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.


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.


Invited Review: The future of selection decisions and breeding programs: What are we breeding for, and who decides?.”

João Dürr, Ph.D. and Ezequiel Nicolazzi

March 10, 2021

Genetic selection has been a very successful tool for the long-term improvement of livestock populations, and the rapid adoption of genomic selection over the last decade has doubled the rate of gain in some populations.


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.


Feed Saved trait can vary 1,600 pounds

João Dürr, Ph.D.

December 28, 2020

Dairy producers are now able to breed for more feed-efficient cows. The trait — Feed Saved — debuted with the genetic evaluations published on December 1 by the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB).


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.