New Wagyu genetic test to improve calving rates and profitability

In a world first, Australian Wagyu producers will have access to a breakthrough genetic test for the Annexin A10 mutation, which has been identified in Wagyu cattle and is associated with embryonic mortality.

Marking a step forward in maximising fertility and calving rates for the breed, Weatherbys Scientific is the first commercial genomic testing provider to offer the test to Australian Wagyu Association (AWA) members, with the test available to producers now.

The new test is the result of research supported by AWA where members provided DNA samples from approximately 230 Wagyu calves to Professor Jon Beever at the University of Tennessee Genomics Centre for the Advancement of Agriculture, to identify genetic defects causing calf loss.

In the study, Professor Beever identified the occurrence of a known mutation in Annexin A10 (Sasaki et al., 2016) in a cohort of the samples, and established a validation panel of positive and negative samples that DNA testing laboratories could use to prove their testing conditions for the AWA.

AWA Chief Executive Officer, Dr Matt McDonagh said the mutation, which has no impact on economically important carcase traits, has been detected in 6% of the recorded Wagyu population.

“This test is really about increasing productivity and profitability by significantly improving the calving rate, particularly for high-value embryo programs,” Dr McDonagh said.

“We are pleased we can now offer this to our members as a standalone test, or as an add-on to other genotyping, and allow them to screen for the mutation prior to critical breeding decisions.

“Given the dominant maternal effect of this mutation, we recommend breeders test their youngest and highest-value females, particularly those intended for use in embryo programs where multiple progeny are expected.

“All bulls being used should also be screened so they don’t pass on the mutation to female progeny.”

Weatherbys Scientific Head of Research & Development, Paul Flynn, said the company was proud to support the global Wagyu industry as the first provider to offer testing for the Annexin A10 mutation.

“We congratulate AWA for their proactive research and investment in bringing this test to market for Wagyu producers,” Mr Flynn said.

“It concords with internal development that we have been conducting and meant we could quickly validate a test for AWA members.

“We are pleased to support them and remain committed to continuing our investment in R&D to develop solutions that will ensure the Australian Wagyu Association and its members continue to be one of the global beef industry’s success stories.”

For more information about the new Annexin A10 test, and how it can be incorporated into the existing Wagyu bundle, or standalone pricing, please contact the Australian Wagyu Association.

For additional technical information about Annexin A10, visit the Australian Wagyu Association’s website: www.wagyu.org.au/annexin-a10-a-new-genetic-defect-in-wagyu-cattle