How to Enroll a Bull

There are 5 steps to enroll a bull in the NAAB Cross Reference database:

  1. 1

    Become a NAAB Cross Reference Participant

Owners of a bull not collected or marketed by a current Cross Reference participant must sign up as a participant.
Upon approval, applicants receive a unique 4-digit controller number. The Controller number links the bull to the organization authorized to receive data and responsible to maintain bull updates in the DCR database.

View Application Form
  1. 2

    Apply for a Stud and/or Marketing Code

The Marketing Code identifies a qualifying semen marketing business or organization that has the contractual right to market semen from a bull using its NAAB Uniform Code. The Marketing Code is unique to each organization and is shown as the first 3 digits of a bull’s NAAB code on semen straws.

If a marketing organization or custom collection center enrolls the bull on behalf of its owner, the organization can use their marketing code, or bull owners can apply for a separate marketing code. 

Organizations with semen collection facilities must apply for a Stud Code after which they can apply for a Marketing Code.

  1. 3

    Enroll a Bull in the NAAB Cross Reference Database

DCR participants will receive login details to an online portal to enter bull(s) in the database. Animal information provided to NAAB includes breed, bull name and date of birth – as well as first semen release date (if the bull has already produced semen). Participants are responsible for allocating the appropriate NAAB Uniform Code to individual bulls, and these codes must be known when the bull is enrolled. Participants also designate a bull Status Code,which has important consequences. 

  1. 4

    Verify the Bull Has Been Nominated for a U.S. Evaluation and the Genotype Has Been Received at CDCB

To receive a U.S. genomic evaluation, the bull must be nominated (by a Genomic Nominator) and the genotype must be submitted to CDCB before the deadline for the next evaluation. To receive a traditional evaluation, the bull must have the correct status code (not G) and pedigree information must be provided.

  1. 5

    Verify Correct Status Code in the NAAB Cross Reference Database

Bull Status Codes are linked to the national genetic evaluation system and bull ranking lists published by various organizations – making it vital that Status Codes for bulls are accurate.