Weatherbys Scientific & AWA enter global partnership

International genomics leader Weatherbys Scientific has announced a global partnership with Australia’s second largest breed organisation by primary registrations, the Australian Wagyu Association (AWA), to expand access to advanced genotyping services.

The collaboration is set to make DNA testing more accessible, affordable and accurate to AWA’s more than 1400 Australian and international members, offering powerful tools to enable more informed decisions that drive long-term genetic gain.

Weatherbys Scientific Business Development Manager ANZ, Michael-John Barry, said that with a shared commitment to supporting breed improvement and producer success, the partnership with AWA marks a significant milestone for Australia’s premium beef sector.

“Weatherbys’ mission is to bring world-class, reliable and efficient DNA testing solutions to our customers and we are thrilled to be partnering with the AWA and supporting their members,” Mr Barry said.

AWA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Matt McDonagh, said the partnership would deliver immediate benefits and play a vital role in the ongoing prosperity of the breed.

“This collaboration with Weatherbys opens up real opportunities for our members as genotyping strengthens the accuracy of Estimated Breeding Values, enhances transparency and gives buyers confidence in what they’re purchasing,” Dr McDonagh said.

“Australian Wagyu is already a global success story but to stay at the top, and drive future growth, we need access to world-class genomic tools, and the pricing model is going to be very attractive to Australian Wagyu Association members.”

The Australian Wagyu industry has experienced exceptional domestic and export growth over the past decade due to the breed’s international reputation for eating quality and the local industry’s significant investment and skill. However, Wagyu breeders face unique challenges, such as the risk of inbreeding due to Japan ending the export of genetics in the 1990s.

“The origin for the Wagyu industry outside of Japan was circa 220 cattle that were exported from Japan, before Japan closed the door on genetic exports in the early 1990’s, so that is one challenge,” Mr Barry said.

“Marbling also sets the breed apart. The marbling fineness defines the marbling quality, and the chemical composition of the taste profile elevates Wagyu beef as a luxury experience.

“The quality experience is definitely becoming more and more important, and our DNA testing allows these traits to be identified early to inform critical breeding decisions.”

Dr McDonagh added that the two organisations shared a drive for continual improvement in the face of developing consumer demand.

“Last financial year, we saw a 30 per cent increase in genomic DNA turnover to 100,000 genomic tests so this partnership is coming at a pivotal moment for our members.”

“Weatherbys brings innovation and a customer-first approach to the table, which aligns well with the values of AWA, which provides the largest and most accurate global genetic analysis of Wagyu with over 400,000 animals included in our fortnightly Wagyu genetic analysis.”

Backed by a heritage that dates back to the 18^th Century, Weatherbys Scientific has been a pioneer in DNA services, supporting breeders across Europe, the United States, and since 2018, Australia and New Zealand.

Weatherbys Scientific Head of Research and Development, Paul Flynn, said a strategic goal of the company was to partner with progressive breed associations such as AWA, and the American Hereford Association.

“We are committed to investing in new technologies and new collaborations that help producers make faster, smarter and more profitable breeding decisions,” Mr Flynn said.

“Weatherbys has built a global presence over many generations but we are relatively new to the Australian and New Zealand markets so we are excited to show how we can support some of the world’s leading animal breeding programs.”

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.