Nutrição e reprodução em vacas leiteiras

Abstract

The transition period is characterized by changes in lipid, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism, to meet the nutrient demand of lactation. The negative energy balance starts a few days before calving and is aggravated postpartum. It is associated to attenuation of LH pulse frequency, to reduced blood concentrations of glucose, insulin, and IGF-1 and increased concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate. Energy deficiency may reduce estrogen production by the dominant follicle, increase the interval from calving to first ovulation, and reduce blood progesterone concentration and oocytes and embryo quality. The supply of protein rich diets is often associated with increased plasma urea nitrogen content, changes in uterine environment and reduced embryo viability. The negative energy balance and the intake of protein rich diets may be involved in the decreased fertility of high-yielding dairy cows.