search Search

AWA DATABASE

Crossbred Wagyu Test – what is it and why would you use it?

Knowledge Centre

Crossbred Wagyu Test – what is it and why would you use it?

Content Wagyu grades (1,2,3,4) are based on the percentage of wagyu in an animal. The grade of a content animal is determined with either generational registration or a Crossbred Wagyu Test (CWT).

The Australian Wagyu Association’s Crossbred Wagyu Test (CWT) uses genomic analysis to estimate the proportion of Japanese Black Wagyu genetics in crossbred cattle that are without traceable full pedigree records. Whilst only cattle with verified Japanese lineage can be registered as Fullblood, the CWT helps crossbred producers identify animals with high Wagyu content, improving consistency in meat quality and supporting better feeding, breeding, and marketing decisions. It also allows breeders the opportunity to register animals that previously could not be recorded with the AWA as registered animals. As we need a full genomic profile to recognise the presence of wagyu-specific traits, a CWT can only be conducted on a genomic SNP. It compares the “distance” the genotype of the animal being tested is away from the reference wagyu population. Breed content and traits are heritable and can loosely be estimated based on the prior generation, however it is not guaranteed that a F2 is 75%+ content and as such a F2 and Fullblood mating will not always produce an F3 calf.

Content Wagyu Grade

Imagine that the red, blue, and green animals are fullblood wagyu animals. The red bear is another breed. You can see the cross bred animals don’t always inherit a tidy split of the genetic content present in a parent; unfortunately biology is never that straight forward. This unpredictable rearrangement of genes also makes estimating future wagyu content by generation a risk. Hence, for animals that are not able to be registered on parentage, the AWA recommends going as far back as you can, registering the oldest animals in a herd as content with a CWT test, and from there registering subsequent generations based on parentage.

As an extra note – we know that even some of the very first wagyu animals that came over from Japan do not test as 100% wagyu content on our CWT test. The CWT test was developed on the Australian wagyu population, which strongly favours Tajima lines. Other lines, such as Tottori or Itozakura are significantly genetically different, so much so that they may score within the 60-80% CWT range for fullblood animals which is why parent verification of fullblood animals is essential

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.

I Accept I Do Not Accept