Gilbert, Butler

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Dairy cow reproduction has been declining for decades. Reproduction is important for economic viability of dairy farms and for environmental stewardship. Our preliminary studies have indicated that cows ovulating very early in the postpartum period have very significantly improved reproductive performance in that lactation. This research seeks to distinguish between those cows which ovulate early postpartum and those which do not. This research seeks to distinguish between those cows which ovulate early postpartum and those which do not. Specifically, we will identify hormonal and metabolic differences between cows that ovulate early and those that do not. We will examine the function of ovarian follicles and investigate methods to increase the number of cows ovulating early in the postpartum period, with the overall goal of improving dairy herd reproduction. We will also test a novel feeding strategy aimed at increasing the number of cows ovulating early after calving.