With the Board approval of new data flow, CDCB is one step closer to releasing Milking Speed (MSPD) for Holsteins in August. As with the release of all new traits, this timeline is still tentative until new data is flowing into the National Cooperator Database and a test run of the trait has passed review by the Dairy Evaluation Review Team and the Genetic Evaluation Methods Committee. More information about this revolutionary new trait will be shared as the timeline to launch is confirmed.

Not to be confused with the existing Milking Speed (MSP) trait for Brown Swiss and Milking Shorthorn, the new MSPD trait for Holsteins is calculated using data from in-line sensors rather than collected during the type classification process. Predicted Transmitting Abilities (PTAs) for MSPD represent the average pounds of milk per minute a cow or bull’s offspring is estimated to produce. PTAs will be compared to an average milking speed of 7 pounds per minute for Holsteins. This trait is designed to increase efficiency in parlors and milking facilities across the country.

CDCB is also asking producers and the industry to affirm that calf health data is flowing from farms into the National Cooperator Database so progress can continue toward publication of traits for the resistance to diarrhea and respiratory incidences in calves. As the process of trait development moves from research to operational implementation, access to contemporary data in the national database is a key step in this process.

Lastly, as announced before the April evaluations, the calving traits—Sire Calving Ease, Daughter Calving Ease, Sire Stillbrith, and Daughter Stillbirth—will experience a base change in August.

Source: CDCB