Quality Assurance of U.S. Frozen Semen

U.S. bovine genetic suppliers take great care to produce products that meet high standards for semen quality and genetics. All U.S. semen production facilities operated by NAAB members have rigorous internal quality control (QC) programs. This provides confidence that the semen sold to dairy producers around the world is safe, healthy and fertile.

Certified Semen Services

Certified Semen Services, or CSS, is the organization that controls the health testing protocols and requirements for semen production facilities in the U.S. All large U.S. A.I. companies and numerous smaller collection centers are members of CSS.

CSS works closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is recognized in international markets as the industry expert.

CSS is not a government regulatory body; instead, CSS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB). CSS has an active Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with USDA to provide third-party and impartial monitoring through annual in-person audits.

CSS sets the minimum requirements for frozen semen with the goal to protect the health of the cow herd in which the semen is used. Annual audits of CSS participants ensure compliance with established requirements for semen production.

Users of CSS-certified semen can safely assume that the company that produced the semen is meeting – and often exceeding – CSS standards for animal management, semen quality control, sire health testing and safety of collection areas and laboratories. CSS has checks and balances in place to ensure that the semen in the straw matches the labelling.

Each U.S. production facility must comply with a set of minimum requirements if they wish to export frozen bovine semen.

Learn more about CSS requirements and participants.