Premier Dairy Genetic Information Services and Industry Collaboration

The Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) manages the National Cooperator Database, calculates and distributes the U.S. genetic evaluations and genomic predictions, and aggregates dairy cattle data.

Welcome to CDCB

The Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) collaborates with U.S. and global partners to produce premier dairy genetic evaluations and data services. These CDCB results benefit dairy farmers worldwide as they work to improve the health and productivity of their cattle. CDCB stewards the National Cooperator Database – the world’s largest animal database – that integrates genomic information and more than 80 years of recorded U.S. dairy animal performance data. Through strategic partnerships with USDA-Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory and universities across the country, CDCB works to move the dairy industry forward with new genetic selection traits and evolving methodologies.

CDCB strives to embody its key values:

Dairy-driven
Two hands shaking
Cooperative
Science-based
Magnifying glass
Transparent
Data-driven

How CDCB Supports Dairy Farmers

Genetic EvaluationsNational Cooperator DatabaseResearchNational Performance MetricsGenetic Trends
Provides premier dairy genetic information services, genetic and genomic evaluations, and management performance benchmarksManages the National Cooperator Database of dairy phenotypic and genomic data, the world’s largest animal databaseLeverages cutting-edge research, working with USDA AGIL to produce quality genetic evaluations and indexes as Net Merit $Expands the foundation of more than a century of recorded U.S. dairy cattle performance and researchEmpowers continuous improvement and sustainability progress in dairy herds worldwide

CDCB by the Numbers

11,000,000+

genotypes in National Cooperator Database (June 2025)

93%

percent of genotyped animals are female (September 2025)

90,000,000

animals received a CDCB evaluation (August 2025)

50

traits calculated by CDCB


Latest News from CDCB

December 2025 Evaluation Changes: What’s New?

The December triannual evaluations will include health and type trait edits as well as operational efficiency improvements.

How Do You Create Cow Longevity?

Hear dairy producer insights shared at the CDCB Industry Meeting.

Workshop Brings Together Industry Collaborators

Over 100 people from more than 30 organizations gathered to hear data flow updates and discuss new opportunities.