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Integration of physiological mechanisms that influence fertility in dairy cows*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 August 2008

P. C. Garnsworthy ,
K. D. Sinclair  and
R. Webb
P. C. Garnsworthy*
Affiliation:
University of Nottingham School of Biosciences, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
K. D. Sinclair
Affiliation:
University of Nottingham School of Biosciences, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
R. Webb
Affiliation:
University of Nottingham School of Biosciences, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
*
E-mail: Phil.Garnsworthy@nottingham.ac.uk
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Abstract

Fertility in dairy cows has been declining for the past three decades. Genetic selection for increased milk production has been associated with changes in key metabolic hormones (growth hormone, insulin, IGF and leptin) that regulate metabolism by homoeostasis and homeorhesis. These metabolic hormones, particularly insulin, provide signals to the reproductive system so that regulation of ovarian function is coordinated with changes in metabolic status. Studies have shown, for example, that increasing circulating insulin concentrations during the early postpartum period can advance the resumption of oestrous cycles by enhancing follicular growth. However, high concentrations of insulin can be detrimental to the developmental competence of oocytes, which is also influenced by the supply of fatty acids at the systemic level and at the ovarian level. Insulin status is also associated with the incidence and characteristics of abnormal ovarian cycles. These changes can occur without significant variation in circulating gonadotrophin concentrations. This suggests that additional factors, such as peripheral metabolites, metabolic hormones and locally produced growth factors, may have a modulating role. Recent evidence has demonstrated that ovarian responses to metabolic signals and nutrient profile vary according to the stage of the reproductive cycle. Improved understanding of this multifactorial process enables nutrition to be matched to genotype and milk production, with a positive impact on pregnancy rate.

Keywords

dairy cow fertilityhormonesmetabolismovarian functionpregnancy
Type
Full Paper
Information
animal , Volume 2 , Issue 8 , August 2008 , pp. 1144 - 1152
Copyright
Copyright © The Animal Consortium 2008

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Footnotes

*

This invited paper was presented at BSAS meeting ‘Fertility in Dairy Cows – bridging the gaps’ 30–31 August 2007, Liverpool Hope University.

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