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The High‐producing Dairy Cow and its Reproductive Performance
Author(s) -
Dobson H,
Smith RF,
Royal MD,
Knight CH,
Sheldon IM
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
reproduction in domestic animals
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.546
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1439-0531
pISSN - 0936-6768
DOI - 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2007.00906.x
Subject(s) - ice calving , fertility , dairy cattle , zoology , lactation , selection (genetic algorithm) , biology , welfare , pregnancy , estrous cycle , microbiology and biotechnology , medicine , environmental health , computer science , economics , population , genetics , artificial intelligence , market economy
Contents There is evidence that the reproductive performance of dairy cows has declined as milk yields have increased over the last 40 years. Identifying the precise cause(s) of this problem may provide focused solutions. Intensive genetic selection for very high yields has reduced fertility, due mainly to an increase in postpartum clinical problems, poor expression of oestrus, defective oocytes/embryos and uterine infections. It is a challenge to solve the problem by getting enough food into these cows to meet the high demands of peak milk yields in early lactation, as well as providing the considerable veterinary attention required in the early period after calving. Both these aspects also pose welfare issues. A better solution would be to make genetic and management changes to increase the persistency of lactations to reduce the number and intensity of clinical risk periods throughout a cow's life without compromising milk output.