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Relationships between energy balance and post-partum ovarian activity and fertility in first lactation dairy cows

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 September 2010

E. M. Senatore ,
W. R. Butler  and
P. A. Oltenacu
E. M. Senatore
Affiliation:
Institute di Alimentazione Animale, University of Milano, Italy
W. R. Butler
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca NY
P. A. Oltenacu
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca NY
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Abstract

Forty primiparous Holstein dairy cows were monitored from calving through 100 days in milk to evaluate the effect of energy balance in the early post-partum period on subsequent fertility. The post-partum interval to first ovulation (R2 = 0·41; P < 0·005) was lengthened by greater negative energy balance, and reduced by greater body weight at parturition or decreased body-weight loss during the experimental period. Luteal activity (R2 = 0·58; P < 0·0001), measured by plasma progesterone area under curve, was increased in the first cycle post partum by a shorter interval to first ovulation, improved energy balance during the 1st week of lactation and by decreased body-weight loss. Pregnancy status following first artificial insemination was related positively to the number of ovulations before insemination, improved energy balance during the 1st month post partum, fewer days to first ovulation and greater body weight at calving. These data suggest that energy balance and body weight are important in determining the post-partum interval to first ovulation and the subsequent fertility of first lactation dairy cotes.

Keywords

dairy cowsenergy balancefertility
Type
Research Article
Information
Animal Science , Volume 62 , Issue 1 , February 1996 , pp. 17 - 23
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Science 1996

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