Wagyu Breeding Values FAQs – 3 | Australian Wagyu Association

We are pleased to bring our third instalment in the Frequently Asked Questions series on the Wagyu Genetic Analysis (WGEN) and Wagyu Breeding Values (WBVs).

This update includes a new set of frequently asked questions addressing your enquiries.

If you missed the last two instalments you can view them here:

For further opportunity to learn more about WBVs, make sure you join us at WagyuEdge’26 and Big Texas’26.

Why do WBVs change and how can I manage this in my breeding program?

Wagyu Breeding Values (WBVs) are powerful tools that help breeders make smarter, genetic‑merit–driven decisions. Across the global Wagyu population, we’re seeing consistent year‑on‑year genetic gain, with clear commercial impact: higher marble scores, larger eye muscle area, heavier carcase weights and fewer days on feed.

Because WBVs draw on all available information, they evolve as new data enters the evaluation, every weight, scan, carcase record, pedigree update or genomic test makes each animal’s genetic estimate more accurate. These natural shifts don’t mean an animal has changed; they simply reflect a clearer, more precise understanding of its true genetic potential.

So, what’s driving the latest WBV movements and what does it mean for your breeding program? READ MORE

Why have we seen changes to Carcase Eye Muscle Area in the EBV to WBV change?

One of the most noticeable shifts in the move from EBVs to WBVs has been in the Carcase Eye Muscle Area (EMA) breeding value. Compared with other traits, EMA has seen more re‑ranking between the old and new systems, something clearly illustrated in recent data showing a moderate‑to‑strong correlation of 0.77 between EMA EBVs and EMA WBVs across 245 influential sires.

So what’s driving this movement? A major factor is the updated Wagyu data‑driven genetic parameters used in the new evaluation. Under the WBV model, EMA is now more strongly and positively correlated with growth traits, carcase weight and marbling score better reflecting what many breeders see in commercial carcase performance and closely aligning with relationships reported in Japanese Black cattle research. READ MORE

What was the governance process around WBV development, review and implementation?

The development of the Wagyu Breeding Value (WBV) evaluation was led by independent geneticist Dr Vinzent Boerner, supported through an Australian Research Council partnership with the University of Queensland and the University of New England. This industry‑backed research pipeline delivered the scientific foundation behind the new WBV system—designed entirely outside of AWA Board influence. READ MORE

Do you have more questions?

Use THIS FORM to submit questions to the AWA.

Current Resources

KNOWLEDGE CENTRE

FAQ 1

FAQ 2

WAGYU UPDATE ARTICLE

TECHNICAL WORKSHOP VIDEOS

Contact

We thank the AWA membership for their patience as we’ve worked through preliminary investigations based on your initial feedback. If you have further questions or would like clarification on any aspect of the WBVs, please don’t hesitate to, contact the AWA office Ph: 02 8880 7700 E: [email protected]

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