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Timeline from DNA Requests to Registration and EBVs

Knowledge Centre

Timeline from DNA Requests to Registration and EBVs

To ensure the accuracy and completeness of genetic and pedigree records, please follow the steps below when submitting DNA test requests, sending samples, and registering animals. This process is designed to maintain the integrity of data used for parentage verification, genetic condition testing, and EBV (Estimated Breeding Value) evaluations.

  1. Submitting a DNA Test Request
    DNA test requests should ideally be submitted via Helical, the Wagyu database platform. Requests submitted through Helical are generally approved within 1 to 2 business days, making it the most efficient method. If you are unable to use Helical, you may alternatively submit your request via email to [email protected].However, please note that email submissions may take 2 to 3 business days for approval.Once your DNA request is approved, you will receive an acknowledgement letter, which is required when sending your DNA samples to the lab.
  2. Sending Samples to the Laboratory
    After receiving your acknowledgement letter, send your DNA samples directly to the laboratory. We recommend using a tracked postal service to ensure the safe and timely delivery of your samples. In most cases, you should allow approximately one week for the samples to arrive at the lab, depending on your location and postal service provider. Please note that Zoetis and Weatherbys send their samples overseas so please allow for this when sending you samples.
  3. Laboratory Processing and Result Turnaround
    Once your samples have been received at the lab, processing generally takes 4 to 6 weeks. The DNA test results are returned to our office upon completion. We distribute results to members on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, so you can expect to receive your results on one of these days following lab processing.If you have also requested genetic condition testing, please note that these results will take an additional week to be processed and uploaded. You can view these results in Helical once available.
  4. Registration Following Parentage Results
    After you receive your parentage verification results, the next step is to register your animals. You can do this by completing either:
    – The pre-filled registration template that is provided with your DNA results, or
    – The standard registration form, if you prefer to enter the data manually.Once submitted, registrations are generally processed by our team within 3 to 4 business days, provided there are no issues or data discrepancies. If any errors are found, we will contact you directly for clarification or correction.
  5. EBV Inclusion and Genomic Data Confirmation
    Once your animals are registered, they will be included in the next EBV (Estimated Breeding Value) run. Please keep in mind that EBV data is extracted on the 7th and 23rd of each month. To ensure timely inclusion, plan your registration submissions accordingly.After you receive your EBVs, please check that genomic information has been used in the evaluation. This ensures more accurate breeding values and improves selection decisions for your herd.

To ensure you have EBVs before Christmas please follow the below timeline.

2nd October Cut off for DNA Request Submission

13th October Cut off for samples being received at the lab

1st December Cut off for registration submission

5th December Cut off for EBV Extract

15th December EBVs Published

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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