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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
  • Wagyu Content Check (WCC) – 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. Wagyu Content Check (WCC)

The Wagyu Content Check (WCC) 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. WCC can also be requested at a later date.

  • Note: WCC 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) or Free for specific recessive genetic disorders. Knowledge of carrier status is essential for responsible breeding and avoiding the birth of affected calves.

Condition
Condition
Summary
B3
Spherocystosis
Abnormal red cell production – causes anemia, often fatal within the first week of life.
CHS
Chediak-Higashi Syndrome
Abnormal function of white blood cells – reduced immune response and an increased susceptibility to bacterial and respiratory disease.
CL16
Claudin-16 Deficiency
Abnormal kidney function – considered terminal, with most affected animals not surviving beyond approximately six years of age.
F11
Factor XI Deficiency
Abnormal blood clotting – reduced clotting ability, leading to prolonged bleeding times. Considered mild and non-lethal, severe bleeding events can impact animal welfare.
F13
Factor XIII Deficiency
Abnormal blood clot stabilisation – results in severe bleeding and bruising, often leading to anemia and early death in affected calves. Considered rare within the population.
IARS
Isoleucyl-tRNA Synthetase Deficiency
Abnormal protein synthesis – reduces the activity of a key enzyme required for normal development of the embryo and newborn calf.
ANXN10
Annexin A10
Impacts embryonic mortality in the early stages of pregnancy.

 

  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. TSU samples only
  • 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. To view available bundles, VIEW THE FEE SCHEDULE

 

  1. Standalone Testing Options

Standalone testing for trait panel, genetic conditions and traits such as coat colour, poll status and fat melting points (SCD) are available for individual testing through all three labs – Neogen, Zoetis and Weatherby’s. 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 - 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 information contained within the AWA database and parameters derived from it.
  • WBVs are estimates of genetic potential of individual animals and may change with addition of new data or with new parameters.
  • WBVs are genetic merit estimates only 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

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