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Why the SNP500 (SeekSire) Test Has Been Discontinued: A Strategic Step Forward

Knowledge Centre

Why the SNP500 (SeekSire) Test Has Been Discontinued: A Strategic Step Forward

The Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) has officially discontinued the SNP500, also known as the SeekSire or parentage SNP test. This change may come as a surprise to some long-standing members, but the decision is backed by strong reasons, from improving the accuracy of parentage verification to future-proofing Wagyu genetic evaluations.

Here’s a deeper look at why the SNP500 has been phased out and what this change means for you as a member.

Genomic SNP Testing is More Accurate and Comprehensive

The most important reason for discontinuing the SNP500 is to shift members toward using the genomic SNP test, which offers superior accuracy for both parentage verification and genomic predictions.

While the SNP500 was a useful tool for confirming pedigree, it was limited in scope. Genomic SNP testing not only verifies parentage with greater confidence but also provides valuable data on important traits. This broader genetic insight supports smarter breeding and selection decisions.

In other words, genomic SNP testing is a two-in-one solution: you get accurate parentage data and powerful genomic predictions in a single test.

It’s More Cost-Effective for Members

A surprising but important factor in this decision is cost. Thanks to advancements in technology and broader adoption, the genomic SNP test is now more affordable than SNP500, while offering much more value.

Rather than paying more for less functionality, members now receive a richer dataset — at a lower price point. The result is a test that supports better herd performance and long-term profitability.

Standardisation for Cleaner, More Reliable Data

By encouraging all members to use the same genomic SNP panel, AWA can maintain consistency across the entire herdbook and database. This standardisation improves the integrity of the national Wagyu dataset, ensures fair and accurate comparisons between animals, and supports better breed-level genetic evaluations.

Enhanced Integration with EBVs and Genomic Evaluations

Genomic SNPs feed directly into BREEDPLAN and EBV systems, improving the accuracy of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs). This results in better selection decisions, more predictable breeding outcomes, and higher confidence in genetic merit.

SNP500 results did not contribute to genomic EBVs — limiting their long-term value.

Meeting Market Demand for Genomic-Backed Genetics

There is growing demand in both domestic and international markets for animals with genomic EBVs and verified genetic traits. Buyers want confidence that the animals they invest in are backed by reliable, comprehensive genetic data.

Reducing Complexity

Removing the SNP500 from AWA’s DNA services reduces complexity in lab processing and simplifies member support. It also reduces duplication of testing efforts and streamlines administrative workflows for the AWA office.

Moving Forward

We understand that some members may be accustomed to using the SNP500, but we’re confident that this change will deliver long-term benefits — both at the herd level and across the Wagyu breed as a whole.

If you need help transitioning to genomic SNP testing, or have questions about how to interpret your genomic data, please don’t hesitate to contact the AWA office. We’re here to support you in making the most of your genetic information.

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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