Wagyū, the Cattle Behind Kobe Beef

Those who have eaten dishes made from Kobe Beef must be wondering, what cattle could produce this luxury and superbly delicious delicacy. Well the answer is easy, the beef is came from Japanese cattle named Wagyu. Japan first adopted Wagyu cattle to help cultivate rice in rice farm, especially during the Japanese' Meat Darkage during 1635 to 1838, where the shogunate forbade people to eat meat of four-legged animals. After the darkage, rising in cattle breeding increase significantly thus provide nowadays Wagyu beef.
Wagyu cattle have five major breeds. The Japanese Black, Brown, Polled, Shorthorn and Kumamoto Reds but the most famous of course is the Japanese Black cattle bred in Kobe which produce Kobe Beef. The major difference is in breeding technique, involved massaging to induce muscle growth in minor environment and usage of beer and sake to induce hunger during humid season. The technique have no effect to the meat flavor, contrary from popular believe. Other Wagyu beefs have almost similar taste but not the tenderness and quality.

The reason between different breeding technique and style of the Wagyu tied closely to Japan geography. The areas in japan is isolated in mountains and most of its land structure is rugged. That is why they need to massage and induce hunger to grow the cattle with limited movement space.
Nowadays, Wagyū is not bred exclusively in Japan. Several other countries success in ranching the cattles. Australia and New Zealand success in breeding Wagyu though it is taking almost 40% of the ranch feedlot during 12 months growth period. America in other way, have to crossbred the cattle with Angus cow to suit the American climate and ranching style. Differs from the original marble structure of the meat, This crossbred beef provide balance in traditional redmeat and marble texture of Kobe, more suitable for American customers who thought Kobe beef is too white. European also starts the breeding and even have their own pedigree and designated name (Châteaux Wagyu)

Is it true that Japanese Kobe cow fed on beer and massaged to make them tender?

For all of you meat lovers of course you know kobe beef. Yes, kobe beef is considered the most exclusive beef in the world. According to popular belief, Kobe cow in japan are fed with beer once a day, they also massaged daily with 'sake'(Japanese alcoholic beverage made from rice) ,brushed for setting fur, and fed by grain fodder.

Maybe you are wondering if it's true?? A cow drink beer? Well, not everything about this kobe cow is true nor false. Here is some explanation detailing Kobe beef due to the ambiguation of what actually constitutes Kobe beef, and the fact many tourists who visit Japan receive incorrect information.

Truly not everything is right nor false, both things take place. but not for the reasons we've been led to believe. Beer is given to kobe cow during summer season when the interaction of fat cover, temperature and humidity depresses feed intake. Beer believed to have a good effect to stimulate their appetite. It's part of the management program designed to keep kobe cow on feed in the heat of the summer. The massaging is done to relieve stress and muscle stiffness. by keeping the cattle calm and content, it's believed that the eating quality of the meat is affected.

Speaking of kobe beef, according to wikipedia the true Kobe beef in Japan is registered trademark by Kobe beef distribution promotion conference. It must fulfill all the conditions as follows:
- Tajima cattle born in Hyōgo Prefecture
- Fed by farm in Hyōgo Prefecture
- Bullock or Virgin cow, meant to purify the beef
- Processed at slaughterhouse in Kobe, Nishinomiya, Sanda, Kakogawa and Himeji in Hyōgo Prefecture.
- Marbling ratio called BMS[4] is level 6 and above.
- Meat Quality Score[4] is A or B
- Gross weight of beef is 470 kg or below.

So, it is true that Japanese Kobe cow fed on beer and massaged, but not for the reasons we've been led to believe. One more thing, the quality and exclusiveness of kobe beef make it's price very high.

But for you who are a meat lovers, i really suggest you to try this kobe beef. I've taste kobe beef steak and it's very juicy and tender. From my opinion, it's Worth the price.