British Cattle Veterinary Association

The peripartum period is of critical importance to subsequent health and fertility in dairy cows. During this period the liver plays a key role in co-ordinating changes in metabolism which are associated with the use of mobilised lipid to maintain glucose homeostasis. The metabolic drive towards milk production limits nutrient availability for other key processes including both immune function and fertility. Impaired immunity makes the cow more vulnerable to developing infections such as endometritis and mastitis. This in turn may delay the ability of the uterus to undergo adequate repair following calving, with prolonged inflammatory reactions associated with endometritis reducing embryo survival.