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KIA ORA STUD

TOWARDS GENETIC PERFECTION

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Genetics

Kia Ora Stud has developed one of the world’s largest repositories of Wagyu semen and embryos, most free of negative recessive genes. Our collection is held in approved collection facilities and strengthened by a selection of more than 90 different bulls and over 100 cows.

Our success and quality is grounded in science. Working closely with veterinary scientists, selective breeding over generations has enabled us to remove the negative recessive genes known to Wagyu. Every calf is genetically tested and any showing signs of negative traits are excluded from our breeding programme. As a result, we are able to offer genetics completely free of negative recessive genes.

Since we’ve done all the hard work, using Kia Ora Stud genetics dramatically reduces your risk. You don’t even need to own a bull (you can hire one from us or purchase semen straws or embryos).

Kia Ora Stud semen is proven to deliver 95-98 percent calving success in comparison to the industry average of around 75 percent.

Why are traits important?

Traits are critically important in Wagyu breeding because they directly impact the quality, marketability and profitability of the beef.

The genesis of genetic perfection.

Early on, we learnt that Wagyu success is not only about the family tree, so we looked closely at Wagyu genetics. We decided to work towards removing all the negative recessive genes by only breeding bad-trait-free animals. Having largely achieved that goal, we then focussed on marbling and growth.  The success of our approach is proven.

Kia Ora Stud steers participated in a Sapphire feedlot trial for around 400 days to review their performance. Our animals scored 5th in weight gain amongst dozens of breeders. The trial showed that our animals have an average daily gain (ADG) of 1.3-1.4kg eating 8-9kg of feed. We kept some control animals after the trial and they continued to gain weight at the same rate in our own feedlot on return from Sapphire. Our system works.

What is available for purchase?

We offer male and female genetic material. Download the lists below to review animals for which genetic material is available.

Our diverse breeding herd includes more than 50 bulls and over 75 cows. From the downloaded lists you can click on the link for each animal to review their EBVs and other details. We welcome orders and inquiries.

Semen

Breeding Stock on Hand 

Inquire here
Cows and calves in quarantine paddock, Kia Ora Stud, Bungendore NSW
Kia Ora T073 (left) and another bull in paddock 4 (hay paddock), Kia Ora Stud, Bungendore, NSW.
Cows and calves moving from paddock 8 to quarantine paddock, Kia Ora Stud, Bungendore NSW
Dr van Wyk

Our Veterinarian

Jennifer van Wyk is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine specialising in artificial breeding technologies for livestock in Australia and around the world.

Dr van Wyk’s professional experience includes managing a large scale breeding centre and she has extensive expertise providing on-farm reproductive services.  

She has completed multiple degrees including a Bachelor of Science (Biological Science) and a Master’s Degree in animal reproduction as well as studies in equine science and agricultural science.

Dr van Wyk oversees the breeding programme for Kia Ora Stud and her professional advice underpins the health and well-being of our animals.

Noel had driven past the For Sale sign along the Kings Highway outside Bungendore, New South Wales, for years. He describes it as a ‘rubbish bush block on top of a hill with run down fencing’. But it was perfect for Noel. He wanted a challenge, a project he could ‘take forward’ and make his own, building it from scratch, and not simply buying a place already farming and in good shape.

The initial appeal of Wagyu was how relatively easy they were to produce, compared with almost any other animal.  Noel didn’t want to be nailed down with animals and be at the farm 24/7, such as during calving when ‘you have to be there for two weeks so you can look after the cows and calves’. Wagyu historically have small calves.

Normally, Wagyu farming is labour intensive. Noel set about creating infrastructure which made producing them less labour intensive. He installed fencing, chutes and dams to deliver plenty of natural water in paddocks which, c0upled with cell grazing which rests the dams, ensures clean drinking water always available. (There were only three dams on the property when Noel bought it; now there are many more.)

Correctly feeding Wagyu is also an important part of the process. Kia Ora Stud is a free range feedlot with an automated indoor feeding system Noel developed. Every steer on the property goes straight to the feedlot after weaning.

Originally thinking he would breed to sell. Noel found there was ‘a hell of a lot more to Wagyu’ than first appeared. He discovered the key to breeding Wagyu was using genetics.  He talked to breeders, vets, scientists, he ‘chewed their ears’ and he couldn’t get enough of it. What could go wrong with the breed? How could we fix it?

Learning that a significant challenge for Australian Wagyu is the small number of seed stock which has led to line breeding/inbreeding, Noel turned his attention to studying the resulting less desirable attributes, known as “bad traits”. A bad trait in Wagyu can refer to any genetic or physical characteristic that detracts from the ideal quality, flavour, or texture of the beef.

He was an early adopter taking on the challenge of  line breeding/inbreeding and focussing on genetics in his breeding programme. Now it’s commonplace to discuss genetics in the industry.

Thanks to Noel’s vision and entrepreneurship, today Kia Ora Stud is a leader in bad-trait-free genetics, animal welfare and land stewardship.