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The official NAAB Uniform Code is a standardized 10-character identifier used throughout the industry to identify AI organizations, breed codes, and individual animal records. Each code includes:
Indicates the semen producing organization (stud) that collected and processed the semen. Stud Code numbers are assigned by the NAAB to its member organizations and other semen producing and processing organizations where warranted. It is comprised of up to three numeric characters. These numbers will be 499 and lower. The Stud Code number is linked to the Controller Number used in the NAAB Cross Reference database.
Identifies a qualifying semen marketing business or organization that has the contractual right to market semen from the bull with an NAAB Uniform Code, that includes the NAAB Marketing Code Number. These numbers will be 500 or greater. [Maximum of three characters.] Note: Any individual or business applying for a NAAB Marketing Code must first obtain a Stud Code number if they qualify. The NAAB Marketing Code is linked to the Controller Number used in the NAAB Cross Reference database.
Indicates the breed of the bull. Dairy breed codes are two alphabetic characters and consistent with codes designated by USDA for the DHI program. Changes in dairy breed codes should be made only upon mutual agreement of the NAAB, CDCB, PDCA, and DHI computing centers. Beef breed codes are two alphabetic characters and are assigned by NAAB in conjunction with Agriculture Canada and the Canadian AI industry. [Maximum of two characters.]
Indicates the respective bull's number assigned by the AI organization collecting and/or processing the semen or as requested by the Controller if they have a unique NAAB Marketing Code. Bull codes should be numeric codes with a maximum of five characters from 1 to 99999. All leading zeros should be omitted.
When a NAAB Marketing Code is used in place of the NAAB-ICAR Stud Location Code within the NAAB Uniform Code, the Stud Location Code must also be printed separately on the straw. If a bull retains its NAAB Uniform Code after being transferred to another AI organization for collection and semen processing, the Stud Location Code on the straw must reflect the location where the semen is produced.
Component Combination Examples
Full 10-Character Code vs. Printed Code
In some cases, leading zeros within the numeric portion of the code may be omitted when printed on semen straws or displayed in shorthand formats to conserve space.
Some search functions require the full 10-character format. If a search doesn't return results, try adding leading zeros to match the official 10-character code.
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Printed Straw Version
Full 10-Character Code
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|---|---|---|
| 511BS701 | 511BS00701 | |
| 7HO13250 | 007HO13250 | |
About the NAAB Uniform Coding System
It is recognized that the official registry identification (ID) number for each bull is a unique number. However, it does not identify the source of the semen and in some cases is not readily recognizable by the breed. Experience has proven that individual herd owners, managers, and technicians prefer to use a more familiar code instead of the registry ID number when identifying a sire used. As different segments of the NAAB Uniform Code have specific meanings, the NAAB code is much easier to remember and more recognizable by all aspects of the industry.
The NAAB Uniform Code was originally developed for use by commercial AI organizations for identification of semen as it is exchanged and sold throughout the industry.
The AI requirements of the Purebred Dairy Cattle Association (PDCA) require a code identifying the source of dairy sire semen on each individual unit. Certified Semen Services (CSS) also requires all participating AI businesses to label each breeding unit of semen produced by them with the elements of the NAAB Uniform Code. There are other needs for a code number identifying the source of semen.
Incomplete sire identification by registry ID number in Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) records has been a concern for years because of the significant loss of records that otherwise would be available for genetic evaluations.
Many herd owners and managers use the NAAB Uniform Code numbers instead of registry ID when completing production record forms.
Thus, it is logical that the NAAB Uniform Code be a unique designation that can be linked to the correct registry ID number by use of a cross-reference listing of each bull (i.e., the bull's NAAB Uniform Code number is cross-referenced to his registry ID number). For this purpose, the complete NAAB Uniform Code, including NAAB-ICAR Stud Location Codes or NAAB Marketing Codes, breed identification and individual bull number, must be unique for each bull.
This system is being employed by the Dairy Record Processing Centers and is valuable for accurate collection of data for dairy and beef genetic evaluations.
All NAAB Uniform Codes assigned to dairy or beef bulls by a semen production or processing business must be reported to NAAB and enrolled in the dairy or beef cross reference database. The annual usage statements confirm that organizations that are licensed to use the NAAB-ICAR Stud Location Code and/or the NAAB Marketing Code as a part of the NAAB Uniform code, agree to report this information as determined by the NAAB Board of Directors.
The right to use NAAB’s uniform coding system is conferred by a revocable license from NAAB and subject to the terms of that license, which are set out in the NAAB-ICAR stud location code guidelines and NAAB marketing code guidelines as then in effect.