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Understanding Genetic Condition Results and GeneProb

Knowledge Centre

Understanding Genetic Condition Results and GeneProb

Are Genetic condition results and Geneprob the same?

Simple answer – No.

Geneprob is the estimated probability of an animal having a Genetic condition based on its pedigree and can be used to see what genetic conditions are possibly present in your herd if you have not tested for Genetic Conditions.

The probability is only calculated for animals that do not have a Genetic Condition testing result for that condition.

Genetic Condition results are the lab determined results for each genetic condition from the sample provided for that animal.

These animals will display as F (Free), C (Carrier) or A (Affected) within the Geneprob results.

Why have I received my Genetic conditions but my animals are still showing a probability of having a Genetic condition?

Genetic Condition Results from the lab are typically linked to a tested animal once a week and then also loaded into the registration database.

You will receive an email notification from Helical, once Genetic condition results have been loaded, however please be aware that these are not reported from the lab at the same time as the Genotypes that are used for Parentage analysis. We typically see a 1-2 week delay in this reporting, which may also affect the Gene test display and Geneprob results in the public database if animals are registered immediately prior to receiving Parentage results.

Geneprob is currently run once every two weeks on all registered animals and is separate to BREEDPLAN.

Why should I be doing Genetic Condition testing and not just relying on Geneprob in all circumstances?

The testing of genetic conditions allows for the accuracy of Geneprob to increase, as genetic condition results of a calf will likely affect the genetic probability of the sire or dam if no genetic condition result has been linked to the parents.

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:

  • 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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