Nutritional effects on resumption of ovarian cyclicity and conception rate in postpartum dairy cows

2001 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 133-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
W.R. Butler
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Dietary Protein ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Negative Energy Balance ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Plasma Urea ◽  
Igf I ◽  
High Dietary Protein

AbstractIncreased genetic potential for milk production has been associated with a decline in fertility of lactating cows. Following parturition the nutritional requirements increase rapidly with milk production and result in negative energy balance (NEBAL). NEBAL delays the time of first ovulation thereby affecting ovarian cycles before and during the subsequent breeding period The effects of NEBAL on reinitiation of ovulation are manifested through inhibition of LH pulse frequency and low levels of glucose, insulin and IGF-I in blood that collectively restrain oestrogen production by dominant follicles. Upregulation of LH pulses and peripheral IGF-I in association with the NEBAL nadir increases the likelihood that emerging dominant follicles will ovulate. The legacy of NEBAL is reduced fertility after insemination in conjunction with reduced serum progesterone concentrations. Diets high in crude protein support high milk yield, but may be detrimental to reproductive performance. Depending upon protein quantity and composition, serum concentrations of progesterone may be lower and the uterine luminal environment is altered. High protein intake is correlated with plasma urea concentrations that are inversely related to uterine pH and fertility. The direct effects of high dietary protein and plasma urea on embryo quality and development in cattle are inconsistent. In conclusion, the poor fertility of high producing dairy cows reflects the combined effects of a uterine environment that is dependent on progesterone, but has been rendered suboptimal for embryo development by antecedent effects of negative energy balance and may be further compromised by the effects of urea resultingfrom intake of high dietary protein.

Effect of acute nutritional restriction on periovulatory oestradiol and IGF-I in beef heifers

2001 ◽  
Vol 2001 ◽  
pp. 215-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
D.R. Mackey ◽  
A.R.G. Wylie ◽  
J.F. Roche ◽  
J.M. Sreenan ◽  
M.G. Diskin
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Postpartum Period ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Oestrous Cycle ◽  
Negative Energy Balance ◽  
Beef Heifers ◽  
Igf I ◽  
Nutritional Restriction

Severe negative energy balance (NEB) in the postpartum period of dairy cows may be associated with declining fertility but the mechanisms by which nutrition influences reproduction are complex, poorly understood and confounded by lactation. Hence, both chronic and acute nutritional restriction of beef heifers have been used as models to examine the effects of NEB on ovarian and endocrine responses in the absence of lactation. Plasma IGF-I concentrations gradually decreased until the onset of anoestrus (Stagg et al., 1999) but concentrations may be confounded with stage of the oestrous cycle, especially around ovulation (Mackey et al., 2000). Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the effect of nutritional restriction on periovulatory oestradiol (E2) and IGF-I concentrations.

Physiological and genetic differences between low and high index dairy cows

2001 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 223-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. C. Lucy ◽  
B. A. Crooker
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
High Index ◽  
Negative Energy Balance ◽  
Positive Energy ◽  
Serum Concentrations ◽  
Days Open

AbstractSelection of dairy cattle for increased milk production has decreased some indices of reproductive efficiency. For example, days open are increased by one day for every 100 kg of increased milk yield per lactation. Some of the change in days open can be explained by delayed onset of oestrous cyclicity and lower conception rate to artificial insemination in cows with greater milk production. Despite these negative associations between milk production and reproduction, reproduction in herds of high producing dairy cattle is not necessarily compromised relative to reproduction in herds of low producing dairy cattle. This is because there is a large environmental effect on dairy reproduction. High producing herds generally have better management and better oestrous detection. Therefore, high producing dairy herds may partially overcome the antagonistic relationship between milk production and reproduction. Physiological mechanisms that lead to poorer reproduction in high producing cows are partially defined. Negative energy balance that occurs in high producing dairy cows can be associated with a delay in the initiation of ovarian cycles and the interval to first breeding. Many of the effects of negative energy balance on postpartum reproduction can be explained by decreased serum luteinizing hormone (LH) that is associated with negative energy balance. Serum LH increases as cows move toward positive energy balance and greater LH stimulates growth and ovulation of ovarian follicles. We have initiated studies to address physiological differences in high and low index dairy cows. The reproductive endocrinology of cows from a control line (5,900 kg milk/lactation) and a select line (10,900 kg milk/lactation) of dairy cows at the University of Minnesota was studied over a two-year period. Cows in Year 1 were similar for serum concentrations of LH, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and oestradiol (preovulatory period). In both years, serum concentrations of progesterone during luteal phases, however, were decreased in select cows. The Year 2 cows also had a delay in the return to oestrous cyclicity that was associated with reduced LH. The possibility that decreased progesterone causes infertility in dairy cows will require further study. Collectively, these data suggest that changes in blood progesterone concentrations may explain, partially, lower fertility in high index dairy cows.

