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.
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.
June 6, 2024
For the eighth year, CDCB is providing internships for the next generation of animal scientists. Welcome Agustin Chasco, Gabriella Dodd and Gaurav Dutta, who will conduct research with scientists from CDCB and USDA AGIL during the summer of 2024.
March 7, 2024
CDCB and USDA AGIL announce enhancements in the U.S. dairy genetic evaluations on April 2, 2024.
November 17, 2023
In summer 2024, CDCB will again offer internships to dairy or animal science students during their junior, senior, or graduate study program.
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.
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.
December 9, 2022
During the CDCB internship in summer 2022, I analyzed the termination codes (the reason why cattle left the herd) and made connections to common health traits as to why they left the herd.
A monthly newsletter, details genetic evaluation updates and industry news.