Towards better fertility management for dairy cows

Targeted research priorities

Fertility and reproduction in dairy cattle
This project aims to identify the metabolic and epigenetic factors associated with reduced reproductive performance in dairy cows.

Project summary

Cows in early lactation suffer fertility problems due to a metabolic deficit during high milk production. This deficit affects the ovaries and uterus, compromising the genetic potential of the animal and its offspring.

This project aims to identify cows at risk of fertility problems or of transmitting energy deficit signals to their daughters. The study includes measurement of beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) blood levels 60 days after calving and epigenetic DNA analysis. Cows will be divided according to their BHB level to test different insemination strategies.

This project could lead to a reduction in medication and insemination costs, as well as identifying cows at risk of developing fertility problems. By adapting insemination procedures to each individual cow, this approach could improve fertility and milk production in the short, medium and long term.

Expected results

The expected results of this research project include a reduction in medication and insemination costs by identifying cows at risk of developing metabolic deficiency or fertility problems. By measuring blood beta-hydroxybutyrate levels at day 60 and analyzing DNA for epigenetic markers, researchers hope to prevent the metabolic programming responsible for lower production and fertility in daughters.

Applying these results on farms would enable calving procedures to be adapted to the specific situation of each cow, thus improving fertility and milk production. By focusing on the critical points to be controlled, this personalized approach could offer significant gains. Farms could thus optimize the expression of cows’ genetic traits while ensuring an environment adapted to their metabolic needs, resulting in better herd health and productivity.

This research aims to transform insemination and herd management practices, offering tangible benefits for dairy producers.

Main achievements

• Training X students (undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, post-doctoral, research professional)
• Presentation of results at the Forum Techno and Novalait annual meeting
• Lectures and poster presentations at national and international conferences
• Writing scientific articles
• Publication of popular articles