search Search

AWA DATABASE

DNA Testing Guide for Animal Registration with the Australian Wagyu Association

Knowledge Centre

DNA Testing Guide for Animal Registration with the Australian Wagyu Association

The first step in registering animals with the Australian Wagyu Association (AuWA) is to submit a DNA sample for testing. A genotype must be on file for each animal to meet the requirements for registration. At the time of DNA submission, there is also the opportunity to select additional genetic tests to gain further insights into your animals’ genetic makeup.

This article provides an overview of the DNA testing options available through AuWA-approved laboratories, including genomic SNP genotyping, parent verification, and screening for genetic conditions and traits.

 

  1. Genomic SNP Testing

Genomic SNP testing is the base testing required for animal registration. It provides a robust genotype for each animal, which is used for:

  • Parent discovery and verification
  • Genetic evaluation
  • Eligibility for Genomically Enhanced EBVs
  • Crossbred Wagyu Test (CWT) – when applicable

This test must be completed independently or in conjunction with additional testing.  Animals cannot be considered for registration until a SNP profile is on file.

 

  1. Crossbred Wagyu Test (CWT)

The Crossbred Wagyu Test (CWT) estimates the percentage of Japanese Black Wagyu ancestry in crossbred animals. This test is performed in-house by AuWA after receiving the genomic SNP data and typically takes one week for results.

  • Note: CWT is not suitable for red animals or those expected to have qualifying parent verification.
  • Use: Supports registration of crossbred (content) animals without verifiable pedigree.

 

  1. Wagyu Feeder Check

This test includes:

  • Genomic SNP testing
  • Sire verification
  • Molecular Breeding Values (MBVs) for key feedlot and carcass traits

Recommended for F1 and F2 Wagyu-cross feeder cattle that may not qualify for EBVs but benefit from genetic evaluation. MBVs are reported for the following traits:

  • Average Daily Gain
  • Hot Carcass Weight
  • Eye Muscle Area
  • Marble Score
  • P8 Fat Thickness

 

  1. Genetic Condition Testing

Genetic condition testing helps identify animals that are carriers (heterozygous) or affected (homozygous) by specific recessive genetic disorders. Knowledge of carrier status is essential for responsible breeding and avoiding the birth of affected calves.

Condition Full Name Summary
B3 Spherocystosis Causes severe anemia in affected calves. Often fatal within the first week.
CHS Chediak-Higashi Syndrome Leads to immune deficiency and poor blood clotting.
CL16 Claudin-16 Deficiency Causes terminal kidney failure from late adolescence.
F11 Factor XI Deficiency Results in excessive bleeding and reproductive challenges in carriers.
F13 Factor XIII Deficiency Rare bleeding disorder causing severe bruising and possible anemia.
IARS Isoleucyl-tRNA Synthetase Deficiency Leads to late-gestation or neonatal calf death due to impaired protein synthesis.

 

  1. Add-On Testing Options

These optional tests provide additional genetic insights for management and breeding decisions.

  • BVDV (Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus)
    Detects persistently infected (PI) animals. Only available via Zoetis, as an add-on to SNP or bundled testing.  Persistently infected animals were infected prior to birth and continuously shed the virus acting as a source of infection for other cattle.
  • Coat Colour & Dilution Factor
    Tests for variants of the MC1R gene and dilution genes that influence coat colour (e.g. dun, silver dun, yellow, cream).
  • POLL
    Identifies genetic markers associated with the polled phenotype. Required for animals to be registered as polled.
  • SCD (Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase)
    Assesses fat melting point traits by identifying variants of the SCD enzyme gene, which affects the conversion of stearic acid to oleic acid.

 

  1. DNA Testing Bundles

To simplify testing, several bundle options are available. Bundles include genomic SNP testing and select genetic conditions or traits.

Bundle Code Contents Available Through
COMP_BDL (Comprehensive) Genomic SNP, B3, CHS, CL16, F11, F13*, IARS, Coat Colour, POLL, SCD (*F13 replaced with Dilution Factor for Weatherbys) Weatherbys, Zoetis
ELITE_BDL (Elite Breeder) Genomic SNP, B3, CHS, CL16, F11, IARS, POLL, Coat Colour, Dilution Factor Weatherbys
GBL_BDL (Global) Genomic SNP, B3, CHS, F11, IARS Neogen
STD_BDL (Standard) Genomic SNP, B3, CHS, F11, IARS Weatherbys, Zoetis

  1. Standalone Testing Options

Most tests are also available as standalone options through Weatherbys and Zoetis. This provides flexibility for breeders who may only require specific condition testing or trait analysis without bundled packages.

Refer to the AuWA Fee Schedule for pricing and laboratory availability: Applications, Forms and Guides | Australian Wagyu Association

Summary

DNA testing is an essential component of Wagyu registration and breeding. Starting with genomic SNP genotyping, breeders can unlock a suite of additional tests for breed composition, genetic conditions, carcass traits, and more.

By selecting the appropriate testing options or bundles, producers can make more informed breeding and herd management decisions while fulfilling AuWA’s registration requirements.

For further assistance, contact the Australian Wagyu Association office or refer to the Knowledge Centre section of the website.

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.

I Accept I Do Not Accept