I have 10 head of AngusXAkaushi crossed calves that I "experimented" with, for the same reason you are considering it. We sell direct, so I figured I'd try it to see how they pan out. So far, they are holding their own. Undoubtedly, the Akaushi will finish quicker than the Wagyu, and I think the F1 will probably finish much closer to what you are used to, plus a month or so. I have not finished any just yet, but they are on feed right now and I hope that the heifers will be coming off late March/early April, and then the steers in April/May, but those are just guestimates since this is my first time trying them. So far, the F1 AnXAk cross calves weighed just as well as the straight angus calves, and some were as heavy as my simangus calves. Phenotypically, I think this cross sacrifices VERY little. My cows that throw thick calves, still threw thick Akaushi crossed calves. No they weren't quite as thick, but they were a far cry from the Wagyu phenotype. They are a little tube gutted at first, but they get some spread to them as they get older. I kept 2 heifers back just to see what the F1 momma might do (or not do). At pelvic measuring and repro tract scoring, the Akaushi crossed heifers had larger measurements and both scored 5 on rts. I know, its a SMALL sample size, but one of the two was out of the biggest cows I have, and the other was out of the smallest. Both took to the AI in Nov, so in a year or so, I may be able to shed a small light on how they are at mothering. I'll admit, I'm a little nervous about the milk in the heifers,but time will tell. Both of the cows of the AkX heifers were extremely good milkers. Right now, I'm pleased, and would highly recommend giving them a try. Personally, I wouldn't want to continue to an F2, but I'm not saying i wouldn't try it some day. I just think they'll give up too much growth in the F2. Good luck!
