News
CDCB delivers the latest news on genetic improvement, research and U.S. evaluations through its monthly newsletter, dairy media, and events.
August 2025 Evaluation Changes: What’s New?
July 10, 2025
The August 2025 triannual genetic evaluations include the introduction of a new trait for Holsteins, the implementation of the five-year base change for calving traits, and updates to two other traits.
CDCB Keeps Pace with Advancing Genomic Technology Through Integration of Genotyping-by-Sequencing
June 5, 2025
CDCB has certified its first sequencing-based laboratory for data submission.
What Else Can We Do With a Milk Sample?
May 5, 2025
Milk samples already provide incredible insight — but it’s possible they could do even more. During the CDCB Producer Exchange, Malia Caputo, Ph.D., discussed the health, nutrition, and fertility opportunities of milk sample infrared spectrometry.
CDCB Producer Exchange Connects the Industry
April 4, 2025
On the eve of the April 2025 triannual evaluations, CDCB held its first Producer Exchange in Reno, Nev., in conjunction with the Western Dairy Management Conference. The event brought together dairy farmers, scientists, and industry collaborators to discuss the role genetics plays in a profitable farm operation — plus how new traits and research will continue to benefit producers.
CDCB Evaluation Changes: April 2025
February 25, 2025
Updates for the April 1, 2025, CDCB evaluations include the every-five-year base change, revision to the merit indexes, Breed Base Representation (BBR) reference population update and normalization of type trait reliability calculations in non-Holstein breeds.
Introducing Net Merit 2025
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
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
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.
CDCB Connection
A monthly newsletter, details genetic evaluation updates and industry news.
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