An assessment of potential metabolic determinants of reproductive cycle problems identified through milk progesterone monitoring during the service period in lactating dairy cows

摘要

Recent studies have reported a substantial increase in the incidence of reproductive cycle problems in modem dairy cows (Opsomer et RAID., 1998; Royal et RAID., 1999). This increase is often attributed to the ever-increasing metabolic demands placed upon these cows by continually increasing milk yields. In this study we have monitored a variety of metabolic parameters in lactating dairy cows and related these to reproductive function in an attempt to establish metabolic predictors of impending reproductive failure.