User Manual

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All Breeds Cattlemen's Association (ABCA) Platform Manual

Welcome to the ABCA Cattle Management Platform

This comprehensive guide will help you make the most of your cattle management system. Our platform combines intelligent cattle tracking, AI-powered analysis, and cloud-based management to enhance productivity in your livestock operations.

The ABCA Platform is built on the philosophy of "Fertility. Function. Honesty." - promoting transparency and data-driven evaluation in the livestock industry.

Multi-Domain Access

The platform is accessible through three domains, all sharing the same database and features:

  • bossires.online - Full-featured management platform
  • cattleregistry.online - Public registry and marketplace
  • abca.online - ABCA-specific filtered registry

📸 About the Screenshots: This manual includes real screenshots from Kallion Farms, one of our active ranch operations. All screenshots show actual working features and data to give you a clear understanding of how the system works in practice.

Table of Contents

  1. Getting Started
  2. Dashboard Overview
  3. Cattle Management
  4. Ranch Management
  5. Pasture Management
  6. ABCA Fertility Tracking
  7. ABCA Registry & Certificates
  8. Cattle Judging System
  9. Registration & Fees
  10. Marketplace
  11. Image & Video Management
  12. Document Management
  13. Measurements & Analysis
  14. Veterinary Exam Tracking
  15. Export Compliance Management
  16. Ask Theo (AI Assistant)
  17. Voice Commands
  18. Shopping Cart & Checkout
  19. Ownership & Transfers
  20. Cattle Import (Excel/TSV)
  21. Mobile App (iOS)
  22. Tips & Best Practices

Getting Started

Creating Your Account

  1. Visit cattlemanagement.online
  2. Click "Sign Up" in the top right corner
  3. Enter your email address and create a secure password
  4. Verify your email address
  5. Complete your profile with ranch information

Logging In

  1. Navigate to the login page
  2. Enter your username or email
  3. Enter your password
  4. Click "Login"

Tip: The system remembers your preferences, including your preferred measurement system (imperial/metric) and language.

First-Time Setup

After logging in for the first time:

  1. Set Up Your Ranch - Add your ranch details, location, and operation type
  2. Configure Preferences - Choose your measurement system and language
  3. Add Your First Cattle - Start building your herd database
  4. Upload Images - Add photos of your cattle for AI analysis

Dashboard Overview

Your dashboard provides a quick overview of your operation:

  • Total Ranches - Number of ranches you manage
  • Total Cattle - Complete herd count
  • Recent Activity - Latest cattle additions and updates
  • Quick Actions - Fast access to common tasks

Dashboard Overview
Figure 1: Main dashboard showing system statistics and navigation menu

  • Cattle - Manage your herd
  • Ranches - Ranch information and settings
  • Images - Photo gallery and management
  • Measurements - Weight and body condition tracking
  • Marketplace - Buy and sell cattle
  • Upload Queue - Batch image processing
  • Voice Commands - Voice-controlled operations
  • Admin (for admin users) - System administration

Cattle Management

Viewing Your Cattle

Navigate to Cattle to see your herd. You have three view options:

1. Row View

  • Shows cattle in a list format with images
  • Displays key information: name, PHN, registration number, breed, sex
  • Includes selection checkboxes for bulk actions

Cattle List - Row View
Figure 2: Cattle list in Row View showing images, key information, and selection checkboxes for Kallion Farms cattle

2. Card View

  • Grid layout with cattle cards
  • Visual presentation with images
  • Quick access to details

3. Analysis View (Data Table)

  • Comprehensive table with all data columns
  • Customizable column visibility
  • Sortable by any field
  • Perfect for data analysis and comparison
  • Includes selection checkboxes for bulk registration

Cattle List - Analysis View
Figure 3: Cattle list in Analysis View showing comprehensive data table with column visibility controls and checkboxes

Filtering & Searching

  • Search Bar - Find cattle by name, registration number, ear tag, or PHN
  • Ranch Filter - View cattle from specific ranches
  • Records Per Page - Choose 20, 50, 75, or 100 cattle per page
  • Sort Options - Click column headers to sort by any field

Adding New Cattle

  1. Click "Add Cattle" button
  2. Fill in the required information:
  3. Name - Cattle's name or identifier
  4. PHN (Permanent Herd Number) - Unique identifier
  5. Registration Number - Official registration (if applicable)
  6. Ear Tag Number - Physical tag number
  7. Breed - Cattle breed
  8. Sex - Bull, Cow, Heifer, Steer, etc.
  9. Date of Birth - For age calculation
  10. Ranch - Select owning ranch
  11. Optional information:
  12. Dam (mother) and Sire (father) for lineage tracking
  13. Location within ranch
  14. Color and markings
  15. Health status
  16. Body condition score
  17. Click "Save" to add the cattle

