Of the 90,000 bulls registered with the TLBAA since 1964, only 812 have been AI certified to date. TLBAA AI Certificate #1 belongs to Texas Ranger JP. Bred and owned by Jack Phillips of Battle Island Ranch, West Columbia, Texas, the bull was certified in December, 1972.

The TLBAA has made it as simple as possible to AI certify your bull. Application for certification of a bull as a TLBAA AI Certified Sire must be made on a TLBAA form which contains, but is not limited to:

• TLBAA registered name and number of the bull,
• The bull’s private herd number and ownership brand and
• The owner’s name, address and signature.

Also needed are the results of the following health tests:

• Brucellosis
• Tuberculosis
• 5 Leptospirosis
• Vibriosis
• Trichomoniasis

A fertility test and a statement that no genetic defects have been observed in the bull or his progeny are also necessary. The completed health certificate and application form should then be sent to the TLBAA along with the appropriate fee.

A report of the results of DNA tests performed by the laboratory recognized by TLBAA (University of Davis, California) must be on file in the Association office prior to consideration of the request for certification.

If the DNA test of either the sire or dam of the applicant bull is not on file with the TLBAA, then tail hair must be pulled and tested at the applicant’s expense. If either parent is dead and their DNA test is needed, an inferred type may be attempted by DNA testing their progeny and their sires and dams. A report of the result of the DNA testing must certify that the applicant bull is genetically compatible.

The applicant bull must be found to be genetically compatible with both his sire and dam.

Parent verification is done by comparing the DNA test of the sire and dam to determine if they are genetically compatible. Each animal inherits one gene for each of the blood groups and protein types from each parent. One of the genetic rules used for parentage verification states that each of the blood group factors and protein types present in the blood of an animal must also be present in the blood of one or both parents. In cases where only one of the parents is available for testing, the principle of genetics used is that animals related as parent and offspring must have at least one gene in common for each blood group and protein type.

The burden of proof in parentage cases rests in showing that a given sire and/or dam cannot be the true parent or parents of the animal in question. When one or both parents are excluded, the findings are considered irrefutable and will stand up in court. Blood-typing tests used alone will only disprove, but cannot prove parentage.

Texas Longhorn calves produced by artificial insemination may be registered in the Association Herd Registry only when done in compliance with the rules and regulations of the TLBAA. Semen must be from a bull meeting TLBAA requirements for Artificial Insemination Sire Certification and properly registered in the Association Herd Registry.

The breeding unit of semen must be clearly marked with the following:

• TLBAA name and number of the bull,
• The bull’s private herd number,
• The breed name (Texas Longhorn),
• Name of or code for the name of the collection station and
• The date of collection.

The application for registration of a calf sired using AI must be accompanied by a properly completed TLBAA breeding certification. The TLBAA number of such a calf shall be preceded by the letter “A”.

Registration Department: 817-625-6241
Rick Fritsche, rick@tlbaa.org