{"id":189736,"date":"2022-11-02T10:50:46","date_gmt":"2022-11-02T09:50:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ew-nutrition.com\/4-steps-to-improve-dairy-cow-fertility-through-feeding\/"},"modified":"2024-04-15T13:40:57","modified_gmt":"2024-04-15T11:40:57","slug":"4-steps-to-improve-dairy-cow-fertility-through-feeding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ew-nutrition.com\/us\/4-steps-to-improve-dairy-cow-fertility-through-feeding\/","title":{"rendered":"4 steps to improve dairy cow fertility through feeding"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Judith Schmidt<\/strong>, Product Manager On Farm Solutions<\/span> <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

The average pregnancy rate for dairy cows has declined over the past decades. But why is my cow not getting pregnant? Is it because of feeding? These are questions we ask ourselves when things do not quite work out with the offspring in the cowshed. Economic success in the cow barn is closely related to the successful reproduction of our cattle herd.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Group<\/p>\n

The maintenance and possible improvement of fertility are becoming increasingly important issues for farm productivity. Infertility is still one of the main reasons for culling on dairy farms. When farmers decide to cull a cow after a few unsuccessful inseminations, they often ask themselves whether this could not have been prevented. There is no “all-encompassing” solution for achieving an optimal fertility rate, which ultimately requires excellent management. Relevant factors include oestrus monitoring and insemination timing, genetic conditions, feeding, hygiene, and climate.<\/p>\n

How can I tell if a cow is in heat?<\/h3>\n

A cow behaves differently than usual during oestrus. She is restless and walks around more. A cow in heat stands next to other cows \u2013 head to tail. Sie also quarrels with her herd mates or sniffs at the shame of the other cows. Fertility in cows decreases during late winter and spring; the resulting absence of clear signs of oestrus makes it difficult to recognize the right time for insemination. There are several possible causes which will be reviewed below.<\/p>\n

Possible causes of fertility problems in dairy cows<\/h1>\n

Beta-carotene deficiency<\/h2>\n

A productive herd needs to receive an optimal mineral and trace element supply. Beta-carotene, in particular, is essential for herd fertility. But why?<\/p>\n

Beta-carotene is an orange-yellow plant pigment whose name comes from “carrot” because of its appearance. It is also a precursor of vitamin A. Both as a precursor and as vitamin A itself, it is essential for the organism of humans and animals, particularly when it comes to the fertility of dairy cows. Besides its important function as provitamin A, beta-carotene also exerts an independent effect on the ovary. It influences the quality of the follicle and the corpus luteum. Beta-carotene also protects the corpus luteum. It promotes the synthesis of the pregnancy hormone progesterone and thus enables the fertilized egg to implant successfully in the uterine lining.<\/p>\n

A beta-carotene deficiency can lead to the following problems:<\/p>\n