Editing Cattle Information

  1. Navigate to the cattle's detail page
  2. Click "Edit" button
  3. Update the information
  4. Click "Save Changes"

Cattle Details Page

Each cattle has a comprehensive details page showing:

  • Basic Information - Name, breed, sex, date of birth
  • Identification - PHN, registration number, ear tag
  • Lineage - Dam and sire information
  • Images - All photos associated with the cattle
  • Measurements - Weight history, body scores
  • 3D Models - Interactive 3D visualizations
  • AI Analysis - Body composition and recommendations
  • Breeding History - Offspring records

Cattle Detail Page
Figure 4: Individual cattle detail page showing comprehensive information, images, and action buttons

Bulk Selection & Actions

In Row or Analysis view:

  1. Check boxes next to cattle you want to work with
  2. Bulk Action Bar appears showing selected count
  3. Available bulk actions:
  4. Register Selected Cattle - Batch registration
  5. More actions coming soon

Bulk Selection
Figure 5: Bulk selection in action - checkboxes selected and bulk action bar displayed at bottom of screen

Ranch Management

Viewing Ranch Details

  1. Go to Ranches menu
  2. Click on a ranch name to view details

Ranch details include:
- Basic information (name, producer, registration number)
- Location (address, city, state, country)
- Ranch statistics (total acres, cattle count)
- Operation type and certification details
- Associated documents

Ranch Action Buttons

From the Ranch detail page, you can:

  • Register Action (Yellow button) - Jump directly to cattle registration in Analysis view
  • Upload Documents - Add ranch documents
  • Import Observations - CSV import for pasture notes
  • Bulk Upload Images - Upload multiple photos at once
  • Manage Pastures - Define and manage grazing areas
  • Edit - Update ranch information

Ranch Detail Page
Figure 6: Kallion Farms ranch detail page showing all action buttons and ranch information including cattle count and documents

Adding a New Ranch

  1. Navigate to Ranches
  2. Click "Add Ranch"
  3. Enter ranch details:
  4. Name and producer information
  5. Contact details (email, phone)
  6. Address and location
  7. Total acreage
  8. Primary breed
  9. Operation type
  10. Click "Save"

Pasture Management

Interactive Pasture Maps

The pasture management system uses interactive maps powered by Leaflet.js:

  1. View Pastures - From Ranch detail page, click "Manage Pastures"
  2. Map Interface - See all your pastures on an interactive map
  3. Draw New Pastures - Use drawing tools to define boundaries
  4. Edit Boundaries - Modify existing pasture shapes

Pasture Management
Figure 10: Interactive pasture management interface with Leaflet.js map showing pasture boundaries and management tools

Creating a New Pasture

  1. Go to a ranch's pasture management page
  2. Click "Create New Pasture"
  3. Enter pasture information:
  4. Name - Pasture identifier
  5. Grazing Type - Select from:
    • Continuous
    • Rotational
    • Intensive Rotational
    • Ultra High Density
    • Mob Grazing
    • Strip Grazing
    • Holistic Planned Grazing
    • And more...
  6. Acreage - Size (calculated automatically from boundaries)
  7. Draw Boundaries on the map:
  8. Click points to create polygon
  9. Double-click to finish
  10. Click "Save"

GPS-Based Image Association

When you upload images with GPS data:
- Images are automatically linked to pastures
- The system uses GPS coordinates to determine location
- View pasture-specific images in the pasture gallery

Importing/Exporting Pasture Data

  • KML Export - Download pasture boundaries for use in other mapping tools
  • KML Import - Import existing pasture data
  • CSV Observations - Import field notes and observations

Pasture Observations

Track what you see in the field:

  1. Navigate to a pasture's detail page
  2. View the Observations tab
  3. Import observations via CSV with:
  4. Observation type (weeds, pests, water issues, forage quality)
  5. Severity level
  6. GPS coordinates
  7. Notes and photos
  8. Track resolution status

ABCA Fertility Tracking

The ABCA emphasizes real performance data over predictions. The fertility tracking system helps you document and verify actual breeding performance.

