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From EBVs to WBVs: How?

Knowledge Centre

From EBVs to WBVs: How?

Introduction

The Australian Wagyu Association’s (AWA) transition from BREEDPLAN Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) to Wagyu Breeding Values (WBVs) is not a simple rebranding of genetic outputs. It is the result of a deliberate, multi-year investment in data infrastructure, genomic capability, statistical modelling, and governance that now allows AWA to independently deliver a Wagyu-specific genetic evaluation.

Here we outline the technical foundations that make this transition possible and explains why this capability did not exist previously.

 

The Scale and Maturity of Wagyu Data

Genetic evaluation systems are fundamentally limited by the quantity, quality, and structure of available data. Over the past six years, AWA’s Wagyu dataset has expanded at a pace that fundamentally changed what is technically feasible.

AWA now delivers the largest Wagyu genetic evaluation in the world, analysing more than 400,000 animals from breeders across 42 countries, with data volumes continuing to increase on a fortnightly basis

Compared with earlier BREEDPLAN parameter updates, the available data has:

  • Nearly tripled in total animal numbers
  • More than quadrupled the amount of animal performance records
  • Increased genomic coverage by more than 600%
  • Seen the largest growth in carcase traits, driven primarily by AWA’s MIJ camera program

This scale of Wagyu-specific data allows genetic parameters, heritabilities and trait correlations to be more accurately estimated directly for Wagyu.

 

Genomics as a Structural Foundation

Unlike many beef breeds where genomics is a smaller relative input into genetic evaluations, genomics has become foundational to the Wagyu genetic evaluation. AWA’s analysed dataset now includes close to half a million genotypes, spanning fullblood, purebred, and crossbred animals.

This genomic depth enables:

  • Single-step genomic evaluation across animals with differing Wagyu content
  • Effective utilisation of crossbred data, particularly F1–F3 carcase records
  • Higher prediction accuracy earlier in an animal’s life
  • Improved stability of breeding values as new data accumulates

The volume and structure of this genomic information is a critical enabler of WBVs.  The vast amount of genomic data across a narrow population base delivers great improvements in reliability and accuracy.

 

Wagyu-Specific Trait Definitions and Measurement

A further constraint of earlier EBV systems was the need to operate within generic trait definitions. As Wagyu production evolves, this becomes increasingly limiting through the ability to update parameters within AWA’s genetic evaluation and to understand new traits and develop genetic estimates for these.

AWA is now able to move to WBVs because it controls:

  • Trait definitions
  • Measurement standards
  • Data pipelines from collection to analysis

A key example is marbling fineness. The introduction of the MIJ New Fineness Index reflects a fundamentally different trait from earlier fineness measures, particularly at modern high marble scores (often >DMS 9). The volume of new fineness data now available makes it statistically valid to re-parameterise this trait within a Wagyu-specific model

Similarly, the redefinition of the Milk EBV into a Maternal Weaning Weight WBV and redefinition of the Eye Muscle Area trait reflects improved biological understanding and more accurate modelling based solely on Wagyu data rather than legacy assumptions

 

Independent Genetic Evaluation Capability

A critical enabler of the EBV to WBV transition is AWA’s ability to operate its own genetic evaluation pipeline.

Between 2021 and 2025, AWA undertook a structured system renewal program that included:

  • A board-level review of genetic and databasing capabilities
  • Competitive assessment of service providers
  • Development of an independent evaluation pipeline
  • Integration with AWA’s Helical member database

 

This infrastructure allows AWA to:

  • Update genetic parameters when data volumes justify it
  • Introduce new traits without external dependency
  • Run evaluations weekly rather than on longer cycles
  • Rapidly deliver results following DNA testing and registration

 

Statistical Justification for Transition

Comparative analyses between EBVs and WBVs demonstrate that the transition is statistically robust. For most traits, particularly growth, Carcase Weight, and Marble Score, WBVs are strongly correlated with EBVs, with correlations exceeding 0.9.

Where significant data is available for animals such as proven sires, we see very high relatedness between EBVs and WBVs, with most correlations exceeding 0.95.

Where greater re-ranking occurs (notably Maternal Weaning Weight and Eye Muscle Area), the differences are explained by:

  • Corrected Wagyu-specific trait relationships
  • Improved multi-trait modelling
  • Removal of legacy parameter constraints

 

Governance and Risk Management

The AWA Board established a clear mandate to ensure that investment in genetic services:

  • Maximises member value
  • Reduces reliance on external systems
  • Minimises long-term operational risk

WBVs represent the execution of that mandate, supported by staged delivery, member communication, and training prior to EBVs being retired in February 2026.

 

Conclusion

AWA is able to move from EBVs to WBVs because the Wagyu industry has reached a point of data maturity, genomic scale, and analytical capability that did not previously exist. WBVs are the natural outcome of:

  • Substantially larger and richer Wagyu datasets
  • Genomics as a core evaluation input
  • Wagyu-specific trait definitions
  • Independent, modern genetic evaluation infrastructure

The transition positions AWA to continue refining genetic tools as data grows, ensuring that Wagyu breeders have access to the most accurate, relevant, and future-proof genetic information available.

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.

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