Postpartum resumption of cyclic ovarian function, first estrus and re-conception and their relation to energy metabolism in high-producing dairy cows

Abstract

In the last few decades a continuous increase was observed in average milk production of dairy cows all over the world. Simultaneously, however, a dramatic decrease was seen in reproductive performance. This tendency is attributed to the increased incidence of bacterial complications in uterine involution, as well as to the high occurrence of ovarian malfunctions in the postpartum period. The aim of this paper is to review the physiology and pathology of the latter, really complex phenomenon. The nutritional basis of this process, that the requirements of high-producing dairy cows shift abruptly after parturition as the daily milk yield rapidly increases and the ensuing negative energy balance (NEB) will extend 10-12 weeks. In the context of the high genetic merit dairy cow, the pp NEB is the difference between the dietary intake of utilizable energy and the expenditure of energy for body mass maintenance and milk synthesis. In principle, it is a physiological phenomenon, which may, however, result in more or less severe disorders in both the metabolism and reproduction and so it may lead to great economic losses in modern dairy practice [112]. In the first 3-4 weeks after calving the NEB is highly correlated with both milk yield and the interval to first ovulation. Because the number of ovulatory estrous cycles preceding the insemination (AI) has been shown to influence the conception rate, the length of the pp interval to first ovulation provides an important parameter for assessing the effect of NEB on reproductive performance S19, 20?.