Core ABCA Standards

The ABCA operates under "Fertility. Function. Honesty." principles:

  • Natural Fertility - Track actual conception rates and calving success
  • One-Strike Fertility Policy - Animals that fail to breed are documented
  • Structural Integrity - Track udder and structural assessments
  • Openness for Inspection - Transparent data for all registered cattle

Recording Fertility Data

From the cattle detail page, you can track:

  1. Conception Date - When breeding occurred
  2. Last Calving Date - Date of most recent calving
  3. Calving Interval - Days between calvings (365 is ideal)
  4. Calving Ease Score - 1 (no assistance) to 5 (extreme difficulty)
  5. Calf Survival - Document calf survival rate
  6. Breeding Notes - Performance notes and conception rates

Fertility Tiers

The system automatically calculates fertility tiers based on calving interval:

  • Excellence - Calving interval of 365 days or less
  • Good - Calving interval of 366-395 days
  • Needs Improvement - Calving interval over 395 days

Verified Fertility Badge

The Verified Fertility Badge is awarded to cattle with:

  • Visual proof of cow/calf pair photo taken within 1 week of calving
  • Documented calving date and successful calf raising
  • Complete fertility history in the system

This badge provides buyers confidence in proven breeding performance.

First Calving & Lifetime Records

Track lifetime fertility performance:

  • First Calving Date - Important for evaluating heifer development
  • Fastest Calving Interval - Best performance achieved
  • Average Calving Interval - Lifetime breeding consistency

ABCA Registry and Certificates

ABCA Public Registry

The public registry at abca.online allows anyone to:

  1. Search for ABCA-registered cattle
  2. View performance metrics and pedigrees
  3. See endorsement badge statistics
  4. Browse ranch spotlights
  5. Access data quality indicators

Performance Dashboard

The ABCA Performance Dashboard displays:

  • Registry Statistics - Total registered animals, active ranches
  • Performance Metrics - Average calving intervals, fertility rates
  • Endorsement Badges - Distribution of verified credentials
  • Data Quality Scores - Completeness of records
  • Ranch Spotlights - Featured operations with exemplary data

Generating Registry Certificates

Official ABCA Registry Certificates can be generated for registered cattle:

  1. Navigate to the cattle detail page
  2. Click "Generate Certificate"
  3. The PDF certificate includes:
  4. Official ABCA registry number
  5. Complete pedigree (dam and sire lines)
  6. Owner and location information
  7. Registration date and verification details
  8. Endorsement badges earned
  9. Download or print the official certificate

Zietsman Approved Badge

Cattle may earn the Zietsman Approved designation, indicating:

  • High-fertility breeding
  • Low-input management compatibility
  • Selection for efficiency and adaptability

Cattle Judging System

The comprehensive judging system allows authorized evaluators to assess cattle using standardized criteria.

Judging Dashboard

Access the judging dashboard to:

  1. View cattle available for judging
  2. Filter by judging event
  3. Search by name, registration number, or PHN
  4. See your recent judging history

Judging Events

Judging events organize evaluations:

  • Event Name - Title and description
  • Event Date - When evaluations occur
  • Ranch Association - Ranch hosting the event
  • Active Status - Whether event is currently accepting judgings

Conducting a Judging

  1. Select a cattle from the judging dashboard
  2. The judging interface displays:
  3. Cattle photos from all angles
  4. Basic information (name, breed, lineage)
  5. Any previous judging records
  6. Enter your evaluation:
  7. Body Condition Score - Using standard 1-9 scale
  8. Structural Assessment - Legs, feet, topline, etc.
  9. Conformation Notes - Detailed observations
  10. Overall Rating - Summary score
  11. Use Voice Transcription - Speak your notes hands-free
  12. Submit or save as draft

Endorsement Badges

Judges can award endorsement badges for:

  • Fertility Excellence - Proven breeding performance
  • Structural Soundness - Excellent conformation
  • Maternal Ability - Demonstrated calf raising success
  • Growth Performance - Above-average weight gain

Viewing Your Judgings

Access My Judgings to:

  • Review your past evaluations
  • Edit draft judgings before submission
  • Track animals you've evaluated
  • Export judging records

Registration and Fees

Registering Cattle

The platform offers a streamlined cattle registration system:

Method 1: From Cattle List

  1. Go to Cattle page
  2. Switch to Row View or Analysis View
  3. Check boxes next to cattle to register
  4. Click "Register Selected Cattle"
  5. Select the ranch for registration
  6. Review the registration summary:
  7. Number of cattle to register
  8. Registration fee ($10 per animal)
  9. Total cost
  10. Click "Register Cattle"

Method 2: From Ranch Page (Quick Access)

  1. Go to Ranches
  2. Open a ranch detail page
  3. Click the yellow "Register Action" button
  4. You'll jump to the Analysis view with cattle from that ranch
  5. Select cattle and follow steps above

Register Action Workflow
Figure 7: Clicking "Register Action" from ranch page navigates to filtered cattle list in Analysis view

Registration Numbers

  • Format: REG-YYYY-NNNN (e.g., REG-2025-0001)
  • Sequential numbering by year
  • Unique and permanent
  • Automatically generated

Registration Fees

  • $10.00 per animal
  • Automatically added to your shopping cart
  • Pay via secure checkout

