New pricing for Wagyu SNP 50K testing | Australian Wagyu Association

The Australian Wagyu Association and Neogen Australasia are delighted to announce new AWA standard pricing for the Wagyu GGP50K genomics and associated add-ons. These new prices do not impact current MiP to SNP promotions.

Through the combined efforts of its members working together, the AWA has become Neogen Australasia’s largest customer by volume of Wagyu GGP50K tests. As a result, AWA and Neogen announce new testing prices for Wagyu GGP50K that include the provision for re-testing of failed samples at no extra charge.

As of 25 May 2020, the new pricing for genetic testing through AWA for Neogen genomics products will apply as follows:

AWA CEO Dr Matt McDonagh said that Neogen Australasia has been in it for the long haul with AWA and they understand the DNA testing requirements of AWA and its members. Their responsiveness in offering volume discounts to the AWA is a credit to them and the AWA members who have worked together to achieve a massive volume of genomic DNA testing.

Neogen Australasia’s Sales and Marketing Manager Sarah Buttsworth said the company had pursued a partnership approach with AWA to ensure that its members could obtain maximum value from their investment in genomic technology, which in turn will accelerate the genetic improvement that is underway across the Wagyu breed.

“As Australia’s largest local genomics laboratory, we believe strongly in working closely with breeders and their societies to drive genetic gains,” Ms Buttsworth said. “We have been working with Wagyu breeders since the early 1990s when, under the former UQ Animal Genetics Laboratory (AGL) brand, we began blood typing services.”

Dr McDonagh highlights a significant benefit to AWA members through the new Neogen Wagyu GGP50K pricing – with one re-test being provided by AWA at no charge where a member has a failed sample and submits a new sample for testing. “On average, this occurs in less than 5% of cases, but can be a significant bug-bear for our members,” he said.

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.