New Genetic Evaluations for Milking Speed
On August 12, 2025 new genetic evaluations will be released for Milking Speed (MSPD). “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 for Holsteins eliminates the human factor in scoring by collecting the necessary data through in-line sensor technology from parlor systems.”(CDCB)
Now that Milking Speed will be a trait breeders can select on, breeders can expect a major improvement in their parlor once their newly selected matings begin calving in. From overall efficiency to particular pen grouping, there are many ways that selecting for MSPD will improve your herd.
Let’s get into the details!
There will be a low genetic correlation between MSPD and Net Merit $ because MSPD is not a trait factored into NM$ although it could have a significant impact on the future value of your herd. Milking speed will be calculated by taking the total pounds of milk produced in an individual milking divided by the singular milking duration in minutes. MSPD will be posted on a scale where the average is roughly 7 pounds of milk produced per minute for the Holstein Breed in the U.S. so any daughters of a bull producing more than 7 pounds per minute will be considered to milk faster than the average Holstein cow in the population. MSPD will first be published for Holsteins only, due to the amount of data required to support the reliability of genetic evaluations.
“Pre-release analysis indicates active A.I. Holstein sires in December 2024 range from 6.2 pounds per minute to 8.1 pounds per minute, with the average at about 7.1 pounds per minute. MSPD has a standard deviation of 0.3 pounds per minute, meaning it is assumed that 68% of bulls will have an PTA for MSPD between 6.7 and 7.3.”(CDCB)
As more data becomes available, MSPD evaluations can be provided for additional breeds as well as for farmers with automatic milking systems (AMS).
CDCB FAQs about Milking Speed (MSPD)
https://uscdcb.com/milking-speed-faq