Fertility problems in dairy cows are both a welfare and an economic issue, often linked to high milk production demands.
Fertility problems in dairy cows are often a direct consequence of selection for very high milk yield, which puts animals into severe energy deficit post-calving. This state of negative energy balance impairs ovarian function, suppresses immune response, and increases disease risk. Breeding strategies that balance production with functional health traits, including fertility, are important for reducing chronic welfare problems.