New in August 2025, the genetic selection trait for Milking Speed (MSPD) provides dairy producers with an opportunity to further optimize parlor efficiency through genetic improvement.

MSPD evaluations for male and female Holsteins predict the average pounds of milk an animal’s offspring will give per minute in a conventional milking system. Evaluations are expressed on a phenotypic scale (pounds per minute) with a Holstein breed average of roughly 7 pounds per minute.

Milking Speed is a trait evaluated in several breeds internationally; however, most current national evaluations utilize subjective scoring. The new MSPD trait developed by CDCB and research partners for Holsteins eliminates the human factor in scoring by collecting the necessary data through in-line sensor technology from parlor systems. The MSP trait (Milking Speed for Brown Swiss and Milking Shorthorns published by CDCB) will continue to rely on subjective data collected by classifiers.

The genetic and genomic evaluations for male and female Holsteins predict the average pounds of milk an animal’s offspring will give per minute in a conventional milking system. Evaluations are expressed on a phenotypic scale with a Holstein breed average of 7 pounds per minute.

• Faster-milking cows can be selected for, allowing more cows to be milked through the parlor in the same period of time.
• Slower-milking cows can be selected against, improving herd consistency and limiting disruptions to the milking routine.
• Greater parlor throughput is a more efficient use of labor and facilities.

For more details and definitions of this new trait added to Holstein evaluations, see HERE.