120% of nutritional requirement, n=6) and low nutrition group (LN: 60%, n=6) from conception to d 8.5 months of gestation. Fetuses were harvested and fetal longissimus thoracis (LT) and biceps femoris (BF) morphometrics analyses were performed to focus on the intramuscular adipose precursor cells and adipocytes in the connective tissue (Table 1). Delta like 1 Homolog (DLK1) is expressed on the cell membrane, so its immunopositive area on the connective tissue was measured, and CCAAT Enhancer Binding Protein Beta (C/EBPB) and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ (PPARG) are expressed in the cell nucleus, so those immunopositive number on the connective tissue was counted (Table 1). The cross-sectional area (CSA) of adipocytes in LT was greater (P < 0.05) for HN than for LN, but there was no difference in the BF. In both HN and LN, the number of adipocytes per unit area of connective tissue tended to be higher in LT than in BF (P=0.08, and P=0.09, respectively). The DLK-1 positive area of the connective tissue area was smaller (P=0.03) for HN than for LN. Conversely, the number of PPARG-positive cells in the connective tissue area was 2.96-fold greater (P< 0.01) for HN than for LN, however, the difference was not found in the number of C/EBPB-positive cells (P= 0.57). From these results, maternal nutrition particularly affects the development of intramuscular adipocytes in LT and promotes the increase in adipocyte CSA, and differentiation from adipose progenitor cells to adipocytes.

PSV-A-10 Single-Cell Atlas of Bovine Skeletal Muscle Identifies Mechanisms Regulating Intramuscular Adipogenesis and Fibrogenesis

Abstract Human and mouse studies have shown that fibro/adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) are a major source of intramuscular fat (IMF) and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. IMF and ECM proteins directly influence the palatability of beef, suggesting an essential role of FAPs in beef quality determination, which is still largely unexplored. We performed single-cell RNAseq (scRNAseq) using cells isolated from full blood Wagyu and Brahman cattle and Wagyu/Brahman cross cattle, which identified 21 cell clusters representing FAPs, several endothelial cell types, vascular smooths muscle cells, satellite cells, muscle fibers, and multiple immune cell types. More abundant FAPs were identified in the muscle of Brahman cattle, while a larger number of endothelial cells were identified in the muscle of Wagyu cattle. Further analysis of FAPs identified multiple FAP subpopulations with distinct gene expression profiles and anatomic locations. GSEA analysis revealed adipogenic and fibrogenic FAP subpopulations. A comparison of FAP subpopulations among different breeds showed higher complement system activity in the adipogenic FAP subpopulation of Wagyu cattle. Forced activation of the complement system in FAPs enhanced their adipogenic efficiency in vitro. In addition, cell-cell communication analysis identified active interactions between FAPs and other cell types through direct contact and secreted factors, many of which may affect FAP activities. In conclusion, our study revealed the single-cell atlas of bovine skeletal muscle and identified mechanisms regulating bovine intramuscular adipogenesis and fibrogenesis.

Using Untargeted LC-MS Metabolomics to Identify the Association of Biomarkers in Cattle Feces with Marbling Standard Longissimus Lumborum.

Simple SummaryTo improve the grade of beef marbling has great economic value in the cattle industry since marbling has the traits of high quality and comprehensive nutrition. This experiment studied the relationship between fecal metabolites and marbling characters, and further screened biomarkers (including ADP, SM(d18:0/16:1(9Z)), PC(15:0/18:2(9Z,12Z)), digoxin, indoleacetaldehyde, PC(16:0/16:0), 3-O-Sulfogalactosylceramide (d18:1/18:0), and spermine).This experiment contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanism and supplies an essential reference for further exploring the application of metabolite biomarkers to identify marbling beef traits.Background: To improve the grade of beef marbling has great economic value in the cattle industry since marbling has the traits of high quality and comprehensive nutrition. And because of the marbling’s importance and complexity, it is indispensable to explore marbled beef at multiple levels. This experiment studied the relationship between fecal metabolites and marbling characters, and further screened biomarkers. Results: We performed fecal metabolomics analysis on 30 individuals selected from 100 crossbreed cattle (Luxi Yellow cattle ♀ × Japanese Wagyu cattle ♂), 15 with an extremely high-grade marbling beef and 15 with an extremely low-grade marbling beef. A total of 9959 and 8389 m/z features were detected in positive ionization and negative ionization mode by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Unfortunately, the sample separation in the PCA is not obvious, and the predictive ability of the orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) model is not good. However, we got six differential metabolites filtered by VIP > 1 and p < 0.05. After that, we used weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and found out a module in each positive and negative mode most related to the trait of marbling beef, and then identified three metabolites in positive mode. By further annotation of the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG), it was found that these metabolites involved a variety of metabolic ways, including sphingomyelin metabolism, linoleic acid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and so on. Finally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the predictability of metabolites, and the result showed that SM(d18:0/16:1(9Z)) (AUC = 0.72), PC(15:0/18:2(9Z,12Z)) (AUC = 0.72), ADP (AUC = 0.71), PC(16:0/16:0) (AUC = 0.73), and 3-O-Sulfogalactosylceramide (d18:1/18:0) (AUC = 0.69) have an accuracy diagnosis. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study supports new opinions for the successive evaluation of marbling beef through metabolites. Furthermore, six non-invasive fecal metabolites that can evaluate beef marbling grade were found, including SM(d18:0/16:1(9Z)), PC(15:0/18:2(9Z,12Z)), ADP, PC(16:0/16:0), and 3-O-Sulfogalactosylceramide.

Application of Mass Spectrometry for Determining the Geographic Production Area of Wagyu Beef.

