Nutrients on Reproduction in Dairy Cattle

Livestock production efficiency or productivity is to a large extent dependent on reproductive performance. The overall viability of the livestock farm depends largely on reproductive efficiency, of the herd that is often influenced by nutrition, environmental conditions and diseases. The relationship between nutrition and reproduction is a topic of increasing importance and concern among dairy producers, veterinarians, feed dealers and extension workers. Early research confirmed that nutrition played an important role in reproduction, but in most cases severe nutritional deficiencies were required to cause reproductive problems. Deficiencies of various trace minerals, inadequate vitamin intakes, energy protein imbalances and excessive protein intakes are contributors to infertility and poor reproductive performance in field situations.