NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES AND THEIR EFFECTS ON ANIMAL REPRODUCTION: A STUDY IN DAIRY SCIENCE
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.53555/dpm3dz03Keywords:
Dairy Cattle, Nutritional Deficiencies, Reproductive Performance, Protein Intake, Postpartum RecoveryAbstract
Nutritional deficiencies are a significant factor influencing reproductive performance in dairy cattle. Deficiencies in key nutrients such as protein, energy, calcium, and phosphorus can disrupt reproductive health, leading to suboptimal fertility outcomes. Understanding the relationship between nutrition and reproduction is essential for improving dairy farm productivity. This study aimed to investigate the impact of nutritional deficiencies on the reproductive performance of dairy cattle. Specifically, it examined how protein, energy, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus intake affected estrus cycle length, conception rates, days to first service, and postpartum recovery. A total of 200 dairy cows from 10 different farms were selected. Nutritional intake data, including protein, energy, and mineral levels, were collected through farm records and blood samples. Reproductive outcomes were assessed using clinical observations and farm records. Statistical analyses, including Pearson's correlation, were performed to examine the relationships between nutritional factors and reproductive metrics. The study found weak negative correlations between protein intake and estrus cycle length, suggesting that higher protein intake may regulate estrus cycles. Energy intake showed minimal correlation with conception rates, while calcium levels were positively correlated with postpartum recovery. Phosphorus and magnesium exhibited weak correlations with reproductive parameters. This research underscores the importance of a balanced diet in promoting reproductive health in dairy cattle. Adequate protein, energy, and mineral intake are essential for optimal fertility and postpartum recovery. Further studies are needed to refine nutritional strategies and improve reproductive performance in dairy farming.
References
1. Amin, R. U. (2014). Nutrition: Its role in reproductive functioning of cattle-a review. Veterinary Clinical Science, 2(1), 1-9.
2. Bach, À. (2019). Effects of nutrition and genetics on fertility in dairy cows. Reproduction, Fertility and Development, 31(1), 40-54.
3. Balamurugan, B., Ramamoorthy, M., Mandal, R. S. K., Keerthana, J., Gopalakrishnan, G., Kavya, K., & Katiyar, R. (2017). Mineral is an important nutrient for efficient reproductive health in dairy cattle. Int. J. Environ. Sci. Technol, 6(1), 694-701.
4. Beever, D. E. (2006). The impact of controlled nutrition during the dry period on dairy cow health, fertility, and performance. Animal reproduction science, 96(3-4), 212-226.
5. Bertoni, G., Trevisi, E., & Lombardelli, R. (2009). Some new aspects of nutrition, health conditions, and fertility of intensively reared dairy cows. Italian Journal of Animal Science, 8(4), 491-518.
6. Bindari, Y. R., Shrestha, S., Shrestha, N., & Gaire, T. N. (2013). Effects of nutrition on reproduction review. Advances in Applied Science Research, 4(1), 421-429.
7. Butler, W. R. (1998). Effect of protein nutrition on ovarian and uterine physiology in dairy cattle. Journal of Dairy Science, 81(9), 2533-2539.
8. Butler, W. R. (2000). Nutritional interactions with reproductive performance in dairy cattle. Animal reproduction science, 60, 449-457.
9. Dunn, T. G., & Moss, G. E. (1992). Effects of nutrient deficiencies and excesses on reproductive efficiency of livestock. Journal of Animal Science, 70(5), 1580-1593.
10. Ferguson, J. D., & Chalupa, W. (1989). Impact of protein nutrition on reproduction in dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 72(3), 746-766.
11. Lanyasunya, T. P., Musa, H. H., Yang, Z. P., Mekki, D. M., & Mukisira, E. A. (2005). Effects of poor nutrition on reproduction of dairy stock on smallholder farms in the tropics. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 4(2), 117-122.
12. Otterby, D. E., & Linn, J. G. (1981). Nutritional effects on reproduction in dairy cattle. In 42nd Minnesota Nutr. Conf. Proc. (p. 9).
13. Pradhan, R., & Nakagoshi, N. (2008). Reproductive disorders in cattle due to nutritional status. Journal of International development and cooperation, 14(1), 45-66.
14. Robinson, J. J., Ashworth, C. J., Rooke, J. A., Mitchell, L. M., & McEvoy, T. G. (2006). Nutrition and fertility in ruminant livestock. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 126(3-4), 259-276.
15. Roche, J. F. (2006). The effect of nutritional management of the dairy cow on reproductive efficiency. Animal reproduction science, 96(3-4), 282-296.
16. Santos, J. E. P., Bisinotto, R. S., Ribeiro, E. S., Lima, F. S., Greco, L. F., Staples, C. R., ... & Pate, J. L. (2011). Applying nutrition and physiology to improve reproduction in dairy cattle. Reproduction in Domestic Ruminants VII, 387-403.
17. Sharma, M. C., Joshi, C., Das, G., & Hussain, K. (2007). Mineral nutrition and reproductive performance of the dairy animals: a review. The Indian Journal of Animal Sciences, 77(7).
18. Skliarov, P., Fedorenko, S., Naumenko, S., Onyshchenko, O., Pasternak, A., Roman, L., ... & Bobrytska, O. (2021). Reviewing effective factors of alimentary deficiency in animals' reproductive functions. World's Veterinary Journal, (2), 157-169.
19. Smith, O. B., & Akinbamijo, O. O. (2000). Micronutrients and reproduction in farm animals. Animal reproduction science, 60, 549-560.
20. Walsh, S. W., Williams, E. J., & Evans, A. C. O. (2011). A review of the causes of poor fertility in high milk-producing dairy cows. Animal reproduction science, 123(3-4), 127-138.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Rahul Kumar Nandi
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
