Keeping Breed Integrity
Bylaws, Rules and Regulations were created in order to keep honest, hardworking registered Brown Swiss cattle at the forefront of the breed. These rules are set in place to enhance the genetic value of animals for Brown Swiss breeders. Following protocols and procedures set in place by BSCBA allows breeders to get the best value from their registered Brown Swiss animal(s) and the most return on investment. These essential procedures keep the flow of data moving smoothly and ensure accurate pedigrees to be used for promotion of Brown Swiss cattle.
Registration
The owner of the dam at the time a natural calf is born shall register the animal. When an animal is registered its information influences the entire breed's genetics and herd book progress. Incorrect birthdates and production records alter the future of the entire breed and that of other breeders. The Application for Registration must be filled out completely or it will be returned and asked that missing information be completed.
Transfers
Signatures for Registration or Transfer shall be signed in ink or indelible pencil exactly as the ownership is shown on the records of BSCBA. All transfers shall be applied for and paid for by the registered owner (seller) who shall furnish the transferee (purchaser) with the Certificate of Registry on which the transfer has been duly recorded by the Secretary. If the registered owner refuses to transfer the animal, the Secretary, upon approval by the Board of Directors and with proof of the animal's sale and identity may transfer ownership to the name of the transferee.
Prefixes
A Brown Swiss breeder may reserve a prefix name for its exclusive use, when not previously reserved by BSCBA for another breeder. No prefix shall be reserved that is a duplication of the distinctive part of another registered prefix. A prefix is limited to 15 characters. The prefix used in naming an animal at the time of registration shall be the prefix of the person owning the dam at the time of breeding. The words Dairy, Farm, Ranch and Swiss cannot be part of any prefix. A prefix can be the distinctive part of a farm name, but not a name that pertains to known and established bloodlines of Brown Swiss cattle.
Production records
Production records help determine genetic evaluations. A sire's evaluation is only as accurate as his daughters' information.
Keeping breed integrity in mind on test day ensures accurate reporting of production data for all evaluations. If a discrepancy in records is found, please notify the Brown Swiss office and provide a copy of the cow's test page. Many times a simple identification error can keep the records from being processed correctly.
Parentage Verification
Genomics provide an additional tool for improving identification and recognizing correct parentage. By verifying parentage on donor dams and young bulls (at time of registration), the United States Brown Swiss herd book will improve in accuracy and lineage. Early Genomic testing prevents future identification problems and the need for board appeals decreasing cost to the breeder and increasing value of registered Brown Swiss cattle!
In as much as all records are dependent largely upon honor and care, every person proven to have made misstatements either in regard to the birth, pedigree or qualities of an animal forfeits all consideration from the Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders' Association of the U.S.A.