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Nutrition and reproduction disorders in cattle

In dairy cows, an abrupt increase in milk production after calving imposes high metabolic and thus nutritional requirements on the cow. When dry matter intake does not meet increased energy requirements, a status of negative energy balance (NEB) develops.

The consequences of NEB and high metabolic rates on reproduction

The consequences of negative energy balance and high metabolic rates on reproduction in dairy cows
Metabolic profile	Metabolic and high level functional changes	Endocrine changes	Functional changes
Negative Energy Balance	Impaired synthesis and secretion GnRH and LH	anoestrus poor follicular growth and estrogenic capacity delayed LH peak and ovulation	poor oestrus demonstration poor quality of oocyte increased early embryonic mortality
Negative Energy Balance	Emergency energy production from adipose tissue and proteins	increased levels of triacylglycerols in circulation (impaired liver function) increased levels of urea in circulation	impaired immune function of endometrium and increased susceptibility to uterine infections uterine environment less favourable for the embryo
Increased Metabolic Rates	Increased metabolism of oestradiol and progesterone in the liver	decreased levels of oestradiol in general circulation decreased level of progesterone in general circulation	poor oestrus demonstration delayed LH peak and ovulation Early Embryonic Mortality

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Click on the thumbnail sketch for information on: Association of lactation and energy demands of the post partum dairy cow

Click on the thumbnail sketch for information on: Associations between negative energy balance and some endocrine and immune functions in dairy cows

After calving an abrupt increase in milk production imposes high metabolic and thus nutritional requirements on the cow.