Japanese Black cattle (Japanese Wagyu) beef is attracting attention for its aroma and marbling, and its handling is increasing worldwide. Here, we focused on the origin discrimination of Wagyu beef and analyzed the nutritional components of Japanese Wagyu (produced in multiple prefectures of Japan), Hybrid Wagyu (a cross between Angus and Wagyu cattle born in Australia and transported to Japan), and Australian Wagyu beef using mass spectrometry (MS). Triple-quadrupole liquid chromatography–MS was used to clarify the molecular species of lipids in Wagyu beef. Fourteen classes of lipids were separated, and 128 different triacylglycerides (TGs) were detected. A simple comparative analysis of these TGs using high-performance liquid chromatography revealed significantly higher levels of triolein (C18:1/C18:1/C18:1; abbreviated OOO) and C18:1/C18:1/C16:1 (OOPo) in Japanese Wagyu. Wagyu elements beef were comprehensively analyzed using inductively coupled plasma (ICP)–MS and ICP–optical emission spectrometry. We found significant differences in the rubidium, cesium, and lithium levels of Japanese and Australian Wagyu beef. On comparing metabolites using gas chromatography–MS, we identified significant differences in the levels of amino acids and other components of the Japanese and Australian Wagyu beef. These results suggest the possibility of determining the origin of Wagyu cattle breeds using MS and genetic discrimination.

Lipogenic Gene Single Nucleotide Polymorphic DNA Markers Associated with Intramuscular Fat, Fat Melting Point, and Health-Beneficial Omega-3 Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Australian Pasture-Based Bowen Genetics Forest Pastoral Angus, Hereford, and Wagyu Beef Cattle.

This study used targeted sequencing aimed at identifying single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in lipogenic genes and their associations with health-beneficial omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA), intramuscular fat (IMF), and fat melting point (FMP) of the M. longissimus dorsi muscle in Australian pasture-based Bowen Genetics Forest Pastoral Angus, Hereford, and Wagyu cattle. It was hypothesized that SNP encoding for the fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD), and fatty acid synthase (FASN) genes will be significantly associated with health-beneficial n-3 LC-PUFA and the meat eating quality traits of IMF and FMP in an Australian pasture-based beef production system. Two SNP mutations, g.21267406 T>C and g.21271264 C>A, in the SCD gene were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with IMF, FMP, oleic acid (18:1n-9), linoleic acid (LA) 18:2n-6, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) 18:3n-3, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) 20:5n-3, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) 22:6-n-3, and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) 22:5n-3. Significant positive correlations (p < 0.05) between FASN SNP g. 50787138 A>G and FMP, 18:1n-9, ALA, EPA, DHA, DPA, and total n-3 LC-PUFA were also detected. An SNP (g.44678794 G>A) in the FABP4 gene was associated with FMP. These results provide significant insights into the contributions of lipogenic genes to intramuscular fat deposition and the biosynthesis of health-beneficial n-3 LC-PUFA. The findings also unravel the potential use of lipogenic gene polymorphisms in marker-assisted selection to improve the content of health-promoting n-3 LC-PUFA and meat eating quality traits in Australian pasture-based Bowen Genetics Forest Pastoral Angus, Hereford, and Wagyu beef cattle.

Science and technology of meat and meat products in Japan—Pursuit of their palatability under the influence of Washoku, traditional Japanese cuisine

This review aimed to provide an overview of meat science and technology in Japan influenced by Washoku (traditional Japanese cuisine) from the aspect of meat palatability. The tradition of umami (savory taste) research would contribute to a better understanding of the mechanism of taste improvement by aging, processing, and feeding. Paying close attention to delicate food aroma in Washoku would facilitate finding preferable Wagyu beef aroma, as well as odor substances affecting human physiological conditions. Sticking to various food textures could potentially facilitate the research of heating gel of meat and enzymatic and nonenzymatic theories for meat tenderization. High-pressure studies of meat propose a novel approach to producing low-salt products. Raw ham, Lachs-type ham, might fascinate people due to its moist texture similar to that of raw fish. Methods to season traditional fake meat using plant materials in Washoku could give a hint for improving substituted meat flavor.

The friction measurement conditions reflect the touch of the fat of Japanese beef

The friction measurement conditions reflect the touch of the fat of Japanese beef

Comparative analysis of allele frequencies for DNA polymorphisms associated with disease and economically important traits in the genomes of Russian and foreign cattle breeds.

The genetic makeup of a breed including its genetic differences from other breeds determines its appearance and characteristics, including economically important traits and resistance to pathologies. To date, many loci controlling significant phenotypes have been identified, which is successfully used in the world practice of marker-assisted selection to improve breed properties. The aim of this study was a comparative analysis of frequencies for known causative nucleotide substitutions, insertions and deletions associated with disease and economically important traits in Russian and foreign cattle breeds. As a result, we identified frequencies of these DNA polymorphisms in the populations of Russian cattle breeds, compared them with those of foreign populations of the same breed, as well as other foreign breeds. Our results indicate similarities in frequencies for most of such alleles within breeds (populations of Russian and foreign breeding), as well as the relationship between the causative allele prevalence and the presence of phenotypic traits under the effect. We also found an excess of some undesirable alleles in the Russian cattle populations, which should be paid attention to when designing breeding programs. We found that the alleles increasing fertility in the Hereford breed have a higher frequency in the Russian Hereford population compared to the foreign counterpart. Interestingly, unlike for the European breeds, for Asian Turano-Mongolian Wagyu and Yakut cattle, there was a less clear link between phenotypic traits and frequencies of known causative alleles. Our work points to specific genetic variants that could be used to improve and/or maintain the performance of certain cattle breeds bred in the Russian Federation