News

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

Introducing Net Merit 2025

CDCB

January 31, 2025

The Lifetime Net Merit (NM$) index by CDCB ranks dairy animals based on their combined genetic merit for economically important traits. The 2025 NM$ update revises some methods to estimate trait values and many income and cost variables, such as milk prices, feed requirements, and reproductive options. The 2025 revision does not include genetic evaluations for any new traits.  


10M Animal Genotypes in National Cooperator Database

CDCB

December 21, 2024

A remarkable milestone – 10 million animal genotypes in the National Cooperator Database – was recorded on December 14 as 2024 was winding down.


National Dairy Genetic Index Update, Base Change Set for April 2025

CDCB

December 20, 2024

Two significant updates will be implemented in the April 2025 dairy genetic evaluations published by the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) – a revision to the lifetime merit indices and a genetic base change. The CDCB Board of Directors approved these revisions at their December 18, 2024 meeting.


December 2024 CDCB Evaluations: What’s New?

CDCB

November 1, 2024

The CDCB and USDA AGIL team describes changes implemented for the triannual genetic evaluations on December 3, 2024, including updated calculations for Residual Feed Intake, integration of foreign evaluations with the new Rear Teat Placement in Brown Swiss, and exclusion of some crossbred animals in Net Merit $ trends.


April 2024 Evaluation Changes: What’s New?

CDCB and USDA Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory

March 7, 2024

CDCB and USDA AGIL announce enhancements in the U.S. dairy genetic evaluations on April 2, 2024.


Recumbency in Holstein Calves

CDCB

April 3, 2023

Researchers at Penn State University have been collaborating with colleagues at USDA’s Agricultural Research Service to study a new genetic defect in Holstein cattle. This defect is characterized by otherwise healthy animals that are unable to stand. This condition, currently called calf recumbency, has proven to be more complex than other known genetic defects.


April 2023 Evaluation Changes: What’s New?

CDCB

March 7, 2023

The Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding and USDA Animal Genomics Improvement Laboratory are implementing a series of changes with the triannual U.S. evaluations on April 4, 2023.


Accreditation for Parentage Verification Extended by ICAR

CDCB

February 10, 2023

CDCB has been re-accredited as a DNA Data Interpretation Center for parentage verification by ICAR. This certification is part of CDCB’s service to U.S.-based genomic nominators and facilitates the export of U.S. genetics.


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