The F1 Certification Program verifies the parentage of F1 females, ensuring the true genetic makeup of animals for breeders and buyers
Added Confidence & Value
Since its inception in 1979, the ABBA F1 Certification Program has become the premier commercial female program in the U.S., with over 85,000 females registered.
Participation is simple, affordable, and proven to increase value by nearly $200 per head for Golden Certified/Certified Females compared to other breed crosses. This program continues to provide commercial producers with a reliable way to enhance herd performance and profitability.
- Golden Certified F1: A female with two registered parents.
- Certified F1: Sire must be registered, and the dam must be a qualified cow—purebred with physical characteristics inspected by an ABBA representative.
The program offers flexible crossbreeding to achieve the desired F1 Brahman hybrid. Participants can use registered Brahman bulls on either registered or qualified purebred non-registered cows of other breeds or registered bulls from other breeds on registered or qualified purebred non-registered Brahman cows.
The result is a 50/50 Brahman and Bos Taurus cross, known for its outstanding performance and adaptability in diverse environments.
Program Benefits
Anyone using registered or purebred non-registered cattle can enroll in the ABBA F1 Certification Program. Participants enjoy benefits such as:
- Inclusion in membership mailings
- Listing in the ABBA website member search
- Updates on breed progress
- Eligibility for special premiums
- Participation in the National F1 Sale
- DNA is not required
ABBA members must enroll in the F1 Program to take full advantage of these opportunities.
Qualifying Breeds
Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society
American Akaushi Association
American Angus Association
American Black Hereford Association
American Chianina Association
American Galloway Breeders Association
American Gelbvieh Association
American Hereford Association
American International Charolais Association
American Jersey Cattle Association
American Maine Anjou Association
American Milking Shorthorn Society
American Red Brangus Association
American Red Poll Association
American Salers Association
American Shorthorn Association
American Simmental Association
American Tarentaise Association
American Wagyu Association
Braunvieh Association of America
Beefmaster Breeders United
Holstein Association USA
Red Angus Association of America
Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America
F1 Plus Certification
To further enhance the value of Golden Certified/Certified F1 cows, ABBA launched the F1 Plus Program, which verifies the progeny parentage of these cows. This process adds value to both the cow and her offspring.
The F1 Plus Certification Program is available for all female offspring from a Golden Certified or Certified F1 Cow and a registered beef bull. Each F1 Plus female receives a unique ear tag, distinguishing her as a higher-value animal.
Identifying F1 Animals
ABBA members can utilize these two providers for DNA services.
Certificate Option
To receive a certificate, the owner must submit the following information:
- Breeder’s name, address, and signature
- Herd identification number of the F1 female
- Ownership brand or other identification
- Birth record (month/season and year)
- Color markings
- Sire’s breed, name, ID number, and registration number
- Dam’s breed, name, ID number, and registration number (if registered), or the dam’s ID number if the dam is a qualified non-registered animal
Once this information is submitted, along with a $10 fee, individual certificates will be issued by ABBA. The association keeps detailed records to prevent fraudulent entries.
Eartag Option
For an easy identification option, owners must submit:
- Membership details
- Sire and dam breed information
- Number of certifications requested
This option allows certified animals to be identified with a unique eartag, providing added value and traceability.r
Certification & Qualification Fees
- One-time Enrollment Fee: $100
- Annual Administrative Fee: $20
- Certified F1 Brahman Female Certificate or Eartag: $10 each
- Qualification Inspections of Purebred Non-Registered Herds: $6/head
Transferring F1 Females
To accommodate the growing interest in showing Golden Certified and Certified F1 Females, ABBA allows the formal transfer of ownership.
Females being certified for show must provide specific information, including an exact birthdate and, optionally, a name. Transfer information should also be included, such as the junior member’s name, address, and date of delivery.
- Transfer Fee (less than 30 days): $17.50
- Transfer Fee (more than 30 days): $20