Genetic Improvement of Reproduction in Beef Cattle

Reproduction is a key profit driver in beef cattle production systems around the world. However genetic evaluation for reproduction traits is generally limited or non-existent. This is likely a function of low levels of recording reproduction traits, and low heritabilities. Traditional BLUP based genetic evaluations have been used effectively in beef for generating estimated breeding values and, in conjunction with selection indices, have generated significant improvement in growth and carcase traits. Recent studies in Australia have shown component traits of both female and male reproduction have moderate to high heritabilities and there are promising results for the application of genomic selection. This paper sumarises genetic evaluation of reproduction in beef cattle world-wide and presents results from a large, long-term Australian research project that provides a blueprint for building future genetic evaluations to increase the rate of genetic improvement in beef cattle reproduction.