By: Muhammad Tegar K.K. S.Pt Wasbitnak First Expert

Meat consumption in Indonesia is still low. Recorded in the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) 2016, beef consumption in Indonesia is currently very low at 0.24 kg/capita/year. Nevertheless, meat enthusiasts with deeper pockets in Indonesia are beginning to take notice of the super expensive and high-quality Wagyu beef. This beef originates from Japan and can be priced around Rp. 800,000 to 1 million per gram (AntaraNews). Seeing the developing market potential, some companies have started importing Wagyu cattle to be bred in Indonesia, including BBIB Singosari.

Origin and Advantages of Wagyu Cattle
If we trace the origin of Wagyu cattle, some people might already guess from its name. The term "Wagyu" itself means "Wa" for Japan and "Gyu" for Beef, which translates to Japanese Beef. In several regions in Japan, the meat is named according to its production area, such as Kobe, Mishima, Matsusaka, and Sanda. These cattle were created through crossbreeding between Aberdeen Angus cattle and local Japanese cattle. This breeding process takes time, requiring decades to create a new breed like Wagyu cattle with superior characteristics.

Wagyu cattle have a genetic advantage of very high marbling and significant production of unsaturated fats. They are renowned for the marbling pattern on their meat and its quality. Another advantage is that Wagyu cattle produce meat with beneficial omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for brain development. The marbling in this cattle also imparts a distinctive and appealing flavor.

From the age of 3 months, the cattle enter specialized farms. These farms are away from crowds, quiet, and calm, to keep the cattle stress-free. The temperature in the enclosures is controlled to avoid cold or heat during weather changes. To enhance the meat's quality, Wagyu farmers often massage the cattle's bodies regularly. This is believed to make Wagyu beef tender and increase its marbling.

Wagyu Semen Production
BBIB Singosari imported a young male Wagyu calf from BET Cipelang, which will become a superior bull to collect its semen. The Wagyu calf was imported when it was around 6 months old. To be ready for semen collection, this Wagyu calf needs to be raised until it reaches around 1.5 to 2 years old. BBIB Singosari's decision to import Wagyu cattle is not without reason. Besides adding to the collection of semen in the "Genetic Bank," BBIB Singosari also aims to commercialize frozen Wagyu semen, especially to private companies involved in breeding Wagyu cattle.