Relationships between transition period diet, metabolic parameters and fertility in lactating dairy cows

Pushpakumara, P. G. A., Gardner, N. H., Reynolds, C. K. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4152-1190, Beever, D. E. and Wathes, D. C. (2003) Relationships between transition period diet, metabolic parameters and fertility in lactating dairy cows. Theriogenology, 60 (6). pp. 1165-1185. ISSN 0093-691X doi: 10.1016/s0093-691x(03)00119-5

Abstract/Summary

Cows in severe negative energy balance after calving have reduced fertility, mediated by metabolic signals influencing the reproductive system. We hypothesised that transition diet could alter metabolic status after calving, and thus influence fertility. Multiparous dairy cows were assigned to four transition groups 6 weeks pre-calving and fed: (a) basal control diet (n = 10); (b) basal diet plus barley (STARCH, n = 10); (c) basal diet plus Soypass (high protein, HiPROT, n = 11); or (d) no transition management (NoTRANS, n = 9). All cows received the same lactational diet. Blood samples, body weights and condition scores (BCS) were collected weekly. Fertility parameters were monitored using milk progesterone profiles and were not affected by transition diet. Data from all cows were then combined and analysed according to the pattern of post-partum ovarian activity. Cows with low progesterone profiles had significantly lower insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and insulin concentrations accompanied by reduced dry matter intakes (DMIs), BCS and body weight. Cows with prolonged luteal activity (PLA) were older and tended to have lower IGF-I. Analysis based on the calving to conception interval revealed that cows which failed to conceive (9/40) also had reduced IGF-I, BCS and body weight. Fertility was, therefore, decreased in cows which were in poor metabolic status following calving. This was reflected in reduced circulating IGF-I concentrations and compromised both ovarian activity and conception. There was little effect of the transition diets on these parameters. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/9074
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Agriculture, Policy and Development
Uncontrolled Keywords	IGF-I, beta hydroxybutyrate, body condition, fertility, dairy cows, GROWTH-FACTOR-I, FACTOR-BINDING PROTEIN-2, BODY CONDITION, HOLSTEIN, COWS, UNDEGRADABLE PROTEIN, OVARIAN ACTIVITY, REPRODUCTIVE-PERFORMANCE, BOVINE SOMATOTROPIN, HORMONE RECEPTOR, EARLY-PREGNANCY
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