scholarly journals Effect of Postpartum Endocrine Function, Metabolism, and Mastitis on Fertility in High-Yielding Cows – A Review

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 351-359
Author(s):  
Kamil Siatka ◽  
Anna Sawa ◽  
Sylwia Krężel-Czopek
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Endocrine Function ◽  
Reproductive Efficiency ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Reproductive Management ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Gaining Insight

Abstract Decreasing fertility in dairy cows, especially in the highest yielders, may be due to excessive metabolic burdens placed on their bodies. Many authors attribute decreasing reproductive efficiency in high-yielding cows to energy deficiencies in early lactation and to associated metabolic and hormonal disorders. The complexity of the issues involved in the efficient reproductive management of cows and the scientifically and practically important understanding of factors affecting fertility in high-producing cows mandate continuous updating of existing knowledge. The aim of this study was to present the effect of postpartum endocrine function, metabolism, and mastitis on fertility in high-yielding cows. Gaining insight into these mechanisms and their relationships with factors such as nutrition and milk yield appears to be crucial for improving dairy cow fertility.

Milk acetone concentration as an indicator of hyperketonaemia in dairy cows: the critical value revised

1996 ◽  
Vol 63 (2) ◽  
pp. 183-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. H. Gustafsson ◽  
U. Emanuelson
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Critical Value ◽  
Critical Values ◽  
Reproductive Efficiency ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Acetone Concentration ◽  
Daily Milk Yield ◽  
Daily Milk

AbstractAcetone concentration in milk is correlated with subclinical and clinical ketosis and also with milk yield and reproductive efficiency. The purpose of this study was to assess a threshold of milk acetone at which cows tend to be adversely affected. The critical values were estimated on data from 11690 lactations where the change in daily milk yield from weeks 1 to 2 to weeks 5 to 6 of lactation was evaluated in relation to different milk acetone concentrations. Daily milk yield tended to be reduced in cows with acetone concentrations between 0·7 and 1·4 mmol/l, but responses were not entirely consistent. At concentrations >l·4 mmol/l, daily milk yield was clearly reduced. Long-term milk yield (day 0 to 100 and day 0 to 200) was about 190 kg of 40 g/kg fat-corrected milk (FCM) less in cows with acetone concentrations >l·4 vis-à-vis <0·7 mmol/l. Reproductive efficiency was also impaired in cows with acetone concentrations >l·4 mmol/l; 4·9 days longer interval from calving to first service (first parity and parity 2+ cows) and 5·7 times a greater risk of cystic ovaries (parity 1), compared with cows with milk acetone <0·7 mmol/l. However, no significant effects on long-term milk yield or on reproductive efficiency were found in cows with acetone concentrations 0·7 to 1·4 vis-à-vis <0·7 mmol/l. The results suggest that 1·4 mmol/l acetone in milk may be used as the most important critical value, as higher concentrations are detrimental to productivity. The interval 0·7 to 1·4 mmol acetone per I milk may be used as a warning class, since early lactation yield may be reduced.

The effect of asynchronous diets on the function of the rumen in the lactating dairy cow

1998 ◽  
Vol 1998 ◽  
pp. 19-19
Author(s):  
A.R. Henderson ◽  
P.C. Garnsworthy ◽  
J.R. Newbold ◽  
P.J. Buttery
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Microbial Protein ◽  
Nutrient Flows ◽  
Lactating Dairy Cows ◽  
Overall Efficiency ◽  
Fermentation Parameters

Sinclair et al. (1993) found that a diet formulated to be synchronous with regard to hourly release of nitrogen and energy increased microbial protein synthesis by 14% in sheep. Dairy cows in early lactation experience a shortfall of energy and protein, with available protein determining the overall efficiency of metabolism (MacRae and Lobley, 1986) and subsequent milk production. It is therefore necessary to maximise microbial protein yield during this period. In this study diets were designed for lactating dairy cows to contain the same feed ingredients, but to release nitrogen and energy in the rumen at different times. Rumen fermentation parameters, nutrient flows to the small intestine and production performance were investigated.

Effect of first 60-day cumulative milk yield on days open in Holstein dairy cows in Iran

2007 ◽  
Vol 2007 ◽  
pp. 148-148
Author(s):  
A. Heravi Moussavi ◽  
M. Danesh Mesgaran ◽  
T. Vafa
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cattle ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dairy Farm ◽  
Reproductive Efficiency ◽  
Root Cause ◽  
Principal Factors ◽  
Days Open ◽  
Holstein Dairy Cows

Reproduction and milk production are the principal factors that are influencing dairy farm profitability. The dairy industry in Iran has changed dramatically in the last decade. The shift toward more productive cows and larger herds in Iran is associated with a decrease reproductive efficiency (Heravi Moussavi et al., 2004). Increased knowledge about the principal causes of reduced fertility is essential. The root cause of the declining fertility is probably a combination of a variety of physiological and management factors that have an additive effect on reproductive efficiency. Dairy cattle are inseminated and pregnancy is established while dairy cows are lactating. Based on the analyses of large datasets, there is clearly an antagonistic relationship between milk production and reproduction in dairy cattle (Lucy, 2001). It was shown that the hazard ratio for cumulative first 60-day milk yield and conception in high producer cows was 8 percent less than the others and also high milk yield was a risk factor for several reproductive disorders (Grohn and Rajala-Schultz, 2000). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of first 60-day cumulative milk yield on days open in Iranian Holstein dairy cows.

