The CDCB team is advancing with the new Milking Speed (MSPD) for Holsteins – for release as early as August 2025.

After the approval of new data flow by the CDCB Board in April, the team placed top priority on routine integration of this new MSPD data into the National Cooperator Database. A test run for MSPD is underway this month, keeping trait launch on track for August, provided successful review by the Dairy Evaluation Review Team and the Genetic Evaluation Methods Committee.

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 via producer scores during the type classification process.

The MSPD trait is designed to increase efficiency in parlors and milking facilities. 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 reported as pounds-per-minute. The average milking speed for Holsteins is 7.1 pounds per minute.

As soon as possible, CDCB will confirm the release timeline for MSPD and provide materials about this revolutionary new trait.

Speaking of new traits, CDCB is also asking producers and the industry to affirm that calf health data is flowing from farms into the National Cooperator Database. This will enable progress on new traits for the resistance to diarrhea and respiratory incidences in calves. As new traits move from research to operational implementation, access to contemporary data in the national database is imperative.

Learn more in these slides Research Findings Supporting New Traits.