News
CDCB delivers the latest news on genetic improvement, research and U.S. evaluations through its monthly newsletter, dairy media, and events.
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.
December 2024 CDCB Evaluations: What’s New?
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.
New Logo Adds Transparency to Dairy Cattle Genetic Evaluations
October 2, 2024
The U.S. dairy industry will see a new symbol with genetic evaluations – Powered by CDCB – when the information is provided by the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB). Use of this mark increases transparency in genetic evaluations, helping producers connect the quality and sources of information they use for breeding and management decisions.
2023-24 Activity Report: CEO Column
October 1, 2024
CDCB was established to empower dairy producers for a sustainable future through data-driven innovation and collaboration. We began our journey with a significant advantage in 2013, thanks to the remarkable legacy and ongoing partnership provided by USDA AGIL, along with the visionary commitment of our founding collaborators.
2023-24 Activity Report: CDCB Board Chair Column
October 1, 2024
Over the past year, the CDCB Board of Directors and staff have been focused on developing and then executing the new strategic plan that will guide our future initiatives and priorities. I’m pleased to share more about this plan with you.
CDCB Connection
A monthly newsletter, details genetic evaluation updates and industry news.
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