Estimation of genetic parameters for heifer pregnancy and carcass traits in Angus cattle

Lay Summary This study estimated the genetic relationship between heifer pregnancy (HP), weaning weight (WWT), and the carcass traits ribeye area (REA), backfat thickness (FAT), marbling score (MS), and hot carcass weight (HCW). The proportion of phenotypic variation in HP, WWT, and carcass traits due to genetic influence was also evaluated. The objective was to identify whether genetic selection for carcass traits hinders or promotes reproductive performance, measured by the ability of heifers to become pregnant. It was found that genetics have a limited influence on the variation in HP, whereas carcass traits have a moderate to high influence from genetics. A negative association was estimated between all traits and HP, indicating that there may be an antagonistic relationship between genetic selection for improved carcass traits and HP.