CDCB In The News

CDCB delivers the latest news on genetic improvement, research and U.S. evaluations through its monthly newsletter, dairy media, and events.

New Net Merit formula debuts this week

João Dürr, Ph.D.

August 9, 2021

With the genetic evaluations on August 10, 2021, dairy producers have an improved tool to breed for more profitable and feed-efficient cows.


Feed Efficiency Indexes: Which one will you use?

Murray Hunt for The Bullvine

August 6, 2021

Today farmers are focusing on maximizing net returns, productivity, efficient use of inputs and resources, and keeping costs under control.


Lifetime Net Merit revised in August for balanced selection, profitable dairy cows

João Dürr, Ph.D. and Kristen Parker Gaddis and Paul VanRaden and Tom Lawlor and Rob Tempelman

July 2, 2021

Lifetime Net Merit (NM$) has driven genetic progress since 1994 by promoting a balanced selection of all available, economically-important traits to maximize profitability of dairy cows.


More feed-efficient cows are on the way

João Dürr, Ph.D.

June 2, 2021

Starting in August 2021, dairy producers will have at their disposal an enhanced Lifetime Net Merit (NM$) index, the selection tool designed to maximize cows’ lifetime profitability.


Genomics drives new trait development

Ezequiel Nicolazzi

April 5, 2021

These triannual evaluations – on April 6, August 10, and December 7 this year – incorporate genomic data along with updated performance, or phenotypic, data to assess the genetic merit of dairy animals.


The U.S. has recorded 5 million genotypes

José Carrillo and Kaori Tokuhisa

March 18, 2021

A new milestone was achieved on March 5 – that’s when the 5 millionth individual genotype was recorded in the national dairy cooperator database.


What’s Up at Holstein USA: Greater Efficiency, Greater Returns

Holstein USA

January 21, 2021

The Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding – home to the largest dairy database (both phenotypes and genotypes) in the world – recently announced the addition of feed efficiency traits to its genetic evaluation.


Feed Saved: A Path to Breeding More Efficient Cows

Kent Weigel for Dairy Business

December 7, 2020

Feed represents the single largest expense on most dairy farms, and even small improvements can have important financial, environmental, and land use implications.


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CDCB Connection

A monthly newsletter, details genetic evaluation updates and industry news.