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AWA to Launch Advanced Genetic Evaluation in 2026

Monday, 24 November 2025

AWA to Launch Advanced Genetic Evaluation in 2026, Strengthening Strategic Commitment to Members and the Wagyu Breed

After four years of focused planning, investment and development, the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) is delivering one of the most significant developments in the association’s history. In early 2026, the AWA will release its own independently run genetic evaluation, designed to produce the next generation of Wagyu Breeding Values (WBVs), including old and new traits, and further supporting AWA’s delivery of breed sustainability and industry success.

AWA’s genetic evaluation

As the world-leader in development and implementation of Wagyu genetic tools, the AWA currently delivers the largest global genetic evaluation of Wagyu, with more than 400,000 animals from breeders in 42 countries included in our fortnightly Wagyu genetic evaluation. The AWA has significantly developed the toolbox of novel genomic tools for breed management and genetic improvement over the last 5 years, including new selection indexes, genomic inbreeding and diversity, Wagyu Feeder Check and our Helical database. Our unmatched resources form the foundation of our leadership position and provide the depth and integrity required to drive sustainable breed improvement for Wagyu.

AWA’s Stepwise System Renewal

The AWA Board has maintained a mandate to ensure that AWA’s investment of member funds in its service and support systems, provides the optimal solution for its members and that risks associated with AWA’s major services are minimised.

Due diligence analysis of investment and efficiency returns in AWA’s systems in early 2021 identified opportunities for the AWA to increase the long-term return on investment in AWA’s databasing, genetic evaluation and genomic tools.

The AWA Board implemented a strategic program of review of AWA’s genetic evaluation, databasing and tools in late 2021.  This was undertaken in an environment of significant change within the marketplace for commercial databasing and genetic evaluation solutions.  The commercial marketplace has continued to change over the past four years as technology solutions continue to improve, and computational knowhow applied to livestock genetics and genomics develops.

Genetic Evaluation Timeline

In September 2021, the AWA announced a public Expression of Interest and Tender Process:

“The AWA seeks Expressions of Interest for provision of services from interested organisations to deliver complete systems for databasing, recording, accounting, data extract, research and development, genetic evaluation and service provision”.

A full and itemised statement of services was provided to the market.  In June 2022, AWA notified successful organisations and began work to develop its Helical database and to undertake parameterisation of AWA’s independent genetic evaluation and pipeline development.

AWA undertook complete rescoping of its Selection Indexes with AbacusBio in 2023, which were completed in 2024 for the Breeder Feeder, Fullblood Terminal and F1 Terminal Indexes.  AWA delivered genomic inbreeding calculations and genetic diversity measurement in November 2024.

AWA’s updated genetic parameters were calculated in November 2024, with AWA WBV’s calculated soon after.  AWA’s Helical database was delivered to AWA members in June 2025, with an automated pipeline for delivering weekly WBVs operational in September 2025.

AWA is now running its own complete genetic evaluation weekly, using AWA’s own genetic parameters, all member data, including pedigree records, performance and genomic data. AWA has been running its AWA genetic evaluation to produce WBVs in parallel to BREEDPLAN, to monitor the relationship between each EBVs derived from each analysis over time.

 

Independent AWA Genetic Evaluation

A core component of any genetic evaluation are the genetic parameters that drive the calculation of breeding values.  These include heritabilities and the genetic and phenotypic correlations across all traits.

The genetic parameters used in BREEDPLAN were estimated by AGBU in 2018 with transition to Wagyu Single Step BREEDPLAN, and then in 2021 these were re-estimated with AWA animal records exceeding 200,000 individuals.

AWA’s new genetic evaluation with updated genetic parameters (2024) uses live animal and carcase data from a significantly greater number of individuals.  It provides a full statistical model that solves a complete genetic evaluation of over 400,000 animals, with performance and pedigree data and over 300,000 genotypes (genomic profiles).   The new AWA genetic evaluation runs all traits simultaneously in a single-step 100% Wagyu-specific model, to produce the most robust analysis completed for Wagyu.

 

Delivering a New Era of Wagyu Breeding Values

The 2026 release will introduce a modern WBV framework for Wagyu breeders that delivers greater accuracy, deeper insights and a broader range of economically important traits. These enhancements will equip breeders with the most comprehensive tools available to make confident, data driven decisions for herd improvement.

This forward-looking approach significantly improves our capability to deliver improvements to Wagyu genetic tools, reflecting advancement in technologies and trait definition that is important for Wagyu breeders as well as preserving the long term integrity of our genetic evaluation.

As part of the 2024 genetic parameter estimation, AWA has included new data for Feed Intake parameters and a new MIJ camera Marbling Fineness Index.  Over time, Fatty Acid profile WBVs will also be implemented for Wagyu breeders based on data collected within the AWA Progeny Test Program.

Net Feed Intake data has now been recorded on over 2,000 progeny from more than 100 sires.  AWA’s WBV’s for feed intake will reflect the genetic variation in the Wagyu population for Feed Intake and Average Daily Gain during the feedlotting phase.

