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 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.