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 - 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