Previous research has shown that certain carcass traits are genetically correlated, both favorably and unfavorably, with calving traits (birth weight and calving difficulty score). Swedish scientists recently reported results of a study of genetic correlations between calving and carcass traits using field data on 59,182 Charolais and 27,051 Hereford calvings and carcass traits of 5,260 Charolais and 1,232 Hereford yearling bulls. Results showed that selection for higher carcass weights would lead to higher direct and maternal birth weights and increased direct calving difficulty. Increased carcass fatness was genetically associated with lower birth weights and in most cases with less calving difficulty. Moderately unfavorable correlations were found between carcass fleshiness grade (approximately equivalent to USDA Yield Grade) and maternal calving difficulty at first calving. The authors concluded it is important for both direct and maternal calving performance as well as carcass traits to be included in the breeding goals of beef breeds and when individual breeders are selecting seedstock (Eriksson et al. 2004. J. Anim. Sci. 82:2269).