Registration Form
Figure 8: Cattle registration form showing selected cattle, ranch selection, and registration fee summary ($10 per animal)

Checking Registration Status

View registration status on:
- Cattle list pages (registration number column)
- Cattle detail pages
- Analysis view data table

Marketplace

Browsing Cattle for Sale

  1. Navigate to Marketplace menu
  2. Browse available listings
  3. Use filters:
  4. Product Type - Live cattle, semen straws, embryos
  5. Breed - Filter by specific breeds
  6. Sex - Bull, cow, heifer, etc.
  7. Search - Find by name or keywords

Marketplace
Figure 9: Public marketplace showing cattle available for sale with filters and search options

Listing Cattle for Sale

  1. Go to cattle detail page
  2. Click "Edit"
  3. Enable "Available for Sale"
  4. Set Visibility to "Marketplace" or "Public"
  5. Set your asking price
  6. Add product details and photos
  7. Save changes

Your cattle will appear in the marketplace for potential buyers.

Adding to Cart

  1. Browse marketplace listings
  2. Click on cattle you're interested in
  3. Click "Add to Cart"
  4. Continue shopping or proceed to checkout

Image and Video Management

Uploading Individual Images

  1. Navigate to cattle detail page
  2. Click "Upload Image"
  3. Select image file (JPG, PNG, HEIC, HEIF)
  4. Add description (optional)
  5. Click "Upload"

Bulk Image Upload

For uploading many images at once:

  1. From Ranch detail page, click "Bulk Upload Images"
  2. Drag and drop files or click to browse
  3. Supported formats:
  4. Images: JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC, HEIF
  5. Videos: MP4, MOV, MPEG
  6. File size limit: 500MB per file
  7. Images upload one at a time to ensure stability

Automatic HEIC Conversion

For iPhone/iPad users who capture images in HEIC format:

  • HEIC files are automatically converted to WebP and JPEG formats
  • Original HEIC files are preserved in storage
  • Web-compatible variants are created for cross-browser compatibility
  • No manual conversion required

Cow/Calf Pair Photo System

The ABCA requires visual proof of fertility through cow/calf pair photos:

  1. Photograph the cow with her calf within 1 week of calving
  2. Upload the image and link it to the cow's record
  3. Enter the calving date for the pair photo
  4. The system validates the timing and awards the Verified Fertility Badge
  5. Pair photos are displayed on the cattle's public registry profile

Automatic EXIF Data Extraction

The system automatically extracts metadata from your images:
- Camera settings - Make, model, ISO, aperture, shutter speed
- Date & time - When photo was taken
- GPS coordinates - Where photo was taken
- Device information - Phone or camera used

GPS-Based Association

Images with GPS data are automatically:
- Linked to pastures where they were taken
- Associated with cattle if coordinates match known locations
- Organized geographically for easy browsing

View all your images:
1. Navigate to Images menu
2. Browse all uploaded photos
3. Filter by:
- Ranch
- Cattle
- Date range
- Pasture
4. Sort by date, cattle, or location

Image Gallery
Figure 11: Image gallery showing all uploaded photos with filtering and sorting options

3D Model Generation

For cattle with multiple images:
1. Upload at least 5-10 images from different angles
2. System generates 3D point cloud
3. View interactive 3D model on cattle detail page
4. Rotate, zoom, and analyze from any angle

Document Management

Uploading Ranch Documents

Build your ranch knowledge base:

  1. From Ranch detail page, click "Upload Documents"
  2. Drag and drop files or browse
  3. Supported formats:
  4. PDF
  5. Microsoft Word (.doc, .docx)
  6. Excel (.xls, .xlsx)
  7. PowerPoint (.ppt, .pptx)
  8. Apple iWork (Pages, Numbers, Keynote)
  9. File size limit: 100MB
  10. Categorize document:
  11. Breeding records
  12. Health records
  13. Financial documents
  14. Pasture management
  15. Feed records
  16. Equipment documentation
  17. Compliance records
  18. General
  19. Add title and description
  20. Enable "AI Accessible" for future AI analysis
  21. Click "Upload"

Document Upload
Figure 12: Document upload interface with drag-and-drop functionality and category selection for Kallion Farms

Viewing Documents

  • All documents appear on Ranch detail page
  • Download any document by clicking "Download" button
  • Filter by category
  • Sort by date or title

AI Document Scanning

Extract cattle records from documents:

  1. Upload documents (PDFs, images of records)
  2. Click "Scan for Cow Records"
  3. AI analyzes documents and extracts cattle data
  4. Review extracted information
  5. Import into your database

Measurements and Analysis

Recording Measurements

Track cattle growth and development:

