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.


New Logo Adds Transparency to Dairy Cattle Genetic Evaluations

CDCB

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

João Dürr, Ph.D.

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

Lindsey Worden

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.


August 2024 Changes: Impact on Evaluations

Ezequiel Nicolazzi

August 13, 2024

In the August 2024 evaluations, implemented changes had effects on all yield traits (Milk, Fat and Protein) and Heifer Livability, along with correlated traits of Productive Life and Cow Livability in some cases. Breed Base Representation (BBR) values were updated, with the annual reference population update and introduction of a revised SNP list.


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