Council CDCB Genetic Evaluations
By Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding
Last reviewed: December 2025
CDCB provides the official genetic evaluations for US dairy cattle, including genomic predictions and traditional breeding values.
Overview
The Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) is the organization responsible for computing and publishing official genetic evaluations for US dairy cattle. These evaluations form the basis for genetic selection across the industry.
CDCB processes data from milk recording organizations, genomic testing laboratories, and breed associations to compute predictions for production, health, fertility, and type traits. Their evaluations are published three times per year.
Both traditional (parent average and progeny) and genomic evaluations flow through CDCB, ensuring consistency and comparability across all sources.
Snapshot
Description: CDCB provides the official genetic evaluations for US dairy cattle, including genomic predictions and traditional breeding values.
Who It's For: All US dairy cattle breeders who need official genetic evaluations for breeding and marketing decisions.
What It Does Best: Computes official genetic evaluations using national data to provide accurate, comparable breeding values.
Why It Matters: CDCB evaluations are the foundation for genetic selection in the US dairy industry.
Ideal Users
Farm Types: All US dairy operations
Herd Size: All sizes
Roles: Farm owners, Managers, AI industry, Breed associations
Main Features
Official Evaluations
Industry-standard genetic predictions
Genomic Processing
Incorporates genomic data
National Database
Comprehensive US dairy data
Regular Updates
Three releases per year
Public Access
Evaluations available online
Advanced Features
Trait Research
Development of new trait evaluations
Industry Coordination
Works with all industry partners
Competitive Advantages
Implementation
Timeline: Evaluations published on schedule
Tips
Pricing
Model: Public evaluations free; some services have fees
Evaluation Questions
Key Features
- Official Evaluations: Industry-standard genetic predictions
- Genomic Processing: Incorporates genomic data
- National Database: Comprehensive US dairy data
- Regular Updates: Three releases per year
- Public Access: Evaluations available online
Advanced Features
- Trait Research: Development of new trait evaluations
- Industry Coordination: Works with all industry partners
Ideal For
Farm Types: All US dairy operations
Competitive Advantages
What sets CDCB Genetic Evaluations apart from alternatives:
- Official US evaluations
- Industry-wide acceptance
- Continuous improvement
- Public accessibility
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for CDCB Genetic Evaluations:
Official USDA genetic evaluations for dairy cattle.
Pricing Model: Per-animal evaluation fees
Genomic testing through genotyping partners (Zoetis, Neogen, etc.). Traditional evaluations included with DHI participation.
Pros & Considerations
- National genetic evaluation calculations
- Industry standard for dairy genetics
- Combines genomic and traditional data
- Essential for breed improvement programs
- Cooperative industry-funded model
- Not a direct farmer service typically
- Works through breed associations and labs
- Results interpretation requires understanding
- Data based on contributing herds
Implementation & Setup
How to implement CDCB Genetic Evaluations on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: Evaluations published on schedule
Training & Support
Training and support options available for CDCB Genetic Evaluations:
Support Channels:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating CDCB Genetic Evaluations:
- How to access evaluations?
- Understanding trait definitions?
- Timing of updates?