2.4. Nutritional influences

We see that food intake is reduced with the rise in temperature in the summer, along with the decline in reproductive performance and milk yields [29]. Better feed quality supplied in the autumn and optimum temperature (absence of heat stress) contribute to multiple ovulations in cows [30].

Cows with high milk yield show a threefold higher frequency of double ovulation than cows with medium to low lactation performance. Flushing could potentially be given as the reason for this [21].

Quality of feeding has a huge knock-on effect throughout the life of a cow: before fertilization, prepartum, and postpartum. Nutrition plays a great part with the aim of getting the maximum energy intake from the silage and feedstuff to optimize milk production and fertility performance of the herd. This goes hand in hand with good management and good farming practice.

Good nutrition can also lower the risk of postpartum disorders like ketosis, mastitis, and milk fever, which were associated with high reduction in milk production [16].
