Transition from SNP500 to Genomic SNP

Transition from SNP500 to Genomic SNP

Update on DNA Testing Services: Transition to Genomic SNP Testing

The Australian Wagyu Association has implemented a key change to its DNA testing services, discontinuing the SNP500 (Parentage SNP/Seeksire) test in favour of the more advanced Genomic SNP test. This transition reflects the Association’s commitment to delivering the most accurate, efficient, and comprehensive genomic testing solutions in line with current industry standards.

 

Why the Change?

The Genomic SNP test offers significantly broader capabilities compared to the SNP500. In addition to parentage verification, it supports genomic evaluation and trait analysis, giving breeders and producers a more complete picture of their herd’s genetic profile.

Benefits of the Genomic SNP test include:
  • Improved accuracy in parentage verification and genomic predictions
  • Enhanced data for more informed breeding and selection decisions
  • Streamlined testing processes, reducing duplication and improving efficiency

 

Updated Testing Options and Documentation

All DNA testing options have been revised and are now reflected in Helical, the Association’s online platform, as well as in the DNA Test Request Forms available on the AWA website. The Fee Schedule has also been updated to reflect current pricing and available test bundles across major laboratories:

  • Neogen
  • Zoetis
  • Weatherbys

Members are encouraged to review the updated documents to ensure they are informed of the new structure and available services.

 

Submitting DNA Test Requests

The AWA strongly recommends using Helical for submitting DNA test requests. Benefits of using Helical include:

  • Acknowledgement of your submission within 1–2 business days
  • Automatic queueing for laboratory processing
  • Easy tracking and management of submissions

Alternatively, completed DNA Test Request Forms may be submitted via email to [email protected]. Please note that email submissions may take 3–4 business days to process, depending on volume and staffing levels.

 

Need Assistance?

For support with DNA testing options, Helical, or submission processes, contact the AWA DNA team:

Phone: (02) 8880 7700

Email: [email protected]

This update ensures that Wagyu breeders and producers continue to have access to world-class genetic testing that supports the ongoing improvement and integrity of Australian Wagyu herds.

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 the information contained within the AWA database. 
  • WBVs are estimates of genetic potential of individual animals 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