  1. Go to cattle detail page
  2. Navigate to Measurements section
  3. Click "Add Measurement"
  4. Enter measurement data:
  5. Weight - In lbs or kg (based on your preference)
  6. Height - Shoulder height
  7. Body Length
  8. Body Condition Score - 1-9 scale
  9. Measurement Method - Manual, scale, AI estimate
  10. Date - When measured
  11. Add notes (optional)
  12. Click "Save"

Measurements Page
Figure 13: Measurements tracking page showing historical weight data, body scores, and filtering options

Weight Tracking

The system includes advanced weight tracking:
- Growth Charts - Visual weight progression over time
- Milestone Tracking - Automatic milestone detection
- Efficiency Calculations - Average daily gain
- Data Validation - Prevents backdated entries that could corrupt data

AI-Powered Body Analysis

Using GPT-4o vision:

  1. Upload clear photos of cattle from multiple angles
  2. Click "AI Analysis"
  3. Receive detailed analysis:
  4. Body Composition - Muscle and fat distribution
  5. Conformation Assessment - Structure and balance
  6. Bonsma Methodology - Functional efficiency scoring
  7. Recommendations - Feeding and management suggestions

Body Condition Scoring

Standard 1-9 scale:
- 1-2 - Emaciated
- 3-4 - Thin
- 5-6 - Moderate (ideal for most cattle)
- 7-8 - Fleshy
- 9 - Obese

Veterinary Exam Tracking

The platform includes comprehensive veterinary examination tracking for health management and export compliance.

Recording Veterinary Exams

  1. Navigate to the cattle detail page
  2. Click "New Vet Exam" or access from Veterinary Exams menu
  3. Record examination details:
  4. Vital Signs - Temperature, heart rate, respiration
  5. Physical Findings - Body condition, coat, eyes, mouth, hooves
  6. Disease Testing - Brucellosis, tuberculosis, other required tests
  7. Export Fitness Assessment - Readiness for transport
  8. Voice Notes - Record observations hands-free
  9. Save the examination record

Viewing Exam History

Access Veterinary Exams to:

  • View all examinations across your herds
  • Filter by cattle, ranch, or date range
  • Search by cattle name or registration number
  • See pending test results
  • Track export eligibility status

Export Health Certificates

For cattle being exported:

  1. Complete required veterinary examinations
  2. Verify all disease testing is current
  3. Generate export health certificate
  4. System validates USDA formatting requirements
  5. Track certificate status through APHIS endorsement

Export Compliance Management

The Export Compliance Management System helps ranchers track regulatory requirements for livestock and germplasm exports.

Compliance Dashboard

Access the dashboard at /compliance/ to view:

  • Real-time Alerts - Critical compliance issues requiring attention
  • Summary Statistics - Active permits, pending certificates
  • Expiration Tracking - Upcoming permit and certification expirations
  • Animals in Withdrawal - Livestock with treatment withdrawal periods

Import Permit Tracker

Manage foreign import permits:

  • Permit Management - Track permits with complete documentation
  • Contact Management - Store foreign partner information
  • Status Tracking - Monitor application progress
  • Expiration Alerts - Receive alerts when permits near expiration
  • Document Storage - Upload permit documents and applications

Testing & Treatment Log

Document parasite treatments and track withdrawal periods:

  1. Record Treatments - Product name, dosage, administration details
  2. Withdrawal Tracking - Automatic meat and milk withdrawal calculation
  3. Export Eligibility - Monitor when animals become export-eligible
  4. Lab Test Results - Track disease testing (brucellosis, tuberculosis, etc.)
  5. Result Monitoring - Track pending results and their export impact

Regulatory Updates

Stay current with regulatory changes:

  • Multi-Source Tracking - USDA/APHIS, state agencies, foreign countries
  • Impact Assessment - High, Medium, Low impact levels
  • Action Items - Clear indication of required actions and deadlines

Training & Certification Records

Track veterinarian and staff certifications:

  • USDA Accreditation - Veterinarian accreditation numbers and expiration
  • State Licenses - Veterinary licensing status
  • Continuing Education - CE hours tracking
  • Staff Training - Ranch staff certifications
  • Expiration Alerts - 60-day advance notifications

Ask Theo (AI Assistant)

Ask Theo is an AI-powered assistant available to staff and administrators for natural language data modifications.

