Selection for cow lifetime pregnancy rate using bull and heifer growth and reproductive traits in composite cattle

Abstract

Genetic correlations of lifetime pregnancy rate with bull and heifer growth and reproductive traits in a beef composite population were estimated. Yearling scrotal circumference had an unfavorable genetic correlation (r g = −0.25) while yearling tonometer score was favorably related (r g = 0.22) to lifetime pregnancy rate. Heifer pregnancy rate, birth weight, weaning weight, yearling weight and age at puberty in heifers had significant genetic correlations (r g = 0.97, 0.58, 0.57, 0.33 and −0.21, respectively) with lifetime pregnancy rate. Lifetime pregnancy rate may be successfully predicted by easy-to-measure heifer growth traits. Using indices including scrotal and heifer growth traits, annual genetic change in lifetime pregnancy rate may be increased 3.1 times compared with direct selection. Key words: Scrotal circumference, tonometer, pregnancy, reproduction, puberty