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Nutritional interactions with reproductive performance in dairy cattle.
1Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. wrb2@cornell.edu
Animal Reproduction Science
|June 14, 2000
Summary
High milk production in cows often leads to poor fertility due to negative energy balance (NEBAL) and high dietary protein. These factors disrupt hormonal cycles and negatively impact reproductive performance.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive physiology in dairy cattle
- Animal nutrition and metabolism
Background:
- High milk production in dairy cows is linked to reduced fertility.
- Negative energy balance (NEBAL) post-calving is a major factor affecting reproductive cycles.
- High dietary protein intake can also impair fertility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of NEBAL and high dietary protein on dairy cow fertility.
- To elucidate the physiological mechanisms linking nutrition to reproductive performance.
Main Methods:
- The study reviews existing literature on dairy cow nutrition and fertility.
- It analyzes the hormonal and metabolic pathways affected by NEBAL and protein intake.
Main Results:
- NEBAL delays first ovulation by inhibiting LH pulse frequency and lowering key hormones like insulin and IGF-I.
- Reduced progesterone concentrations due to NEBAL further decrease fertility.
- High protein diets increase plasma urea, negatively affecting the uterine environment and reproductive success.
Conclusions:
- Nutritional strategies must address both NEBAL and protein intake to improve fertility in high-producing dairy cows.
- Managing energy balance and protein levels is crucial for optimizing reproductive performance.