What Ask Theo Can Do

  • Modify cattle records using natural language requests
  • Link parent relationships (dam/sire)
  • Merge duplicate cattle records
  • Update metadata and field values
  • Explain what changes will be made before executing

Using Ask Theo

  1. Navigate to Ask Theo (staff access required)
  2. Type your request in natural language, for example:
  3. "Set the sire of cattle #12345 to Big Jake"
  4. "Update the breed of Vegetation to Angus"
  5. "Merge duplicate records for cow Lady Jane"
  6. Theo analyzes your request and shows a confirmation screen
  7. Review the proposed changes carefully
  8. Click "Confirm" to execute or "Cancel" to abort

Safety Features

Ask Theo includes multiple safety guardrails:

  • User Confirmation Required - All changes require explicit approval
  • Before/After Snapshots - Complete record snapshots stored for rollback
  • Audit Logging - Every action is logged with user, timestamp, and details
  • Staff-Only Access - Only authorized staff can use this feature

Reviewing Request History

View past Ask Theo requests:

  • Status Tracking - Pending, Awaiting Confirmation, Completed, Failed
  • Action Logs - See exactly what was changed
  • Rollback Capability - Restore previous values if needed

Voice Commands

Using Voice Control

The platform supports voice commands for hands-free operation:

  1. Navigate to Voice Commands menu
  2. Click the microphone icon
  3. Speak your command clearly
  4. System processes and executes

Example Voice Commands

  • "Show me all cattle at Scratch Land ranch"
  • "Find cattle with registration number REG-2025-0001"
  • "Add weight measurement for cattle Vegitation"
  • "Show health status for all bulls"
  • "Upload image for cattle number 12345"

Voice Command Features

  • Natural Language Processing - Speak naturally
  • Multi-Language Support - English and Spanish
  • Fallback to Text - Type if voice isn't working
  • Command History - Review past commands

Shopping Cart and Checkout

Viewing Your Cart

  1. Click the Cart icon in the top navigation
  2. Review items:
  3. Cattle registration fees
  4. Marketplace purchases
  5. See total cost

Checkout Process

  1. Review cart contents
  2. Click "Proceed to Checkout"
  3. Enter payment information via Stripe
  4. Confirm purchase
  5. Receive confirmation email

Payment Security

  • Stripe Integration - Industry-leading payment security
  • SSL Encrypted - All transactions protected
  • PCI Compliant - Meets payment card industry standards

Ownership and Transfers

The platform tracks cattle ownership and provides tools for managing ownership transfers.

Viewing Ownership Records

From the cattle detail page:

  • Current Owner - Who currently owns the animal
  • Ownership History - Complete transfer timeline
  • Transfer Dates - When ownership changed
  • Previous Owners - Full ownership chain

Recording Ownership Transfers

  1. Navigate to the cattle detail page
  2. Click "Transfer Ownership"
  3. Enter transfer details:
  4. New Owner - Select from registered users/organizations
  5. Transfer Date - When ownership transferred
  6. Transfer Notes - Sale price, contract details, etc.
  7. Click "Complete Transfer"

Bulk Transfers

For transferring multiple cattle at once:

  1. Go to Cattle list view
  2. Select multiple cattle using checkboxes
  3. Click "Bulk Transfer"
  4. Select the new owner
  5. Enter transfer date and notes
  6. Confirm the bulk transfer

All transfers are logged in the activity system for audit purposes.

Cattle Import (Excel/TSV)

Import large numbers of cattle records from spreadsheet files.

Supported Formats

  • Excel (.xlsx, .xls)
  • TSV (Tab-separated values)
  • CSV (Comma-separated values)

Import Process

  1. Navigate to Cattle > Import Records
  2. Download the import template to ensure correct column format
  3. Fill in your cattle data following the template structure
  4. Upload your completed file
  5. The system validates and previews your data:
  6. Duplicate Detection - Warns about existing records
  7. Data Validation - Checks required fields
  8. Parent Matching - Automatically links dam/sire
  9. Review the preview and resolve any issues
  10. Click "Import" to process records

Import Features

  • Upsert Logic - Updates existing records or creates new ones
  • Transactional Processing - All-or-nothing to prevent partial imports
  • Automatic Parent Creation - Creates placeholder parents if not found
  • Registration Number Normalization - Standardizes registration formats
  • Import Reports - Detailed logs of created, updated, and skipped records

Template Columns

Your import file should include:

  • Name (required)
  • Registration Number
  • PHN (Permanent Herd Number)
  • Ear Tag Number
  • Breed
  • Sex
  • Date of Birth
  • Sire Name/Registration
  • Dam Name/Registration
  • Ranch Name
  • Color
  • Notes

Additional columns are supported for advanced imports.

