Expressions of Interest to Evaluate Red Wagyu Genetics in PTP

As part of its commitment to innovation and genetic advancement, the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) is inviting expressions of interest to incorporate Red Wagyu genetics into the Progeny Test Program. While Black Wagyu continues to form the foundation of the Australian Wagyu herd, the evaluation of Red Wagyu genetics presents a valuable opportunity to broaden the industry’s genetic understanding and production potential. By formally testing Red Wagyu within the Progeny Test Program, the AWA is taking a proactive approach to understanding how these genetics perform under Australian commercial feeding and processing conditions.

Including Red Wagyu in the program highlights the AWA’s focus on delivering practical, data-driven outcomes for members. Red Wagyu cattle are widely recognised for their fertility, structural soundness and adaptability, traits that can complement traditional Wagyu breeding objectives. Evaluating these cattle alongside established genetics allows the AWA to identify strengths, unlock new breeding options and provide producers with greater confidence when incorporating Red Wagyu into their programs. Ultimately, this initiative reinforces the AWA’s leadership in driving genetic diversity, resilience and profitability across the Australian Wagyu industry.

The Australian Wagyu Association is now seeking expressions of interest for sire nominations, including both Australian and international sires, as well as contributor herds within Australia prepared to utilise Red Wagyu sire semen within a fixed-time AI program. The success of this initiative relies on the willingness of herds to participate in the testing of Red Wagyu sires, and the AWA recognises the important role contributors play in advancing industry knowledge through this program. There are significant advantages to evaluating Red Wagyu sires within both Red Wagyu herds (Red dams) and traditional Black Wagyu herds (Black dams). Progeny from Red-on-Red matings will be eligible for registration in the Akaushi Register and will retain Fullblood status. Progeny resulting from Red-on-Black matings are eligible for Composite Cross registration while still maintaining Fullblood status. As such, the use of Red Wagyu Fullblood sires does not compromise genetic integrity or registration outcomes, but rather provides an opportunity to incorporate complementary traits while maintaining recognised Wagyu breed standards.

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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.