Known for providing some of the most amazing cuts of meat, the Japanese Wagyu cattle breed has grown to be one of the most highly sought after breeds in the beef industry. If you are a cattle farmer looking to invest in Wagyu beef cattle, it is important that you know a few important things in advance. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you look for Wagyu beef cattle for sale. 

Get genetic information about the cattle.

Legitimate Wagyu cattle all come from Japan, but there are several sub-types of cattle in Japan, and all of them can have their own attributes and features. Before you buy Wagyu cattle, find out about the genetic line of the animals. If you are buying from a domestic seller, you will need to see that the animals they are selling did hail from Japan. However, it is best if you know even more than that. Often, Wagyu cattle will be dubbed with a tag associated with where they were raised. For example, a Matsusaka Wagyu likely came from Matsusaka. These areas can have different standards for raising beef, and location can also affect what the cows are fed while they are raised. 

Ask about the diet the cattle have been following.

The diet can have everything to do with the quality of the meat of the Wagyu cattle. Certain types of Wagyu are pretty much famous across the planet because they produce some of the most impressive cuts of meat, and this is all due to their diet. For example, Rachel Ray once published a piece on her website about her experience eating a steak from an Olive Wagyu which had been fed primarily a diet of olive byproducts. The average Wagyu fed a low-quality diet may not produce the best-quality meat, so make sure you ask. 

Make sure the cattle are checked for health before buying. 

Having your cattle checked for health before buying is ever-important, no matter what type of beef it is that you are buying. However, domestic Wagyu should be even more thoroughly checked. Most Wagyu in America are a combination of something like Angus and a Japanese breed of cattle. While there is nothing wrong with this breeding standard, it is important that the line is checked for genetic malformities and health issues from the beginning, soon after they are born. 

For more information, contact a company like Foley Ranch.