scholarly journals Effects of Propylene Glycol on Negative Energy Balance of Postpartum Dairy Cows

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1526
Author(s):  
Fan Zhang ◽  
Xuemei Nan ◽  
Hui Wang ◽  
Yiguang Zhao ◽  
Yuming Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Propylene Glycol ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Fat ◽  
Metabolic Diseases ◽  
Ketone Bodies ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Negative Energy Balance ◽  
Research Progress

With the improvement in the intense genetic selection of dairy cows, advanced management strategies, and improved feed quality and disease control, milk production level has been greatly improved. However, the negative energy balance (NEB) is increasingly serious at the postpartum stage because the intake of nutrients cannot meet the demand of quickly improved milk production. The NEB leads to a large amount of body fat mobilization and consequently the elevated production of ketones, which causes metabolic diseases such as ketosis and fatty liver. The high milk production of dairy cows in early lactation aggravates NEB. The metabolic diseases lead to metabolic disorders, a decrease in reproductive performance, and lactation performance decline, seriously affecting the health and production of cows. Propylene glycol (PG) can alleviate NEB through gluconeogenesis and inhibit the synthesis of ketone bodies. In addition, PG improves milk yield, reproduction, and immune performance by improving plasma glucose and liver function in ketosis cows, and reduces milk fat percentage. However, a large dose of PG (above 500 g/d) has toxic and side effects in cows. The feeding method used was an oral drench. The combination of PG with some other additives can improve the effects in preventing ketosis. Overall, the present review summarizes the recent research progress in the impacts of NEB in dairy cows and the properties of PG in alleviating NEB and reducing the risk of ketosis.

The effects of two contrasting grassland-based milk production systems, on the performance and fertility of high genetic merit, autumn calving, dairy cows

2001 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 371-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.P. Ferris ◽  
M.A. McCoy ◽  
S.D. Lennox ◽  
D.C. Catney ◽  
F.J. Gordon
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Negative Energy Balance ◽  
Genetic Merit ◽  
High Feed ◽  
Feed Value

AbstractThe development of production systems, which allow increased nutrient intakes to be achieved, is a key issue in the management of high genetic merit dairy cows. Consequently, forty high genetic merit autumn calving dairy cows (PTA95fat + protein = 38.2 kg) were managed on either a ‘high forage (HF)’ or ‘high concentrate (HC)’ based system of milk production for the first 305 days of lactation, with the study encompassing both the indoor winter and outdoor summer grazing periods. System HF involved a high feed value silage, a lax grazing regime, and a low concentrate input (842 kg DM), while system HC involved a medium feed value silage, a tighter grazing regime and a higher concentrate input (2456 kg DM). Total milk outputs with each of systems HF and HC were 7854 and 8640 kg respectively (P<0.01), illustrating that high genetic merit cows can perform satisfactorily on very different inputs over a single lactation. However animals on system HF experienced a more extreme and prolonged period of negative energy balance post partum than those on system HC, and completed the winter with a significantly lower condition score. Detailed fertility records were maintained for all animals on the study. Days to first observed heat were 51.2 and 59.3 with systems HF and HC respectively, while the respective conception rates to first service were 26 and 21%. The number of services/conception were 2.22 and 2.50, while the calving interval was 390 and 404 days for systems HF and HC respectively. Despite the greater degree of negative energy balance associated with system HF, none of the fertility measures was significantly affected by system of milk production (P>0.05), although fertility with both systems was poor. There were no obvious reasons for the poor fertility noted in this trial.

scholarly journals Differing adaptations of IGF-I and its IGFBPs in dairy cows during a negative energy balance in early lactation and a negative energy balance induced by feed restriction in mid-lactation

