Join the AWA Progeny Test Program as a Contributor Herd

The Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) invites members to take an active role in shaping the future of Wagyu by becoming a Contributor Herd in the AWA Progeny Test Program (AWA-PTP).

As the world’s most comprehensive Wagyu progeny test, the program underpins the genetic evaluation pipeline that drives the accuracy of EBVs, advances Wagyu breeding technologies, and delivers world leading insights for producers. By contributing, you directly support the development of benchmarks that will benefit the entire Wagyu sector, while gaining unique benefits for your own herd.

Why Become a Contributor Herd?

Access to cutting-edge genetics insights – Contributor herds gain firsthand access to the latest progeny data, carcase results, and performance measures.
Enhanced herd value – Benchmark your genetics against industry wide results and strengthen your herd’s position in the marketplace.
Shape the future of Wagyu – Your herd’s participation directly influences the accuracy of EBVs and ensures that the Australian Wagyu herd continues to lead the world in genetic improvement.
Drive genetic progress – Contributor herds are part of a collaborative, industry defining project that leverages collective investment to deliver benefits across the Wagyu value chain.
Early access to next-generation genetics – Trial the newest sires in your herd before they are widely available, providing your program with a competitive edge.
Collaborate with leading industry partners – Gain exposure and work alongside some of the most influential breeders, researchers, and service providers in the Wagyu industry.
With many more benefits outlined in the factsheet

The Impact So Far

The AWA Progeny Test Program, now in full stride, is already delivering game-changing outcomes:

5,550 cows AI’d across 4 cohorts
2,243 calves registered so far
Completion of the first slaughter program for Cohort 1 males.
Integration of carcase data into BREEDPLAN evaluations, sharpening EBV accuracy.

This momentum is only possible with the ongoing involvement of committed members. By joining as a Contributor Herd, you help to expand the reach and impact of the program, building greater data depth and stronger outcomes for the entire industry.

How to Get Involved

For AWA Australian members with registered cow herds, contributing is simple, but the impact is profound. Whether you run a large breeding enterprise or a smaller Wagyu operation, your herd can play an integral role in advancing Wagyu genetics globally.

Register your interest today

Together, we can continue to be the world leader in innovation and delivery for the Wagyu sector and secure long term genetic gains that benefit every breeder, every herd, and every market.

For more information contact Genetic Improvements Project Manager, Natalie Poole E: [email protected] or Ph: 02 8880 7708

Don’t just take our word for it, find out from Sunland Cattle Co. why they are involved with the AWA-PTP as a contributor herd. Sunland has been involved in the Australian Wagyu Association Progeny Test Program (AWA-PTP) from the beginning, and currently into their fourth year of joinings as a contributor herd, having produced 440 progeny from the first 3 cohorts. The AWA PTP is run in conjunction with their own breeding programs with the progeny produced, grown and backgrounded the same as all other Sunland progeny. READ MORE

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.