Helical: The Platform for AWA Database Access | Australian Wagyu Association

From 1 February, legacy database systems (ILR2, i4 & Wagyu portal) will be fully decommissioned and will no longer be accessible. All AWA databasing functionality will be managed exclusively through Helical.

Over the past year, the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) has been actively guiding members through the transition to Helical, the world’s most advanced breed registry platform, purpose-built for the cloud and genomics era.

At the end of October 2025, members were advised that the Helical Public Database was live and that Helical was officially the primary platform for accessing information on animals recorded with the AWA.

Why the Change?

Helical brings together everything you need in one seamless, “one-stop-shop”, including:

DNA orders, genotypes and test results
Parent verification
Registrations, transfers and matings
Weights, WBVs and performance data
Invoices and member records

Helical is designed to allow all AWA member DNA, data entry, registration and member transactions in one place and improves AWA’s ability to support its members efficiently.

A Major Step Forward from Legacy Systems

The previous database environment relied on multiple platforms, often requiring members to log in to different systems to complete routine tasks. This created inefficiencies, delays and unnecessary complexity.

Helical replaces this with a single, integrated system where workflows are consistent and streamlined, whether you’re entering DNA records, managing registrations or reviewing performance data.

All results data is presented in clear, easy-to-read visual formats such as charts and graphs, making it easier to interpret results, identify trends and make confident decisions.

Faster, Smarter and More Connected

Helical has significantly reduced turnaround times for key processes, benefiting both members and AWA staff. Tasks that previously required multiple steps or days to complete can now be processed far more efficiently.

One clear example is parentage verification. Under the previous system, parentage analysis could take three to four days once data preparation was complete. With Helical, parentage checks can be run almost immediately after genotype data is uploaded, enabling faster on-farm decision-making.

Helical is also being built with API connections to key industry databases (such as NLIS), allowing data to flow seamlessly between systems. This reduces double handling, minimises manual data entry and improves overall data accuracy.

Built for Data Integrity and the Future

Helical incorporates more robust Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QAQC) capabilities, enabling automated checks throughout the workflow. This proactive approach helps identify issues earlier, improves data reliability and reduces the risk of human error.

Designed with long-term adaptability in mind, Helical can integrate new genetic indexes, emerging traits and advanced selection tools, ensuring the platform remains relevant as industry needs evolve.

Helical isn’t just a new system; it’s a strategic leap forward for the AWA community, supporting innovation, efficiency and confidence through transparency and more rapid data-driven decision-making.

What Members Need to Do Now

With legacy systems retiring from 1 February, all members should ensure they are using Helical as part of their regular operations:

Log in to Helical and familiarise yourself with your dashboard and records
Use Helical for all animal searches, databasing and reporting
Ensure animal links to the legacy database are switched over to Helical
Visit the Helical Knowledge Centre section for how-to guides and support resources
Contact the AWA team if you require training or assistance

The AWA will continue to provide members with updated information, education resources and member training on the advanced functionality that Helical provides to industry, to ensure members can confidently access and use Helical.

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