The CDCB team thanks all of our collaborators and supporters across the dairy industry for a year filled with innovation, commitment, and genetic progress. Together, we have helped dairy farmers improve the very foundation of their herds, bolstering their businesses and feeding the world ever more efficiently.
Whether you used our services, attended a CDCB event, or shared our information and resources with the industry (maybe even all three!), we appreciate your interaction with our team as we strive to provide premier dairy genetic information services and industry collaboration. Without each one of you, the integrated system for genetic improvement in the U.S. would not be possible. CDCB is proud to foster this collaboration and steward the National Cooperator Database while we move forward together.
As we wrap up 2025, here are 10 things we are especially grateful for this year:
- In April, 88.4 million animals received a genetic evaluation. In August, that number was nearly 90 million. And in December, approximately 91.5 million males and females received a new genetic evaluation that was “Powered by CDCB.”
- The National Cooperator Database recorded its 11 millionth genotype in June, just six months after the 10-million mark was reached. We are on track to receive the 12 millionth before the end of the year!
- Three CDCB-hosted events brought together hundreds of collaborators and stakeholders: the CDCB Producer Exchange in March, the National Cooperator Database Workshop in August, and the CDCB Industry Meeting in October.
- CDCB certified its first sequencing-based laboratory for data submission to the national database in May, paving the way for genotyping-by-sequencing to be used in a national dairy cattle genetic evaluation system for the first time anywhere in the world.
- Years of research came to fruition in August with the introduction of a new trait, Milking Speed (MSPD), that allows Holstein breeders to genetically select for better milking efficiency.
- The genetic base population moved from cows born in 2015 to cows born in 2020. When comparing the old and new base populations, every breed improved in milk pounds and productive life, with many other traits seeing improvement in various breeds.
- The lifetime merit index formulas were updated for the first time since 2021, providing dairy farmers with a range of revised selection tools to fit their milk market and production system.
- Four farmers were featured in resources explaining the integrated system and the National Cooperator Database as the “Data Fuels Genetic Improvement” campaign launched.
- CDCB team members published more than 30 scientific papers in 11 academic journals, gave over 30 invited talks around the world at more than 20 events, and wrote 11 popular press articles in five industry publications.
- Two CDCB team members celebrated 10-year work anniversaries, and 10 new staff joined CDCB to address communication, technology, and research needs.
Here’s to another year of collaboration, communication, and cow records!
Please note our office will be closed December 24-26, December 31, and January 1. We wish you and your families a happy, healthy holiday season and start to 2026!
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