Abstract
Early successful conception of postpartum dairy cows is crucial in determining the optimum reproductive efficiency and profitability in modern dairy farming. Due to the inherent high production potential of modern dairy cows, the extra stress burden of peri-parturient events, and associated endocrine and metabolic changes causes negative energy balance (NEBAL) in postpartum cows. The occurrence of NEBAL is associated with excessive fat mobilization in the form of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs). The phenomenon of NEFA mobilization furthers with occurrence of ketosis and fatty liver in postpartum dairy cows. High NEFAs and ketones are negatively associated with health and reproductive processes. An additional burden of hypocalcemia, ruminal acidosis, and high protein metabolism in postpartum cows presents further consequences for health and reproductive performance of postpartum dairy cows. This review intends to comprehend these major nutritional metabolic alterations, their mechanisms of influence on the reproduction process, and relevant mitigation strategies.
Highlights
Modern large-scale dairy farming has emerged during recent decades
There exists a negative correlation between milk production and reproduction, as high milk production is maintained at the expense of reproductive health [10]
This review aims to comprehend all these events, their interrelationships, and consequences towards fertility decline and poor reproductive performance
Summary
Modern large-scale dairy farming has emerged during recent decades. There is a gross improvement in milk production, mainly attributed to intensive selection and improved nutrition. The postpartum dairy cow is over-stressed due to parturition labor, lactation demands, possible exposure to heat stress, reduced dry matter intake (DMI), uterine involution, and initiation of the reproductive cycle Due to these problems, post-parturient dairy cows usually suffer from a negative energy balance (NEBAL). They cause changes in the biochemical profile of the ovarian follicles, contained oocyte, developing embryo, corpus luteum (CL), and uterus, which result in low conception rates (CRs), whereas they trigger endocrine changes at the pituitary–hypothalamus-ovary axis, including changes in estrogen (E2), gonadotrophins (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and progesterone (P4) These aforementioned changes influence the immune system of postpartum dairy cows through activation of LPS, cytokines, and Toll-like receptors (TLRs).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
