Animal ID Formats for DNA Test Requests

Animal ID Formats for DNA Test Requests

The AWA uses a standardized animal identification (ID) format to ensure precise traceability and accurate record-keeping of wagyu cattle. The ID format includes a combination of letter and numbers to denote specific details about the animal.

The ID begins with the three-letter member ID that represents the original registered breeder. This does not change through the life of the animal, even if this animal is transferred to another member.

This is followed by the number or letter identifying the grade of wagyu content within the animal. When submitting a DNA test request, you may not know the grade of the animal, in this case you can utilise an underscore (_) in place of the grade.

After the grade, the year of birth is included in the ID. This is known as the year code. Prior to 2022 the year of birth was encoded to a single letter, such as S representing 2021 drop animals. With the increase in use of artificial breeding techniques, we have the opportunity to use genetic material from animals that are deceased for a number of years. This, combined with advancements in record keeping, has created the issue of confusing animals from different years using the same year letter, and as such the inclusion of the last two digits of the year as part of the year code (22T for example).

The Wagyu year codes can be found at the following link – https://www.wagyu.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/AWA-YRCODE_web.pdf

This is followed by the unique sequence of numbers used to identify the animal individually, typically the tag or drop number. Provided is an example of how you would fill in the AWA Ident section of the DNA test request form on Helical for animal 012, an unknown content animal born in 2024 to member AWA.

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.