Differences in the behaviour of high and low yielding dairy cows selected by genetic merit

2002 ◽  
Vol 2002 ◽  
pp. 220-220 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.D. Cooper ◽  
D. R. Arney ◽  
C. J. C. Phillips
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Detrimental Effect ◽  
Genetic Merit ◽  
High Nutrient

The effects of high milk yields on the behaviour and welfare of the dairy cow are unclear. A high milk yield increases the need to consume sufficient fodder in an attempt to meet high nutrient demands. The failure to meet the demands may result in persistent hunger in the dairy cow having to modify her behaviour by employing various coping strategies. These modifications may help the cow overcome a state of hunger but at the expense of being unable to express other important behaviours. The objective of this study was therefore to determine whether the behaviour and welfare of the genetically high yielding dairy cow is being compromised by the increased nutritional demands of milk production, and to investigate the possibility that an increased amount of time spent in food-directed behaviours may have a detrimental effect on the time available to perform other important behaviours.

8.6 A Comparison of the Milk Yield and Composition of Dairy Cows Fed Diets Containing Either Protected or Unprotected Soya

1982 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 169-171
Author(s):  
E. J. Hunter ◽  
P. Rowlinson ◽  
P. Brett ◽  
D. G. Armstrong
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Microbial Protein ◽  
Tissue Protein ◽  
Protein Requirements

During early lactation, when requirements for energy and protein are high, tissue protein requirements cannot be fulfilled by microbial protein alone and the opportunity arises to feed protected protein as a supplement to provide UDP which will compensate for the deficit between tissue protein requirements and microbial protein supplied by RDP.

Effect of hyperketonaemia, feeding frequency and intake of concentrate and energy on milk yield in dairy cows

1993 ◽  
Vol 56 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. H. Gustafsson ◽  
L. Andersson ◽  
U. Emanuelson
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Energy Supply ◽  
Metabolizable Energy ◽  
Early Lactation ◽  
Feeding Frequency ◽  
Acetone Concentration ◽  
Related Data ◽  
Frequent Feeding ◽  
Milk Feeding

AbstractThe effects of acetone concentration in milk, feeding frequency, and intake of concentrates and energy in total diet on milk yield were studied in 38624 lactations from 474 herds during 3 years. Herd-related data on feeding factors were collected once per indoor feeding period. Milk acetone concentrations higher than 0·40 mmol/l were deemed to denote hyperketonaemia, whether subclinical or clinical. The lactation curves of ketotic cows had an abnormal shape, with an inverted peak in early lactation. Most of the reduction in milk yield took place during the first 100 days of lactation with an estimated loss of proportionately 0·085 (acetone concentration ≤0·40 v. >2·00 mmol/l). The loss in 200-day milk yield was estimated to 328 kg 40 g/kg fat-corrected milk (FCM) at an overall mean of 5056 kg. If a herd's performance is monitored by lactation curves, a low peak — and hence an apparently high persistency – can indicate a ketosis problem. More frequent feeding of concentrates was correlated with a proportionately 0·033 to 0·074 higher milk yield in multiparous cows, but inconsistent between years. A more variable proportional response (−0·035 to 0·131) was observed in primiparous cows depending on interactions with, for example, breed. A greater total energy supply, including a larger amount of concentrate (maximum in lactation), was correlated with a higher milk yield, about 0·06 kg FCM per day per MJ metabolizable energy and 0·5 kg FCM per day per kg concentrate, respectively. However, increased feeding of concentrates at calving (parity 1) and 15 days after calving (multiparous cows) was correlated with decreased milk yield, by about −0–3 and −0–5 kg FCM per day per kg concentrate, respectively.

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.

The effects of sodium and sulphur fertilizers on dairy cow production

1995 ◽  
Vol 1995 ◽  
pp. 25-25
Author(s):  
C.J.C. Phillips ◽  
P.C. Chiy ◽  
J.A. Avezinius
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Animal Production ◽  
Industrial Emissions ◽  
Sulphur Fertilizer ◽  
The Uk ◽  
S Fertilizers

Fertilisers are usually evaluated by their effects on herbage DM yield and occasionally herbage composition. Rarely are the effects on animal production considered, even though there is evidence for example that increasing the sodium (Na) contents of herbage can increase the milk yield of dairy cows (Chiy and Phillips, 1991), and that dietary sulphur (S) contents in excess of l-2g/kg DM will lead to reduced intake and productivity in ruminants (Raisbeck, 1982). In the UK the use of sulphur fertilizer is widely advocated, since herbage growth is often restricted by deficiency now that industrial emissions have been reduced. Sulphur fertilizer increases herbage S content, but Na fertilizers can affect herbage S content and S utilization by ruminants (Chiy et al., 1994). The effects of Na and S fertilizers were therefore studied with particular emphasis on herbage composition and dairy cow production.

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