New Marbling Fineness,  a fineness WBV, will replace the old Marbling Fineness EBV.  The Meat Image Japan (MIJ) old marbling finesses measure was developed for the original MIJ reflective camera and estimated the number of fine particles per square centimetre of ribeye.  Meat Image Japan have advised the AWA that their new Marbling Fineness Index has a stronger and positive relationship with marbling fineness in high marbling Wagyu carcases. The new Marbling Fineness measure also provides improved standardisation of measurement when comparing quartering sites with different ribeye areas (eg. 12/13th vs 5th/6th rib site), as occurs in the Australian market.  Given the large volume of carcase data captured recently using MIJ mobile cameras, the new Marbling Fineness WBV has been calculated using more than 15,000 MIJ carcase records, compared to around 4,000 used for the old Marbling Fineness EBV.

 

Built on a Strategic Foundation

The move to an independent analysis stems from a clear organisational direction. The AWA has been guided by six corporate goals in the 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, several of which sit at the core of this project:

  • Data Management & Integrity – Strengthening data quality and transparency through a robust, purpose designed evaluation pipeline.
  • Technology & Innovation – Investing in cutting edge genetic science and R&D to ensure the Wagyu breed continues to set global benchmarks.
  • Delivery of Services – Enhancing efficiency and quality in the provision of core services, including the delivery of breeding values.

By aligning the new genetic analysis with these strategic pillars, the AWA is ensuring the breed’s future remains anchored in evidence, innovation and integrity driven solely by Wagyu data and using the best available tools.

 

Seamless Integration Through Helical

In line with the AWA’s focus on technology, efficiency and member experience, the new genetic evaluation will integrate directly with Helical, the Association’s primary member interface. This integration will deliver:

  • faster access to breeding values
  • improved visualisation and reporting
  • streamlined workflows for data submission and analysis

AWA will run its complete WBV analysis weekly. AWA can more readily evaluate and publish new traits as these come online, including WBVs for fatty acid unsaturation as an example.

 

Strengthening Breed Viability and Global Leadership

As custodians of the Wagyu breed, the AWA has a responsibility to safeguard genetic diversity, ensure sustainable breeding progress and maintain the breed’s premium global standing. The 2026 WBV evaluation will strengthen our ability to deliver on these objectives by providing breeders with the detailed, accurate and future-focused information that is 100% Wagyu data driven and able to be updated in a timely way to deliver improvements as they occur.

 

Next Steps Toward 2026

Over the coming months, the AWA will continue to share updates as the WBV evaluation approaches release. Members can expect more information on:

  • new and expanded WBV traits
  • trait definitions and technical documentation provided to members
  • training and demonstration opportunities
  • transition timelines for switching to WBVs within Helical

 

The AWA’s 2026 WBV transition represents a major step forward for the Wagyu industry, one that completes the long-term commitment of AWA to secure its genetic resources and the integrity of its genetic tools for benefit of members.  The Australian Wagyu Association will continue to drive the industry forward to advance the breed and strengthen the global Wagyu industry by delivering improvements for our members and for the industry.

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE - Terms & Conditions

It is a condition of use of this database that you accept these terms and conditions. 

It is important that you appreciate when accessing the Australian Wagyu Association Limited (AWA) database (which may be hosted on an external website) that the information contained on the AWA database, including but not limited to pedigree, DNA information, Wagyu Breeding Values (WBVs) and Index values (together called Database Information), is based on data supplied by AWA members and/or third parties.  

Whilst sincere effort is made to ensure the Database Information is accurate and complete, to the extent permitted by law, AWA, its officers and employees, shall not be responsible for its use or interpretation, and you use the Database Information at your own risk. Please be aware of the following limitations of the Database Information.  

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

  • WBVs are derived using genetic evaluation technology developed for the AWA, using the information contained within the AWA database.  
  • WBVs are estimates of genetic potential of individual animals and may not reflect the raw animal phenotype.  
  • WBVs can only be directly compared to other WBVs calculated in the same AWA genetic analysis.  

Regarding pedigree and DNA testing results submitted to the AWA, it is 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 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 set out details regarding the definition of a Pedigree Recorded Animal.  
  • 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 genetic issues or inaccuracies which were previously not detectable are now able to be detected by current testing technology (i.e. if the animal was tested again with current 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 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.   

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

  • As genetic testing results are provided by independent DNA testing laboratories at the request of AWA members, AWA relies solely on the accuracy of the reporting of genetic testing as completed by the laboratories.  
  • AWA uses GeneProb software to calculate the likelihood of pedigree animals being a carrier of genetic conditions.  This likelihood is an estimate based on the available genetic testing results.  

If you consider that you do not understand or appreciate the nature and/or implications of the data provided on this website or the WBVs of a particular animal, then AWA strongly recommends that you seek expert advice.  Note there is substantial technical information and articles on the Wagyu website to assist our members. 

AWA’s liability for any loss or damage, consequential or otherwise, suffered or incurred by you or your related business, arising directly or indirectly from your use of Database Information, to the extent permitted by law, is limited to AWA providing you with a refund for the fees paid for the service (if any), or AWA re-performing the service, where possible, at the election of AWA.  

AWA administers this database in good faith to support AWA members and the industry. AWA does not represent or warrant that the animals recorded in this database, or animals breed from them, will achieve any particular genetic or phenotype performance.

THIS DISCLAIMER HAS BEEN UPDATED AS OF 03/02/2026, PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE READ IT IN DETAIL

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