Mobile App (iOS)

BosSires Depth Capture App

Available for iOS devices with LiDAR:

Features

  • ARKit Integration - Use iPhone/iPad LiDAR scanner
  • Depth Data Capture - High-quality 3D depth maps
  • Real-Time Sync - Automatic upload to cloud
  • GPS Integration - Location-tagged captures
  • Offline Mode - Capture in the field, sync later

Using the App

  1. Download from App Store
  2. Login with your account credentials
  3. Grant Permissions - Camera, location, storage
  4. Scan Cattle:
  5. Position cattle in frame
  6. Tap "Capture" button
  7. Walk around for multiple angles
  8. Data uploads automatically
  9. View Results - 3D models appear in web dashboard

Supported Devices

  • iPhone 12 Pro and newer
  • iPad Pro (2020 and newer)
  • Any iOS device with LiDAR sensor

Tips and Best Practices

Photography Tips

For best AI analysis results:

  1. Good Lighting - Natural daylight is best
  2. Clear Background - Minimize distractions
  3. Multiple Angles - Front, side, rear, and 3/4 views
  4. Full Body Shots - Show entire animal
  5. Standing Position - Cattle should be standing square
  6. Distance - 10-15 feet away for full body
  7. High Resolution - Use highest camera quality

Data Entry Best Practices

  1. Consistent Naming - Use clear, consistent cattle names
  2. Complete Records - Fill in as much information as possible
  3. Regular Updates - Keep measurements current
  4. Photo Documentation - Upload images regularly
  5. Backup Important Documents - Upload to document management

Measurement System

The platform automatically adjusts based on your country:
- United States - Imperial (lbs, inches, °F)
- Canada, Australia - Metric (kg, cm, °C)
- Paraguay - Metric

You can override this in your profile settings.

Performance Optimization

  1. Image Compression - System automatically optimizes large images
  2. Batch Operations - Use bulk upload for multiple files
  3. Regular Cleanup - Archive old records periodically
  4. Browser Cache - Clear browser cache if experiencing slowness

Security Recommendations

  1. Strong Passwords - Use complex, unique passwords
  2. Regular Logout - Log out when finished on shared computers
  3. Permission Management - Only grant access to trusted users
  4. Document Security - Mark sensitive documents as private

Internationalization

Language Support

Switch between:
- English
- Spanish (Español)

Change language using the language selector in the top navigation.

Country-Specific Features

The platform adapts to your location:

  • United States - Imperial measurements, USD currency
  • Canada - Metric measurements, CAD currency
  • Australia - Metric measurements, AUD currency
  • Paraguay - Metric measurements, PYG currency

Automatic Unit Conversion

When viewing data from different regions:
- Weights convert between lbs and kg
- Heights convert between inches and cm
- The system displays in your preferred units

Support and Help

Getting Help

If you need assistance:

  1. User Manual - This document
  2. In-App Help - Click the help icon
  3. Email Support - Contact your administrator
  4. Training Videos - Coming soon

System Requirements

  • Modern Web Browser - Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
  • Internet Connection - Stable broadband recommended
  • Screen Resolution - 1024x768 minimum
  • JavaScript Enabled - Required for full functionality

Browser Recommendations

For best experience:
- Google Chrome - Recommended
- Safari - For iOS and macOS users
- Firefox - Fully supported
- Microsoft Edge - Fully supported

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Q: How do I reset my password?
A: Click "Forgot Password" on the login page and follow the instructions.

Q: Can I manage multiple ranches?
A: Yes! You can add and manage multiple ranch operations from one account.

Q: Is my data backed up?
A: Yes, all data is backed up regularly to cloud storage.

Q: Can multiple users access the same ranch?
A: Yes, ranch administrators can grant access to other users.

Cattle Management

Q: What's the difference between PHN and Registration Number?
A: PHN is a permanent herd number for tracking. Registration number is the official breed association number.

Q: How do I track lineage?
A: Enter dam (mother) and sire (father) information when adding or editing cattle.

Q: Can I delete cattle records?
A: Cattle are typically soft-deleted (marked inactive) to preserve historical data.

Images and Analysis

Q: What image formats are supported?
A: JPG, JPEG, PNG, HEIC, HEIF for photos. MP4, MOV, MPEG for videos.

Q: How many images do I need for 3D modeling?
A: Minimum 5-10 images from different angles. More is better.

Q: What is the Bonsma methodology?
A: A functional efficiency scoring system that evaluates cattle based on body proportions and structural soundness.

Registration and Fees

Q: How much does cattle registration cost?
A: $10.00 per animal for registration with unique registration numbers.

Q: Are registration numbers permanent?
A: Yes, once assigned, registration numbers never change.

Q: Can I register cattle in bulk?
A: Yes! Use the multi-select feature to register many cattle at once.

ABCA and Fertility

Q: What is the Verified Fertility Badge?
A: A credential awarded to cattle with documented proof of fertility, including a cow/calf pair photo taken within one week of calving.

