Indexes

Reproductive performance evaluations enter a new era

taylor.mcwhorter@uscdcb.com — Fri, 22 May 2026 16:32:07 -0400

Ateam from the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) and the USDA’s Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory (AGIL) began a review process to find a way to modernize the traits to make sure genetic ability was being accurately measured.

From the experts: A genetic planning guide for dairy producers

matti@agproud.com — Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400

Progressive Dairy interviewed genetic experts from across the industry with one goal in mind: to arm you with the knowledge and questions needed to make an effective genetic plan.

[Podcast] Making Health Insurance Simple: What You Need to Know to Choose the Right Coverage with Confidence

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This session explores current market trends and key considerations when evaluating insurance coverage options.

Unlocking dairy genetic potential: The role of selection indexes in enhancing productivity and profitability

vpedrosa@neogen.com — Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

In the ever-evolving dairy industry, genetic selection plays a crucial role in shaping the future of herd productivity, efficiency and profitability. Understanding the principles of genetic selection and the value of selection indexes is key to making informed breeding decisions that yield long-term benefits.

Creating an 'Olympic athlete': Cedar Ridge Dairy's journey with genetics

matti@agproud.com — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400

When Chace Fullmer was handed the reins of a 1,000-cow dairy at the age of 20, he was excited to build a life as a dairy farmer. Almost 20 years later, Fullmer has added 1,500 cows, built a new rotary parlor and maternity facility, improved the genetic value of his herd through genomic testing and adjusted his approach to dairy farming.

Which traits make an efficient dairy cow?

devries@ufl.edu — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Which traits make an efficient dairy cow? To answer that question, it is useful to carefully think about what a very efficient dairy cow looks like. One definition of an efficient dairy cow is cow that maximizes milk production while maintaining good health and fertility, thereby optimizing profitability for the producer.

Using a custom index to select your best robot cows

john@cow-corner.co — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The best robot cows combine four factors – milk production, milkability, milking speed and trips to the robot. Each of these factors can be measured, and the measurements can be combined to rank the best robot cows.

How genomic testing can help lower somatic cell count and increase profit

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

By pairing management practices with innovations in genomic testing, producers can stock their herds with the right animals that have the potential to be high producers of milk, fat and protein; have less risk for mastitis; require a reduced need for antibiotic use; produce more salable milk; and possess greater potential for improved herd profitability.

A different perspective on linear selection

lschirm@wwsires.com — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

The question is: How much should the linear selection factor be used to identify the mothers of your replacement females? In other words, how one uses or doesn’t use linear type traits will influence the females you identify as having the genetics you wish to propagate.

Capitalizing on genetics: Vanden Berge Dairy

matti@agproud.com — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

One hundred miles north of Los Angeles, almond trees bloom, the sun shines and a Holstein cow leisurely walks back to her dry lot pen after her second of three milkings. She’s a member of Vanden Berge Dairy’s herd of Holsteins and is a product of an impressive genetic strategy.

Creating the ideal cow for your herd

adrianne.trennepohl@genusplc.com — Tue, 21 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Every cow you create might not be right for your market. To withstand market ebbs and flows, you need to create cows that meet the needs of your operation.

Weekly Digest: Bell ringing for FMMO hearing recess, school milk choices

dave@agproud.com — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 11:07:29 -0500

Here’s an update on news impacting your dairy as we approach the middle of December 2023.

Genetic tools have reversed cow fertility decline

kristen.gaddis@uscdcb.com — Tue, 25 Apr 2023 11:48:15 -0400

2000 was a turning point for U.S. dairy cow fertility. Despite the negative correlation between production and fertility, current genetic trends are favorable for both.

When it comes to selection indexes, there is no one size fits all

seaglen@naab-css.org — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 09:45:28 -0400

All cattle breeders will agree that selection indexes are the preferred way to simultaneously select for multiple traits that affect herd profitability.

Net Merit revised with August genetic evaluations

joao.durr@uscdcb.com — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 23:06:26 -0400

The national genetic index, Net Merit, was updated with the genetic evaluations on Aug. 10, 2021 – delivering an improved tool to breed profitable and feed-efficient cows.

Heifer Livability: Where is the buzz?

seaglen@naab-css.org — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 13:00:01 -0400

Heifer Livability: The new trait was released in December, but 99% of the attention went to the simultaneously released Feed Saved trait. Of course, we have been getting used to Cow Livability for a while, but it is still worthwhile to reflect on Heifer Livability for several reasons.

Heifer Livability – where is the buzz?

seaglen@naab-css.org — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 16:20:12 -0400

New Feed Saved trait could improve dairy sustainability and profitability

Mon, 09 Nov 2020 21:32:29 -0500

The genetics of feed efficiency was the central focus of the 2020 Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) industry meeting held via Zoom on Nov. 2. One of the latest Holstein genetic traits to be released with Dec. 1 evaluations is Feed Saved, which will aid in breeding more feed-efficient cows.

Genetic tool for feed efficiency coming in December

kristen.gaddis@uscdcb.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2020 14:00:01 -0500

As dairy producers seek new and additional strategies to improve production efficiency, feed costs are a clear focus, with feed averaging 51% of total dairy farm expenses (USDA Economic Research Services, 2018).

The April 2020 genetic evaluation – a summary of the changes

seaglen@naab-css.org — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 13:00:01 -0400

The April 2020 sire evaluation had more changes than usual. This is not coincidental. The most noticeable of changes was the genetic base change.

Choosing the index that meets your dairy’s needs

Thu, 21 Mar 2019 16:27:27 -0400

In recent years, many U.S. producers have adopted use of a custom index. This index is used for sire selection or sorting females for culling or strategic breeding programs. These custom indexes are used in place of standard selection indexes such as Net Merit (NM$), Cheese Merit or breed-specific indexes (TPI, JPI, etc.).