The Role of Energy Balance and Metabolism on Reproduction of Dairy Cows

With regard to fertility to AI, there is a strong positive association between early commencement of postpartum ovulatory cycles and subsequent pregnancy (Butler, 2000; Galvao et al., 2010). This important relationship has focused research attention on the regulation and re-initiation of ovarian activity and ovulatory cycles in early lactation prior to the breeding period. Energy balance, re-initiation of ovarian activity, and metabolic health status are inter-connected in transition cows.