Tokusan Matsusaka Ushi

Tokusan Matsusaka Ushi is a product registered with a Geographical Indication (GI) in Japan. This product refers exclusively to female Japanese Black cattle, no older than 12 months, born in Hyogo Prefecture. The cattle are raised for more than 900 days in Matsusaka City and other designated municipalities within Mie Prefecture. The production area encompasses 22 municipalities in Mie Prefecture (as of 1 November 2004, by administrative names: Matsusaka City, Tsu City, Hisai City, Karasu Town, Ichishi Town, Kameyama Town, Ureshino Town, Misugi Village, Kōnan Town, Linan Town, Litaka Town). The region has had an agricultural culture focused on rice paddies since ancient times, thanks to its water resources, fertile soils, and temperate climate. Cattle imported from Hyogo Prefecture as working oxen were brought to this region and, over time, fattened to form the foundation of what is now known as TOKUSAN MATSUSAKA USHI.

The rearing method focuses on developing the abdomen in calves until they reach 13 months of age, enabling them to endure the prolonged feeding period of more than 900 days. To ensure a large and strong rumen, a high-fiber diet is provided to extend chewing time. Such feed prolongs the retention period in the rumen, supports the growth of microorganisms within it, and creates favorable fermentation conditions. Subsequently, until they reach 22 months of age, a diet containing approximately 17 percent crude protein is administered to promote muscle development. To produce fatty meat, the concentration of vitamin A in the blood is kept low by suppressing vitamin A intake. The average age of the cattle at slaughter is 41 months. To expand fat cells within the muscles and achieve a marbled texture, a low-protein, high-starch diet is provided.

Tokusan Matsusaka Ushi meat has a fine marbled appearance and a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Analysis of the fat composition has confirmed that the proportion of components with low melting points is higher than in other Japanese Black cattle breeds.