The research teams at the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) and USDA’s Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory (AGIL) have been busy over the last few years. Scientists have discovered how we can genetically select for additional favorable dairy cattle traits. One product of this work was delivered in the August triannual evaluations when Milking Speed, abbreviated MSPD, was introduced to provide an objective, standardized estimation of how fast a cow or bull’s offspring will milk in pounds per minute.

But more research and trait testing is also wrapping up. At the upcoming CDCB Industry Meeting on Oct. 1, attendees will get an early look at what other new traits are on their way to the farm and how they might benefit herds across the country and around the world.

Calf health

As the value of replacement heifers continues to climb, calf health gains even more importance. CDCB is poised to bring traits to the industry that address the two most significant disease challenges to a calf: respiratory illness and diarrhea.

During the industry meeting, participants will hear about the research conducted at AGIL for these traits, what the proposed traits mean, and how they can be used. One of the complex parts of establishing these traits is the level of calfhood disease incidence that is recorded in farm management software and then transmitted to the National Cooperator Database. More contemporary calf disease records will make these traits more reliable upon publication.

Hoof health and mobility

Just like calf disease, lameness continues to be a problem on dairy farms, causing the removal of animals from the herd both voluntarily and involuntarily. Can we make genetic progress on this issue?

The research on this topic says yes. Industry meeting attendees will learn about the combination of traits in development to give producers another way to tackle this problem. This includes using hoof trimmer data, lameness event reporting, and camera-sensor insight.

Female fertility traits

In response to industry concern about the trends of the female fertility traits — Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR), Cow Conception Rate (CCR), Heifer Conception Rate (HCR), and Early First Calving (EFC) — in recent evaluations, researchers have been analyzing the principles of these traits in correlation with changing on-farm practices. Come learn from the experts leading this work and how a potential new trait, First Service to Conception, may fit into this picture in the future.

Plus more

In addition to these topics, industry meeting attendees will hear from a panel of dairy producers as they discuss genetic program metrics, decision making, and implementing new traits. CDCB team members will also highlight activities and work of the last year with a look ahead to 2026.

All industry collaborators, genetic enthusiasts, and dairy farmers are invited to join the CDCB Industry Meeting at World Dairy Expo on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 8 a.m. in The Tanbark. Can’t be there in person? A livestream option is also available to registered individuals.

The event is free to attend, but registration is requested. Register here now to learn about the newest ways for dairy farmers to improve efficiency and profitability.

To comment, email your remarks to intel@hoards.com.(c) Hoard’s Dairyman Intel 2025September 8, 2025