Q: What calving interval is considered excellent?
A: 365 days or less is considered "Excellence" tier. 366-395 days is "Good," and over 395 days is "Needs Improvement."

Q: How do I get a Zietsman Approved designation?
A: Cattle must demonstrate high fertility, low-input management compatibility, and efficiency. Contact your registry administrator for evaluation.

Judging and Certificates

Q: Who can conduct cattle judgings?
A: Authorized evaluators with login access can conduct judgings. Contact your administrator to become a judge.

Q: How do I generate an ABCA Registry Certificate?
A: Navigate to the cattle detail page and click "Generate Certificate." The PDF will include pedigree, owner information, and any earned badges.

Compliance and Exports

Q: What is the Export Compliance system?
A: A comprehensive system for tracking permits, veterinary certifications, treatment withdrawal periods, and regulatory requirements for livestock exports.

Q: How are withdrawal periods calculated?
A: When you record a treatment, enter the withdrawal days. The system automatically calculates when the animal becomes export-eligible.

Ask Theo (AI Assistant)

Q: What can Ask Theo do?
A: Ask Theo can modify cattle records, link parent relationships, update metadata, and more using natural language requests. All changes require your confirmation.

Q: Is Ask Theo available to all users?
A: No, Ask Theo is available only to staff and administrators with appropriate permissions.

Technical

Q: Why use sequential uploads instead of batch?
A: Sequential uploads (one file at a time) prevent timeout errors and ensure reliable processing of large files.

Q: What happens to my GPS data?
A: GPS coordinates from images are used to automatically link photos to pastures. Your exact location is never shared publicly.

Q: Is the mobile app required?
A: No, the mobile app is optional. All features are available through the web browser.

Q: Can I import cattle from a spreadsheet?
A: Yes! The platform supports Excel, TSV, and CSV imports. Download the template, fill in your data, and upload for bulk import.

Glossary

ABCA - All Breeds Cattlemen's Association
APHIS - USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
ARKit - Apple's augmented reality framework for 3D scanning
Ask Theo - AI-powered assistant for natural language data modifications
Body Condition Score (BCS) - Numerical rating of cattle fatness (1-9 scale)
Bonsma Methodology - Functional efficiency evaluation system
Calving Ease Score - Rating of difficulty during calving (1-5 scale)
Calving Interval - Days between calvings; 365 days or less indicates high fertility
Dam - Mother of a cattle
Ear Tag - Physical identification tag on cattle's ear
Endorsement Badge - Verified credential for specific achievements (fertility, structure, etc.)
EXIF Data - Metadata embedded in image files
Export Health Certificate - Official documentation for livestock exports
Fertility Tier - Classification based on calving interval (Excellence, Good, Needs Improvement)
GeoJSON - Format for encoding geographic data
GPS - Global Positioning System for location tracking
HEIC - High Efficiency Image Coding format used by Apple devices
KML - Keyhole Markup Language for geographic data
LiDAR - Light Detection and Ranging for 3D scanning
PHN - Permanent Herd Number
PLY File - 3D point cloud file format
Sire - Father of a cattle
VEHCS - Veterinary Export Health Certificate System (USDA)
Verified Fertility Badge - ABCA credential for proven breeding performance
Withdrawal Period - Time after treatment before animal is eligible for export/slaughter
Zietsman Approved - Designation for high-fertility, low-input cattle

Version History

Version 2.0 - February 2026
- Added ABCA Fertility Tracking system with calving intervals and verified fertility badges
- Added ABCA Public Registry and Performance Dashboard
- Added official ABCA Registry Certificate PDF generation
- Added comprehensive Cattle Judging System with voice transcription
- Added Ask Theo AI Assistant for natural language data modifications
- Added Veterinary Exam Tracking with export fitness assessment
- Added Export Compliance Management System
- Added Ownership and Transfer tracking with bulk transfers
- Added Excel/TSV import for bulk cattle records
- Added Cow/Calf Pair Photo System for fertility verification
- Added automatic HEIC to WebP/JPEG conversion
- Updated multi-domain architecture (bossires.online, cattleregistry.online, abca.online)
- Enhanced activity logging and audit trails
- Updated platform branding to All Breeds Cattlemen's Association

Version 1.0 - November 2025
- Initial user manual release
- Complete feature documentation
- Step-by-step guides
- FAQ section

Contact Information

For technical support, feature requests, or questions about your account, please contact your system administrator.

Platform: All Breeds Cattlemen's Association (ABCA)
Domains: bossires.online | cattleregistry.online | abca.online
Documentation Version: 2.0
Last Updated: February 2026

Thank you for using the ABCA Cattle Management Platform. We're committed to helping you manage your cattle operation with transparency, data integrity, and a focus on "Fertility. Function. Honesty."