2013 ◽  
Vol 58 (No. 9) ◽  
pp. 459-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
EC Kessler ◽  
JJ Gross ◽  
RM Bruckmaier
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Mrna Abundance ◽  
Negative Energy Balance ◽  
Feed Restriction ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Period 2 ◽  
Igf I ◽  
Igfbp 3

: Control of metabolic pathways is a major task of the somatotropic axis and its constituents. Insulin-like growth-factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) bind IGF-I and -II and act as carriers and regulators of their activities in blood, body fluids and tissues. Over two periods of physiological adaptation, this study investigated the binding pattern of IGF-I to IGFBPs in the plasma of 50 multiparous Holstein dairy cows and identified relationships with the hepatic mRNA abundance of IGFBPs and plasma IGF-I during the lactational negative energy balance (NEB) and during a deliberately induced NEB by feed restriction. Period 1 lasted from week 3 antepartum (a.p.) to week&nbsp;12 postpartum (p.p.) and period 2, the period of feed restriction, started at around 100 DIM and lasted for three weeks with a control (C) and a restricted group (R). Blood samples and liver biopsies were collected in week 3 a.p., and in weeks 1 and 4 p.p. of period 1 and in weeks 0 and 3 of period 2. For column chromatography of IGFBPs, plasma samples of all animals were pooled by group and time points of sampling. Plasma IGF-I dropped from week 3 a.p. to week 1 p.p. and thereafter increased until week 0 (period 2) and did not change up to week 3 of period 2. The binding of IGF-I to plasma IGFBP-1 and -2 increased in period 1 from week 3 a.p. to week 4 p.p., while at the same time it decreased for IGFBP-3. During period 2, the binding of IGF-I to plasma IGFBP-1 and -2 decreased for both groups, but less for R cows. In C cows, the IGF-I binding to IGFBP-3 in plasma increased from week 0 to week 3 of period 2, whereas R cows showed a slight decrease. In period 1, hepatic mRNA abundance of IGFBP-3 followed the plasma IGFBP-3 binding in contrast to the mRNA abundances of IGFBP-1 and -2. The latter increased from week 3 a.p. to week 1 p.p. and decreased afterwards whereas IGF-I binding to IGFBP-1 and -2 increased. In week 3 of period 2, the binding of IGF-I to IGFBP-1 and -2 and their hepatic mRNA abundance were higher in R&nbsp;cows compared to C cows. Hepatic mRNA abundance of IGF-I was consistently positively correlated with plasma IGF-I, especially pronounced during the NEBs in week 1 p.p. (period 1) and in week 3 (period 2) in R cows. While no distinct relation between mRNA abundance of IGFBP-1 and plasma IGF-I was evident, the mRNA abundance of IGFBP-2 was inversely related to plasma IGF-I over all experimental time points independent of treatment. The mRNA abundance of IGFBP-3 was particularly correlated with plasma IGF-I during the 2 experimental stages of a NEB. Obviously IGFBP-3, but not IGFBP-1 and -2, binding in plasma closely followed the respective pattern of hepatic mRNA abundance during the entire experimental period. The fact that changes in the different plasma IGFBPs during altering metabolic stages in different stages of lactation do not always strictly follow their mRNA abundance in liver suggests&nbsp;tissues other than the liver flexibly contributing to the IGFBP pool in plasma as well as a partially post-transcriptional regulation of IGFBP synthesis. &nbsp;

scholarly journals Metabolic Adaptations to Dynamic Energy Requirements during Lactation and Pregnancy in Dairy Cows with Varying Proportions of Holstein and Simmental Breed

Proceedings ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 73 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Deise Aline Knob ◽  
André Thaler Neto ◽  
Helen Schweizer ◽  
Anna Weigand ◽  
Roberto Kappes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Mixed Model ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Negative Energy Balance ◽  
Repeated Measure ◽  
Holstein Cows ◽  
Mixed Model Analysis ◽  
Genetic Groups

