The 2021 Australian Wagyu Association’s Elite Wagyu Sale held on 28 April 2021, continued to highlight the global strength of the Association’s Wagyu BREEDPLAN estimated breeding values (EBVs) and genomic analysis to an ever-increasing domestic and international Wagyu sector market.

Consistent with prior years, the international interest in the Sale was high, with international buyers bidding on almost all Lots, and taking seven of the 45 Lots on offer – to the UK, Switzerland, Ireland and the US. More than 160 registered bidders participated in the live and online auction.

Topping the sale, was a Fullblood heifer PSKFR0007 from Sunnyside Wagyu, snapped up for $65,000 by Amberoo Wagyu. The 10-month-old heifer whose bloodline traces back through Macquarie Wagyu’ Coates Itoshigenami G113, was recently joined to a son of Macquarie’s Y408, who features in the top 1% of the 600-day weight gain EBV.

The dominance of new generation genetics was on display, including Macquarie Wagyu’s G133 who as a third-generation carcase sire with 127 Fullblood carcase progeny records, has 60% of his progeny achieve a marble score of more than 9.  The semen straws topped the semen lots at $50,000 per straw, sold to US based Synergy Wagyu.

In the bull category, the top price was gained for Olive Grove Wagyu’s OGWFR18, a Fullblood son of Sumo’s Michifuku L195 with a Self-Replacing Index value of more than $300, achieving a $55,000 sale price at the fall of the hammer.

Switzerland’s Marcel Merz continued to strengthen the genetics of his Top Wagyu herd, with the top bid of $2,900 per embryo for a Lot of four embryos offered by Amberoo Wagyu. Of the flush Lots, UK Wagyu buyer Paul Angelides bought two Lots at $18,000 each from Shokunin Wagyu.

Australian Wagyu Association CEO, Dr Matt McDonagh, said that: “It is clear that the international and domestic market for elite Wagyu genetics is strong and has been reflected in the level of interest shown in the 2021 Elite Wagyu Sale, and in recent private Wagyu sales. It is a credit to our members that our Herdbook and EBVs provide the global benchmark for Wagyu Genetic evaluation and the core resource for continued progress in Wagyu.”

For full results read more

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:

  • 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.