search Search

AWA DATABASE

Focus on genetic linkage and genomic analysis

AWA-PTP testing progeny for high-value traits

Wednesday, 30 November 2022

The AWA Progeny Test Program (AWA-PTP) will further advance the highly successful Wagyu BREEDPLAN genetic analysis by testing progeny from the maximum number of emerging industry sires for high-value traits. The program aims to generate comprehensive progeny test data on approximately 250 emerging Wagyu bulls. In addition, it will also capture data on thousands of heifer progeny for hard-to-measure traits such as fertility and maternal performance and thousands of steer progeny for feed efficiency, carcase, and eating quality traits.

The program will create high-accuracy EBVs for project sires and cows and benefit all members through genetic linkage and genomic analysis. For example, the EBV accuracy of a bull that has undergone progeny testing can improve from 50% accuracy to 90% accuracy resulting in improved breeding decisions and rate of genetic improvement in the Wagyu breed across all herds. 

Ryan Carter from ACC Beef says “we were interested to compare how our sires performed outside our own programs and to contrast our joining outcomes with Matesel recommendations. Being involved can only help to validate the accuracies of current and future estimated breeding values. We strongly encourage seedstock marketers to become involved and stand by their products. All available assistance should be provided to ensure no potential stars slip through the cracks”.

On the 28 June this year the first calf was born from Cohort 1. Since then a further 806 of the 947 calves expected in Cohort 1 have been born, of which 422 are males, and 384 are females. Progress is underway in Cohort 2 also with 315 cows having been artificially inseminated. By May next year (2023), it’s expected that approximately two thousand cows will be joined. All progeny will be genomically SNP tested and comprehensively performance recorded to support whole-of-life progeny performance evaluation. The data will be used in Wagyu BREEDPLAN to produce and improve Wagyu breeding values.

Progeny test programs are the best approach to achieving genetic gain in any breed. AWA members are urged to become involved in the program and nominate their sires to enhance Wagyu genetics further. Any Australian or international-based AWA member can nominate sires for the AWA-PTP, giving you the opportunity to have the next generation of sires proven through the program for current and new traits. There is also the opportunity for cow herds to be benchmarked, with a minimum of 150 second-calf females to be submitted. Paul Harris from Sunland Cattle Company said “we are happy to contribute to the betterment of the breed and would like to compare our cattle to the AWA standards and other people’s cattle”. 

Sire nominations for Cohort 3 is open to any AWA member wishing to nominate sires into the program. Nominations to close on 16 December 2022 – learn more

IMPORTANT NOTICE - Terms & Conditions

It is a condition of use of this database that you accept these terms and conditions. 

It is important that you appreciate when accessing the Australian Wagyu Association Limited (AWA) database (which may be hosted on an external website) that the information contained on the AWA database, including but not limited to pedigree, DNA information, Wagyu Breeding Values (WBVs) and Index values (together called Database Information), is based on data supplied by AWA members and/or third parties.  

Whilst sincere effort is made to ensure the Database Information is accurate and complete, to the extent permitted by law, AWA, its officers and employees, shall not be responsible for its use or interpretation, and you use the Database Information at your own risk. Please be aware of the following limitations of the Database Information.  

Regarding WBVs and Index values, it is important to appreciate, and you need to be aware that:  

  • WBVs are derived using genetic evaluation technology developed for the AWA, using the information contained within the AWA database.  
  • WBVs are estimates of genetic potential of individual animals and may not reflect the raw animal phenotype.  
  • WBVs can only be directly compared to other WBVs calculated in the same AWA genetic analysis.  

Regarding pedigree and DNA testing results submitted to the AWA, it is 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 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 set out details regarding the definition of a Pedigree Recorded Animal.  
  • 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 genetic issues or inaccuracies which were previously not detectable are now able to be detected by current testing technology (i.e. if the animal was tested again with current 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 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.   

Regarding DNA testing and genetic condition results submitted to the AWA, it is important to appreciate, and you need to be aware that:  

  • As genetic testing results are provided by independent DNA testing laboratories at the request of AWA members, AWA relies solely on the accuracy of the reporting of genetic testing as completed by the laboratories.  
  • AWA uses GeneProb software to calculate the likelihood of pedigree animals being a carrier of genetic conditions.  This likelihood is an estimate based on the available genetic testing results.  

If you consider that you do not understand or appreciate the nature and/or implications of the data provided on this website or the WBVs of a particular animal, then AWA strongly recommends that you seek expert advice.  Note there is substantial technical information and articles on the Wagyu website to assist our members. 

AWA’s liability for any loss or damage, consequential or otherwise, suffered or incurred by you or your related business, arising directly or indirectly from your use of Database Information, to the extent permitted by law, is limited to AWA providing you with a refund for the fees paid for the service (if any), or AWA re-performing the service, where possible, at the election of AWA.  

AWA administers this database in good faith to support AWA members and the industry. AWA does not represent or warrant that the animals recorded in this database, or animals breed from them, will achieve any particular genetic or phenotype performance.

THIS DISCLAIMER HAS BEEN UPDATED AS OF 03/02/2026, PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE READ IT IN DETAIL

I Accept I Do Not Accept