Depending on the breed or crossbreed line, cows have to cope with a more or less severe negative energy balance during the period of high milk yields in early lactation, which can be detected by beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) in blood. Preventing cows from undergoing a severe negative energy balance by breeding and/or feeding measures is likely to be supported by the public and may help to improve the sustainability of milk production. The aim was to compare BHBA and NEFA concentrations in the blood of Holstein and Simmental cows and their crosses during the prepartum period until the end of lactation. In total, 164 cows formed five genetic groups according to their theoretic proportion of Holstein and Simmental genes as follows: Holstein (100% Holstein; n = 9), R1-Hol (51–99% Holstein; n = 30), F1 crossbreds (50% Holstein, 50% Simmental; n = 17), R1-Sim (1–49% Holstein; n = 81) and Simmental (100% Simmental; n = 27). NEFA and BHBA were evaluated once a week between April 2018 and August 2019. A mixed model analysis with fixed effects breed, week (relative to calving), the interaction of breed and week, parity, calving year, calving season, milking season, and the repeated measure effect on cows was used. Holstein cows had higher NEFAs (0.196 ± 0.013 mmol/L), and Simmental cows had the lowest NEFA concentrations (0.147 ± 0.008 mmol/L, p = 0.03). R1-Sim, F1 and R1-Hol cows had intermediate values (0.166 ± 0.005, 0.165 ± 0.010, 0.162 ± 0.008 mmol/L; respectively). The highest NEFA value was found in the first week after calving (0.49 ± 0.013 mmol/L). BHBA did not differ among genetic groups (p = 0.1007). There was, however, an interaction between the genetic group and week (p = 0.03). While Simmental, R1-Sim and F1 cows had the highest BHBA value, the second week after calving (0.92 ± 0.07 and 1.05 ± 0.04, and 1.10 ± 0.10 mmol/L, respectively), R1-Hol and Holstein cows showed the BHBA peak at the fourth week after calving (1.16 ± 0.07 and 1.36 ± 0.12 mmol/L, respectively). Unexpectedly, Holstein cows had a high BHBA peak again at week 34 after calving (1.68 ± 0.21 mmol/L). The genetic composition of the cows affects NEFA and BHBA. Simmental and R1-Sim cows mobilize fewer body reserves after calving. Therefore, dairy cows with higher degrees of Simmental origin might be more sustainable in comparison with Holstein genetics in the present study.

scholarly journals The Capacity of Holstein-Friesian and Simmental Cows to Correct a Negative Energy Balance in Relation to Their Performance Parameters, Course of Lactation, and Selected Milk Components

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1674
Author(s):  
Ilona Strączek ◽  
Krzysztof Młynek ◽  
Agata Danielewicz
Keyword(s):  
Fatty Acid ◽  
Energy Balance ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Negative Energy Balance ◽  
Holstein Friesian ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Peak Lactation

A significant factor in improving the performance of dairy cows is their physiological ability to correct a negative energy balance (NEB). This study, using Simmental (SIM) and Holstein-Friesian (HF) cows, aimed to assess changes in NEB (non-esterified fatty acid; body condition score; and C16:0, C18:0, and C18:1) and its effect on the metabolic efficiency of the liver (β-hydroxybutyrate and urea). The effects of NEB on daily yield, production at peak lactation and its duration, and changes in selected milk components were assessed during complete lactation. Up to peak lactation, the loss of the body condition score was similar in both breeds. Subsequently, SIM cows more efficiently restored their BCS. HF cows reached peak lactation faster and with a higher milk yield, but they were less able to correct NEB. During lactation, their non-esterified fatty acid, β-hydroxybutyrate, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, and urea levels were persistently higher, which may indicate less efficient liver function during NEB. The dynamics of NEB were linked to levels of leptin, which has anorectic effects. Its content was usually higher in HF cows and during intensive lactogenesis. An effective response to NEB may be exploited to improve the production and nutritional properties of milk. In the long term, it may extend dairy cows’ productive life and increase lifetime yield.

scholarly journals Changes in selected biochemical parameters during subclinical and clinical ketosis in dairy cows

2019 ◽  
Vol 74 (10) ◽  
pp. 6133-2019
Author(s):  
YUANYUAN CHEN ◽  
ZHIHAO DONG ◽  
RUIRUI LI ◽  
CHUANG XU
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Metabolism ◽  
Energy Balance ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Perinatal Period ◽  
Oxidative Capacity ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Negative Energy Balance ◽  
Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 ◽  
Acid Oxidation ◽  
Subclinical Ketosis

