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Recording in Small Herds 

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WBV GENETIC EVALUATION
Recording in Small Herds 

Knowledge Centre

Recording in Small Herds 

Performance recording in smaller herds follows the same principles as larger operations; however, herd size can create challenges when collecting data for genetic analysis. Because Wagyu Breeding Values (WBVs) rely on comparisons between animals with equal opportunity to perform, careful planning of data collection is particularly important. 

With consistent recording practices, small herds can still contribute valuable information to genetic evaluation and benefit from WBVs. 

Key Considerations 

Maintaining meaningful contemporary groups is essential for effective genetic evaluation. Animals within a contemporary group must have been managed under the same conditions and assessed on the same day so their performance can be fairly compared. 

 In smaller herds, unnecessary mob splits or management groups can quickly reduce group size. Management groups should therefore only be assigned where animals have genuinely experienced different non-genetic influences, such as: 

  •  Different nutrition or supplementation
  • Illness or injury
  • Animals run under different environmental conditions

Strategies for Small Herds 

Small herd breeders can still produce useful performance data by focusing on a few key practices: 

  • Record the Entire Calf Drop – Where possible, record performance data for all animals within the group rather than a selected portion. Selective recording can introduce bias and reduce the value of the data. 
  • Maintain Consistent Management – Animals within a contemporary group must have had equal opportunity to perform. Avoid unnecessary mob splits that reduce group size. 
  • Record Data Consistently Each Year – While individual calf crops may be small, collecting performance data over multiple years builds a valuable dataset that supports long-term genetic improvement. 
  • Include Heifers and Steers – Recording performance data on heifers and steers, where practical, can increase group size and improve the reliability of comparisons. 

 Even in smaller herds, accurate and consistent performance recording supports informed breeding decisions and contributes to the ongoing improvement of Wagyu Breeding Values (WBVs). 

 

  • Last Updated August 19th, 2026
  • First Published August 12th, 2026

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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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