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.

Health Traits Updated, Reflecting Data Surge

Kristen Parker Gaddis and Taylor McWhorter

April 1, 2024

The most significant change for the April 2024 triannual evaluations is an adjustment in the trait model for six CDCB health evaluations – resistance to milk fever, displaced abomasum, ketosis, mastitis, metritis, and retained placenta.


Leverage Genetic Tools to Breed Healthier Cows

Kristen Parker Gaddis

August 8, 2022

Genetic evaluations to strengthen resistance to six health disorders are available for Brown Swiss animals beginning August 9, 2022.


CDCB Health Traits Extend to Brown Swiss

Kristen Parker Gaddis

July 22, 2022

Beginning August 9, 2022, Brown Swiss animals will receive CDCB evaluations for disease resistance for six traits: milk fever (MFEV), displaced abomasum (DA), ketosis (KETO), mastitis (MAST), metritis (METR) and retained placenta (RETP).


We’re Making Strides on Improving Feed Saved

Kristen Parker Gaddis

December 6, 2021

One year ago, the trait Feed Saved made its debut in the December 2020 genetic evaluations published by the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB).


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.


CDCB Leads Efforts to Reduce Lameness with Genetics

Javier Burchard and H Duane Norman and Kristen Parker Gaddis

February 25, 2021

Progressive Dairy recently asked leading experts from the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding to provide an update on their work to better understand dairy cattle hoof health and reduce lameness via genetic solutions.


Genetic Tool for Feed Efficiency Coming in December

Kristen Parker Gaddis

November 6, 2020

As dairy producers seek new and additional strategies to improve production efficiency, feed costs are a clear focus, with feed averaging 51% of total dairy farm expenses (USDA Economic Research Services, 2018).


Learn About the New Trait, Feed Saved

Kristen Parker Gaddis

October 26, 2020

With the December 1 genetic evaluations, producers will have a new tool – Feed Saved.


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CDCB Connection

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