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From EBVs to WBVs: Why?

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From EBVs to WBVs: Why?

From EBVs to WBVs: Why the Australian Wagyu Association Is Moving to Independent Genetic Evaluation

The Wagyu industry has always led the way in genetic innovation. As global and domestic demand for premium Wagyu beef continues to accelerate, the need for genetic evaluation systems that truly reflect the complexity, diversity and value of Wagyu production has never been greater.

From 2026, the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) will transition from BREEDPLAN Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) to a new, fully independent genetic evaluation system designed specifically for Wagyu: Wagyu Breeding Values (WBVs).

This change represents more than a new set of numbers. It marks a strategic shift toward a Wagyu-controlled evaluation framework built around Wagyu data, Wagyu production systems and Wagyu economic drivers to better support breeder decision-making, commercial outcomes and long-term breed sustainability.

Why an Independent System Was Needed

BREEDPLAN has provided a robust foundation for genetic evaluation across the Australian beef industry for many decades, and it has played an important role in the development of Wagyu genetics. However, Wagyu has evolved into a fundamentally different production ecosystem, one that now sits outside the assumptions and constraints of a generalised, multi-breed evaluation model.

Several critical limitations became increasingly evident:

  1. Unlocking the Value of Crossbred Data
    Wagyu production relies heavily on crossbreeding, with thousands of F1 to F3 carcase and performance records added to the AWA database each year. These data are central to commercial Wagyu profitability but require evaluation models that can fully account for varying Wagyu content, breed composition and crossbred performance. A Wagyu-specific system allows this data to be utilised more effectively and accurately.
  2. Faster Adoption of New Wagyu-Specific Traits
    AWA continues to capture rapidly expanding datasets, including camera-based carcase traits and advanced meat quality measurements unique to Wagyu. An independent system provides the flexibility to introduce, refine and deploy new traits as industry needs evolve—without the delays inherent in broader, multi-breed platforms.
  3. Maximising the Power of Genomics
    Genomics has been foundational to Wagyu from the outset, with widespread use of high-density SNP panels across animals with varying Wagyu content. WBVs are designed to better integrate genomic data across fullblood, purebred and crossbred populations, ensuring genomic information is used to its full potential within a single, unified evaluation framework.
  4. Faster, More Responsive Results
    As data volume and member engagement continue to grow, breeders increasingly expect faster turnaround times from data submission to published results. An independent Wagyu system allows AWA to deliver more frequent evaluations and streamlined reporting aligned with member expectations.
  5. Wagyu-Relevant Trait Definitions and Indexes
    Perhaps most importantly, Wagyu requires trait definitions and selection indexes that reflect its unique eating quality focus, production pathways and economic value structure. WBVs are built specifically to represent the realities of Wagyu breeding across seedstock, commercial and crossbred production systems—rather than adapting Wagyu to fit a generic beef model.

 

Built by Wagyu, for Wagyu

WBVs are the outcome of a four-year program of system renewal and investment by AWA, designed to establish a future-focused operational platform owned and governed by the Wagyu industry itself.

By moving to an independent genetic evaluation, AWA is ensuring that Wagyu breeders have access to tools that are:

  • Purpose-built for Wagyu
  • Scalable with industry growth
  • Responsive to emerging data and technology
  • Directly aligned with profitability and market demand

This transition positions Australian Wagyu genetics to continue leading the global industry, under a system shaped by Wagyu breeders, for Wagyu breeders, and for the long-term success of the entire Wagyu value chain.

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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