Sunland and the AWA-PTP

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.

Throughout the program, they have also nominated 2 sires

SUNFH2241 – Sunland Itoshigenami H2241 &
SUNFH0035 – Sunland Yoi Rei R35

The AWA progeny trial gives Sunland an opportunity to benchmark how their sires compare with another cohort of sires external to their herd.

The Harris’ said being a part of this program has entailed more work, but they have benefitted by increasing their pool of genetics (including overseas sires not previously used in their herd) and they will continue to collect, record and analyse all data to enhance the accuracy and reliability of their own genetics.

Sunland’s dedication to supporting the AWA PTP shows their commitment to advancing the Wagyu breed as a whole. Participation in this program not only benefits their operation but also contributes valuable data that drives breed improvement across the entire industry.

Why our Participation Matters:

Data Collection & Benchmarking:

Contributing performance data helps identify superior genetics and provides benchmarking for growth, marbling, and maternal traits across different herds.

Industry-Wide Progress:

By collaborating with the AWA, Sunland are fostering innovation and supporting research that benefits the broader Wagyu community.

Mutual Benefit:

Their focus on herd improvement through AI, ET, and advanced management aligns perfectly with the goals of the AWA PTP, creating a win-win scenario.

The data they generate helps guide their breeding decisions while advancing the genetic knowledge base for Wagyu in Australia.

Research & Development Focus:

Their proactive approach to embracing research and technology further positions Sunland as an industry leader.

AWA is to be complimented on their bold innovation. Sunland would also like to thank the AWA staff involved in this project as they have been very obliging and professional throughout this project.

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.