Interactions of Nutritional Management and Reproduction

Case Reports

Abstract

Deficiencies of most nutrients have been associated with reproductive failure in the cow yet many of these associations have not been proven.¹ Even research-proven interactions may be difficult to prove in client herds. In addition, nutrient intake can also alter response to infectious agents and response to normal physiologic processes that alter reproduction such as suckling and lactation. The objective of this manuscript is to describe techniques to diagnose nutrition-associated infertility in cattle. This diagnosis is similar to other diagnoses with the 1) recognition of infertility through history and evaluation of the cows/ records; 2) determination of inadequate or excessive nutrient intake with supportive testing of the animals or feed; and 3) confirmation of the diagnosis after intervention.¹ The author recommends the referenced text by McClure as a concise, easy to read manuscript on this subject.