Wagyu

Japanese cattle breeds genetically predisposed to intense intramuscular marbling.

Literally "Japanese cattle," wagyu encompasses four breeds: Japanese Black (most common), Japanese Brown, Japanese Shorthorn, and Japanese Polled. Outside Japan, "wagyu" often loosely describes any cattle with Japanese genetics, including crossbreeds.

Related Terms

A5

The highest grade in the Japanese beef grading system, indicating top yield (A) and quality (5).

BMS (Beef Marbling Score)

A 1-12 scale measuring intramuscular fat distribution in beef.

Fullblood Wagyu

100% genetically pure wagyu cattle with traceable Japanese lineage.

F1 Wagyu

First-generation wagyu crossbreed, typically 50% wagyu and 50% Angus.