Wagyu Selection $Indexes

The Australian Wagyu Association has three world-leading Selection $Indexes - a significant step forward for Wagyu breeders to achieve faster rates of genetic gain and selection for profitability in Wagyu.

Selection Indexes and Genomic Tools

AWA Selection Indexes:
The Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) has implemented changes to its Selection Indexes as follows:

  1. AbacusBio have calculated new parameter for Fullblood Wagyu Selection Indexes; leading to an
  2. Updated Wagyu Breeder Feeder Index as it is now using the new Fullblood parameters;
  3. New Fullblood Terminal Index using the new Fullblood parameters and AbacusBio economic models; and
  4. New F1 Terminal Index using new F1 parameters and AbacusBio economic models.

AWA Selection Indexes:
BFI = AbacusBio Wagyu Breeder Feeder Index
FTI = AbacusBio Fullblood Terminal Index
F1TI = AbacusBio F1 Terminal Index

Genomic Inbreeding and Genomic Diversity Tools: 
The AWA Board has genomic tools that utilise Wagyu genotype data to provide accurate inbreeding and genetic diversity measures:

  1. Genomic Inbreeding:  Which is calculated from analysing runs of homozygosity (blocks of DNA with no allelic variance) using genomic profiles; and
  2. Genomic Diversity: Which is calculated by comparing the SNP by SNP variation across an animals entire genomic profile against that of the current female breeding population.

The Breeder-Feeder Index (BFI) was released in February 2024 and is a balanced Selection Index, to assist Wagyu breeders to select the most profitable animals in a self-replacing herd, whilst better managing birth weight, milk production, and mature cow weight.

The Breeder-Feeder Index:

  1. Promotes a high growth response, especially for post-weaning gain/Carcase Weight;
  2. Reduces the number of high ranking extreme high and low Birth Weight EBV sires;
  3. Delivers positive emphasis for Milk and Scrotal Size;
  4. Applies a slight negative emphasis on high Mature Cow Weight while strongly positively emphasising Carcase Weight; whilst also
  5. Providing a high selection response for Marble Score.

 

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