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 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.