Negative energy balance (NEB) is a common pathological cause of ketosis. As the major organs of lipid metabolism, the liver and fat tissue take part in regulating lipid oxidative capacity and energy demands, which is also a key metabolic pathway that regulates NEB development during the perinatal period. Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) is a novel metabolic regulator involved in the control of fatty acid oxidation and lipid metabolism during a prolonged negative energy balance. Our study determined a correlation between serum FGF21 and β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) levels in dairy cows with ketosis. We used sixty cows with low milk yield, abnormal glucose metabolism, and ketosis. Serum FGF21 and BHBA levels were measured using commercial kits. Serum FGF21 increased with increasing BHBA levels up to 1.6 mmol/L. At BHBA levels > 1.6 mmol/L, FGF21 decreased. Serum FGF21 levels were positively associated with BHBA levels, particularly in dairy cows with subclinical ketosis (r = 0.647, P < 0.01). At BHBA levels between 1.2 mmol/L and 1.6 mmol/L, FGF21 was more closely correlated with BHBA than with other metabolic parameters. At BHBA levels > 1.6 mmol/L, the association between FGF21 and BHBA was not significant. In conclusion, our results show that FGF21 was closely related with SK in cows. FGF21 may be a promising regulator in the prevention of subclinical ketosis.

scholarly journals Adipose tissue remodeling in late-lactation dairy cows during feed-restriction-induced negative energy balance

2016 ◽  
Vol 99 (12) ◽  
pp. 10009-10021 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Andres Contreras ◽  
Kyan Thelen ◽  
Sarah E. Schmidt ◽  
Clarissa Strieder-Barboza ◽  
Courtney L. Preseault ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adipose Tissue ◽  
Energy Balance ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Tissue Remodeling ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Negative Energy Balance ◽  
Feed Restriction ◽  
Adipose Tissue Remodeling

Consequences for reproductive function of metabolic adaption to load

1999 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 99-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Webb ◽  
P. C. Garnsworthy ◽  
J. G. Gong ◽  
R. S. Robinson ◽  
D. C. Wathes
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Direct Effect ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Follicular Growth ◽  
Embryo Survival

AbstractAn effective method for enhancing milk production efficiency in dairy cows is to increase milk yield and significant progress has been achieved through intense selection, assisted by the application of new reproductive techniques. However this increased milk yield has been accompanied by a slow but steady decline in dairy cow fertility. The two main reasons for this reducing level of fertility appear to be selection for increased milk yield and large herd sizes, although the affect of the introduction of Holstein genes needs to be investigated. In addition, other negative consequences such as an increase in the incidence of metabolic diseases and lameness have been observed. This has given rise to public concern that the high-yielding dairy cow may be under a state of metabolic stress during peak lactation and therefore the welfare and performance of other body functions are compromised.The reason for this decline in fertility is not well understood, although a nutritional influence on the initiation of oestrous cycles, follicular growth, oocyte quality and early embryonic development has been implicated. In early lactation dietary intake is unable to meet the demands of milk production and most cows enter a period of negative energy balance. Negative energy balance has a broadly similar effect to undernutrition leading to a mobilization of body reserves. Furthermore diets high in rumen degradable protein lead to an excess of rumen ammonia, which before it is converted to urea by the liver and excreted in the urine, may cause an alteration in the reproductive tract environment reducing embryo survival. Such major changes in the metabolic and endocrine systems can therefore influence fertility at a number of key points.Possible reproductive sites where inadequate nutrition may have detrimental effects include: (i) the hypothalamic/pituitary gland where gonadotropin release may be impaired; (ii) a direct effect on the ovaries, where both follicular growth patterns and corpus luteum function may be directly influenced; (iii) the quality of the oocyte prior to ovulation may be reduced and coupled with an inadequate uterine environment will result in reduced embryo survival and (iv) there may be effects on subsequent embryo development. The initiation of normal oestrous cycles post partum is usually delayed in dairy cows with a higher genetic merit for milk production, confirming that intense selection towards high milk yield can compromise reproductive function. In addition, the effects of increased milk yield may include changes in circulating GH and insulin concentrations, which in turn alter both insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and IGF binding protein production. Nutrition has recently been shown to have a direct effect at the level of both the ovaries and the uterus to alter the expression of these growth factors.In conclusion, further knowledge is required to determine how the metabolic changes associated with high milk output reduce fertility. Identification and understanding of the mechanisms involved and the key sites of action responsible for compromised reproductive function, will enable the identification of possible indices for future multiple-trait selection programmes.

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