A New Genetic Framework for Wagyu | Australian Wagyu Association

The Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) is implementing the most significant upgrade to Wagyu genetic evaluation since the introduction of genomics, transitioning from BREEDPLAN Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) to Wagyu Breeding Values (WBVs).

From February 2026, WBVs will replace EBVs as the sole breeding values published by AWA. This change reflects how far the Wagyu industry has progressed and ensures that genetic evaluation systems are fully aligned with modern Wagyu production, data scale, and economic drivers.

WBVs are not simply a new label. They represent a Wagyu controlled, Wagyu specific genetic evaluation system, built on the industry’s rapidly expanding datasets, dense genomic information, and advanced carcase measurement technologies. This transition positions Australian Wagyu genetics to remain accurate, relevant, and globally competitive into the future.

To support members through this change, AWA has produced a structured communication series explaining the why, what, and how of WBVs, along with dedicated articles on key trait updates and new genetic tools. This series will be released in the lead up to the launch of WBVs

Why AWA is moving to WBVs

Wagyu production systems now differ fundamentally from those of other beef breeds. Crossbred performance data underpins commercial profitability, genomic information is used at unprecedented scale, and high resolution carcase and eating quality traits are central to selection decisions.

While BREEDPLAN EBVs have provided a strong foundation, the assumptions and constraints of a multi breed system increasingly limited the ability to fully utilise Wagyu specific data. Moving to an independent evaluation allows AWA to unlock the full value of its data, adopt Wagyu relevant trait definitions, and respond more quickly as new information becomes available.

What Wagyu Breeding Values are

WBVs describe genetic differences between animals in the same way EBVs do, but they are generated using Wagyu only genetic parameters across a fully integrated multi trait and genomic evaluation.

Most WBVs remain highly correlated with existing EBVs, particularly for growth, carcase weight, and marble score, meaning major re‑ranking is not expected for high accuracy animals. Where change does occur, it reflects corrected Wagyu specific trait relationships rather than instability or noise in the data.

Key improvements include better use of crossbred data, stronger early life accuracy through genomics, faster delivery of results, and the ability to introduce new traits as the Wagyu dataset continues to expand.

How WBVs are now possible

WBVs are the result of a four‑year system renewal program, supported by a step change in the scale and maturity of Wagyu data.

Genetic Evaluation Timeline

AWA now manages the largest Wagyu genetic evaluation globally, analysing hundreds of thousands of animals across fullblood, purebred, and crossbred populations, supported by extensive genomic coverage. This scale allows genetic parameters, heritabilities and trait correlations to be estimated directly from Wagyu data, rather than relying on legacy assumptions.

By operating its own evaluation pipeline, AWA can update parameters when justified by data, introduce new traits without dependency on external systems, and deliver results more frequently for members.

Key trait changes under WBVs

Alongside the broader system transition, several important trait updates and additions are being introduced under WBVs. These changes ensure that results better reflect observed Wagyu performance and modern production objectives.

From Milk EBV to Maternal Weaning Weight WBV

The long standing Milk EBV is being replaced by Maternal Weaning Weight WBV, a clearer and more biologically accurate description of the maternal genetic contribution to calf growth up to weaning.

This change corrects misinterpretation of “milk”, applies Wagyu specific genetic parameters, and delivers results that better align with paddock performance and balanced selection outcomes.

From Eye Muscle Area EBV to Eye Muscle Area WBV

The Eye Muscle Area WBV uses updated Wagyu‑specific genetic relationships within a full multi‑trait model, correcting distortions seen under earlier EBV assumptions.

While expressed in the same units, EMA WBVs may re‑rank some animals, reflecting more biologically realistic relationships between muscling, growth, carcase weight, and marbling in Wagyu systems.

Introducing Net Feed Intake WBV

For the first time, AWA is introducing a Net Feed Intake (NFI) WBV, giving Wagyu breeders a direct genetic measure of feed efficiency.

NFI identifies animals that consume less feed than expected for their level of production and is independent of growth and body size. This provides a powerful new tool to improve profitability and sustainability in long fed Wagyu systems without compromising carcase performance.

