EBVs for F1 and F2 crossbred animals

EBVs for F1 and F2 crossbred animals

Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) are one of the best tools available to assess the potential value of an animal. EBVs are calculated using the genetic relationships between animals, including performance records across multiple generations and large-scale data collection and analysis for traits such as marbling. Currently, each breed society is running separate analysis as the genetic base for each trait will be different from breed to breed. Due to the limited number of F1 and F2 animals being used as breeding stock there often is not enough multi-generational data to accurately calculate EBVs, and the influence of the non-wagyu content on the animal does not fit into the breed specific analysis. As such, animals with under 80% wagyu content are not able to have accurate EBVs generated. The AWA, in partnership with Neogen and CSIRO have developed the Wagyu Feeder Check program and molecular breeding values (MBVS) to allow producers to assess the genetic merit of financially important traits in these lower wagyu content animals. For more information on the Wagyu Feeder Check program please follow this link: WAGYU FEEDER CHECK | AWA – CSIRO – NEOGEN.

Please remember, when submitting your DNA test requests for F1 and F2 animals, if you are looking to analyse the genetic potential of these animals, you must conduct a Wagyu Feeder Check test. If an animal is crossbred, utilise the correct AWA ID format to identify them, do not include a fullblood “F” in an animal’s ID that is not fullblood as the MSO team is better able to support you when the data supplied is accurate.

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.