Securing the Next Lactation: A Comprehensive Review of Nutritional and Hormonal Strategies to Optimize Dairy Cow Puerperium

Abstract

The puerperium is a critical postpartum interval that determines reproductive recovery, future fertility and economic performance in dairy cows. This review examines the physiological, histological, metabolic and neuroendocrine processes that regulate uterine involution and the resumption of postpartum ovarian activity. High milk production during early lactation often intensifies negative energy balance, increases mobilisation of body reserves and suppresses pulsatile luteinising hormone secretion, thereby delaying dominant follicle maturation and first ovulation. At the same time, periparturient complications such as dystocia and retained foetal membranes increase the risk of acute puerperal metritis, clinical or subclinical endometritis and pyometra. The review also evaluates management approaches that support the transition period, including appropriate dry-period length, energy-balanced rations, mineral and vitamin supplementation, postpartum monitoring and hygiene-based prevention. Hormonal strategies involving gonadotrophin-releasing hormone, prostaglandin F2α, oxytocin and timed artificial insemination protocols are discussed in relation to their physiological targets, expected reproductive outcomes and practical limitations. Overall, successful management of the bovine puerperium requires coordinated nutritional, clinical and reproductive strategies that reduce metabolic stress, promote uterine recovery, support ovarian cyclicity and limit fertility losses associated with prolonged open days and extended calving intervals.