title: Dry period management and optimization of post-partum reproductive management in dairy cattle.
abstract: Dry period and early post-partum management are decisive factors for fertility in lactating dairy cows. Previous studies have shown that decreased dry matter intake (DMI) and increased non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) negatively affect fertility and subsequent milk production. The traditional dry period decreases DMI prior to parturition, resulting in a decrease in energy intake. A negative energy balance increases NEFA concentration, and increased NEFA may impair the immune system, especially by decreasing neutrophil function prior to parturition. Earlier studies have shown that post-partum health disorders, including retained placenta and metritis, were correlated with periparturient neutrophil function. In addition, decreased DMI is also linked to a reduced body condition score (BCS) in dairy cows. These events in the periparturient period negatively affect fertility. Some manipulation, such as shortening the dry period, may be a solution to increased DMI in the periparturient period, preventing post-partum disorders and subsequent fertility issues. This article aims to explain the effects of shortening the dry period on reproduction and early post-partum treatments to improve fertility. In addition, timed artificial insemination protocols will be discussed for use during the post-partum period to improve fertility in dairy cows.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Uludag, Bursa, Turkey. agumen@uludag.edu.tr
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gumen
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Keskin
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Yilmazbas-Mecitoglu
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Karakaya
authors.forename: Mc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wiltbank
mesh_terms: D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D007774:Lactation / Q000502:physiology*; D049590:Postpartum Period / Q000502:physiology*; D011247:Pregnancy