Is a high level of milk production compatible with good reproductive performance in dairy cows?

Abstract

• Both researchers and producers commonly believe that there is an inherent conflict between high milk production and good fertility in lactating dairy cows. This possible antagonism is attributed to competing physiologic demands and divergent genetic selection choices. • The data from which these inferences are drawn have numerous substantial limitations and flaws in study design and analysis. Recent analyses that employ more powerful and correct methods highlight the nuances and multifactorial nature of the relationships between production and reproduction and conclude that there is not necessarily antagonism between them. These relationships vary among herds and between cows within a herd, and may depend on when during lactation they are measured. • The challenge for management of increasingly large and productive herds is to provide for the nutritional and behavioral needs of high-performance animals, but the demands of high production, good reproduction, and cattle well-being can be addressed with similar best management practices.