What happens next

EBVs will be formally retired in February 2026, after which WBVs will be the sole genetic evaluation published by AWA. The transition is being supported through staged communication, education resources, and member training to ensure breeders can confidently interpret and apply WBVs in their breeding programs.

WBVs represent a future focused genetic framework, designed by Wagyu, for Wagyu ensuring that Australia’s Wagyu industry continues to lead globally in genetic evaluation, data utilisation, and long‑term profitability.

At the AWA Technical Workshop in November, we formally announced that the Association will launch its own advanced, independently run genetic evaluation in early 2026.

If you were unable to attend the Technical Workshop, or would like to revisit the presentations, you can watch the full session recordings below:

Important Notice and Disclaimer

It is very important that you appreciate when viewing the AWA database that the information contained on the AWA database, including but not limited to pedigree, DNA information, Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) and Index values, is based on data supplied by members and/or third parties.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information reported through AWA, AWA officers and employees assume no responsibility for its content, use or interpretation. AWA disclaims all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses, damages and costs you may incur as a result of the use by you of the data on this AWA database and the information supplied by ABRI and AGBU being inaccurate or incomplete in any way for any reason.

Regarding EBVs and Index values, it is very important to appreciate, and you need to be aware that:

EBVs are derived using Wagyu Single Step BREEDPLAN technology developed independently by the Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (AGBU), using the information contained within the AWA database.
AGBU is a joint venture of NSW Department of Primary Industries and the University of New England, which receives funding for this purpose from Meat and Livestock Australia Limited.
AWA relies solely on advice provided by AGBU and ABRI in accepting Wagyu Single Step BREEDPLAN software.
EBVs published in Wagyu Single Step BREEDPLAN are estimates of genetic potential of individual animals and may not reflect the raw animal phenotype.
EBVs can only be directly compared to other EBVs calculated in the same monthly Wagyu Group BREEDPLAN analysis.

Regarding pedigree and DNA testing results submitted to the AWA, it is very important to appreciate, and you need to be aware that:

Animals whose registration identifiers start with PED are Pedigree Recorded Animals. What this means is that the details which Australia Wagyu Association Limited (AWA) used to register the animal were obtained from a Recognised Wagyu Registry Organisation – in other words a Wagyu breed association based outside of Australia. AWA has not independently verified the information with respect to the animal or the details recorded about the animal. You should read AWA’s by-laws which sets out details regarding the definition of a Pedigree Recorded Animal.
Future events cannot be predicted accurately. AWA makes no statements, representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of, and you should not rely on, any information contained in the registration details of this animal or their capability to achieve any purpose. AWA disclaims all liability (including without limitation, liability for negligence) for all claims, expenses, losses, damages and costs you may incur as a result of the information set out in the registration details of this animal for any reason being inaccurate or incomplete in any way or incapable of achieving any purpose.
Pedigree and DNA data submitted and supplied to AWA may have errors in it which cannot be detected without further DNA testing.
Technology may have advanced since a particular test was undertaken so that previous inaccuracies which were not detectable are now able to be detected by current testing technology.
AWA estimates that less than 1% of the pedigree entries, ownership or breeding details in the AWA Herdbook may have errors or which may be misleading. For this reason, users ought to consider if they need to obtain independent testing of the relevant animal (if possible) to ensure that the data is accurate.

Regarding prefectural content, it is very important to appreciate, and you need to be aware that:

Prefectural content is based on the estimation of prefectural origin from Japanese breeding records of 201 foundation sires and 168 foundation dams. As genotype-based parent verification is not used in Japan, and full Japanese registration certificates are not available for all foundation animals, exact prefectural composition for these sires and dams cannot be validated.
The calculation of prefectural content for Australian Herdbook animals relies on the accuracy of pedigree records and DNA samples provided by AWA members.
The reporting of prefectural content for animals within the AWA Herdbook relies on the calculation provided by ABRI.

If you consider that you do not understand or appreciate the nature and extent of the data provided on this website or the EBVs of a particular animal, then AWA strongly recommends that you seek independent expert advice.