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Endocrine and metabolic mechanisms linking postpartum glucose with early embryonic and foetal development in dairy cows

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 March 2014

M. C. Lucy ,
S. T. Butler  and
H. A. Garverick
M. C. Lucy*
Affiliation:
Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
S. T. Butler
Affiliation:
Animal & Grasslands Research and Innovation Centre, Teagasc Moorepark, Fermoy Co Cork, Ireland
H. A. Garverick
Affiliation:
Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
*
† E-mail: lucym@missouri.edu
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Abstract

Milk and milk solids production per cow is increasing annually in dairy systems. Peak milk production is in early lactation when the uterus and ovary are recovering from the previous pregnancy. The competing processes of milk production and restoration of reproductive function can be at odds, particularly if unique homeorhetic mechanisms that typify early lactation become imbalanced and cows experience metabolic disease. Homeorhesis leads to an increase in the synthesis of glucose that is irreversibly lost to milk lactose. Irreversible loss of glucose during lactation can invoke an endocrine and metabolic state that impinges upon postpartum uterine health, oestrous cyclicity and subsequent establishment of pregnancy. The first 30 days postpartum may be most critical in terms of the impact that metabolites and metabolic hormones have on reproduction. Depressed immune function caused in part by the postpartum metabolic profile leads to a failure in uterine involution and uterine disease. Oestrous cyclicity (interval to first ovulation and subsequent periodicity) is affected by the same hormones and metabolites that control postpartum immune function. Slower growth of the embryo or foetus perhaps explained by the unique metabolic profile during lactation may predispose cows to pregnancy loss. Understanding homeorhetic mechanisms that involve glucose and collectively affect postpartum uterine health, oestrous cyclicity and the establishment of pregnancy should lead to methods to improve postpartum fertility in dairy cows.

Keywords

glucoseIGF1insulinpregnancydairy cow
Type
Full Paper
Information
animal , Volume 8 , Supplement s1: New Science ‐ New Practices International Cow Fertility Conference 18‐21 May 2014, Westport, Ireland , May 2014 , pp. 82 - 90
Copyright
© The Animal Consortium 2014 

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