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 (rg = −0.25) while yearling tonometer score was favorably related (rg = 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 (rg = 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
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