Nutrition & Reproduction-Livestock

The topic of nutrition within the cattle industry has a high importance because of the       ongoing challenges with providing proper nutrition for cattle production. We currently know that certain forages are better for pregnant or lactating cows to provide nutrition,      minerals and weight gain for cow-calf operations. We know that certain forages affect the first few steps of reproduction in both the female and the male. And we also know that certain forages effect the production and overall outcomes of the cattle industry.

Energy is a necessity required by cows. And without the proper amount of energy supplied, it has a negative impact on the reproductive capabilities of a female bovine. Inadequate nutrition will reduce conception rate, increase losses and delay puberty in heifers.

One of our herds

Protein and Mineral Importance

With deficiencies in protein and minerals, the effects can be detrimental in the reproduction of cattle. Protein deficiencies increase silent heats. And pelvic growth as well as skeletal growth is lacking in heifers that are raised on a diet that is protein deficient (Role). Deficiencies that are caused by a lack of calcium, selenium, copper and vitamin A&E result in an increased number of retained placentas. Phosphorus deficiencies decrease fertility, and milk production. Phosphorus can also result in lower conception rates, and irregular estrus cycles.  Whereas, calcium deficiencies prevents normal bone growth and retards growth and development. A copper deficient diet can result in embryonic death and a decreased conception rate. Iodine deficiencies can cause abortion and still births as well as prolonged gestation.

Vitamin A is the most common vitamin and mineral that cows are deficient in. Vitamin A is a necessity because it maintains that tissue that lines the reproductive tract. These tissues become hard and cracked during a vitamin A deficiency which can result in a delayed sexual maturity, abortion, stillbirths or weak calves as well as possible retained placentas, and shortened gestation periods.

But proper nutrition doesn't always have to deal with vitamin and mineral deficiencies but can also relate to forages. Such as timothy is ideal for pregnant and lactating cows shown through different studies. And alfalfa increases milk production in dairy cattle. Typically when we think of issues regarding nutrition and reproduction, we always think that proper nutrition only has to deal with the female. However, proper nutrition also affects the bulls ability to reproduce. Just like when bulls are fed infected fescue seed, it leads to a smaller scrotum circumference and slower sperm cells. Bull nutrition and reproduction capability has to deal with fescue toxicity and fescue toxicity can also affect the female and lead to poor reproductive performance overall.

In conclusion, proper nutrition and diets are the key to reproduction and are inversely related. And we know that there are forages that are better for pregnant or lactating cows and we also know there are forages that are bad for cows. And we know that there are forages that affect a bulls ability to reproduce. Scientists have worked very hard in understanding a cows digestive system and their ability to digest different nutrients and absorb them. Scientists have been able to form different supplemental minerals to give cattle what they need.  This is why there are so many books and articles on nutrition in cattle. Just like people, without proper diets, our bodies are not able to do what they were made to do.

Written by Sarah Young

References: 

Amaral-Phillips, Donna M., and George Heersche, Jr. "Role of Nutrition on Reproductive Performance." Cooperative Extension Service-University of Kentucky: n. pag. Print.

Haag, Ed. “Bulls and Fescue Toxicity.” Angus Journal. August 2008.

ILRI, ed. "The role of nutrition in cattle reproduction." Corporate Document Repository. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 May 2015. <http://www.fao.org/wairdocs/ilri/x5442e/x5442e08.htm>.

"Impact of Nutrition on Dairy Cattle Reproduction." The Cattle Site. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 May 2015. <http://www.thecattlesite.com/articles/1568/impact-of-nutrition-on-dairy-cattle-reproduction/>.

Nix, Jackie. “Dealing with Fescue Toxicity.” Sweetlix. N.p., n.d. July 1,2013.

<http://sweetlix.com////_DealingFescueToxicosis.pdf>.

Zenk, Peg. “Fend Off Fescue Toxicity In Cattle Pastures.” Hay & Forage Grower. Ed. Fae Holin and Neil Tietz. N.p., 1 Mar. 2009. July 20, 2013.