Genetic Improvement

Genetic Improvement

Parentage analysis at the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) uses SNP profiles to verify relationships between offspring and parents. Conducted in-house with Genomic SNPs (50,000–100,000 SNPs) or Parentage SNPs (500 SNPs), the process identifies conflicting SNPs, which must remain within accepted thresholds for both single-parent and mating trio analyses. High-quality samples and genomic SNPs are recommended for accurate verification, as lower-quality genotypes or limited SNP markers can increase the likelihood of failed parentage assessments.
Parentage mating’s – why did the sire and dam qualify individually to my calf but have failed as a Calf/Sire/Dam mating trio?
Genetic Diversity scores closer to 100 indicate higher genetic diversity and scores closer to 0 indicate lower genetic diversity. Genetic Diversity is measured by calculating the SNP by SNP difference of an individual animal relative to the average of females from the last 5 complete calendar years.
Genetic Diversity
The Australian Wagyu Association has implemented four world-leading Selection $Indexes - a significant step forward for Wagyu breeders to achieve faster rates of genetic gain and selection for profitability in Wagyu.
Wagyu Selection $Indexes
Many Wagyu breeders are amazed at at the physical diversity that can be seen between full sisters or full brothers that are produced from the same flush. This diversity is a result of genetic differences between embryos that is created by the unique sample of parental DNA in each egg and in each sperm that are brought together during fertilisation.
Flush sisters or flush brothers are not identical twins

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.