Dairy cows face significant challenges in the weeks after calving, when the demands of milk production can outpace their nutritional intake. This “transition period” often leads to delays in reproductive recovery, reducing fertility and increasing costs for farmers. While most management strategies focus on energy balance, this research explores whether protein loss—which also occurs during early lactation—plays an additional role in delaying a cow’s return to reproductive health.

This study will track both protein and energy indicators in dairy cows alongside reproductive data to better understand how these factors influence recovery after calving. By identifying whether protein status is an important predictor, the research could open the door to new, more precise feeding and management strategies that improve fertility and reduce economic losses. Ultimately, the goal is to provide practical, science-based solutions that support healthier cows and more sustainable dairy operations in Wisconsin and beyond.