Factors Associated with Negative Energy Balance and Its Effect on Behavior and Production Performance of Dairy Cows: A Review

Optimum nutritional condition of dairy cows during the different stages of production is highly recom-mended. Production of high quality milk is the primary goal of every herdsman. However, improper nutri-tion of dairy cows leads to different unwanted ailments and disease losses. This becomes a burden for dairy owners. Most commonly, dairy cow undergoes negative energy balance (NEBL) condition due to improper dry matter intake (DMI). DMI in proper amount provides good nutrition for the dairy animals. There is a common trend of depressed DMI during the transition and the initial lactation period of high-producing animals. Following which elevated levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), undesired body condition stages, lowered production performances, poor milk quality, and inferior udder health status of dairy cows are observed. Both over-conditioned and under-conditioned bodies of the dairy animal are more at risk of NEBL thereby posing a negative impact on behavioral and production performance. This review is framed to discuss the effect of negative energy bal-ance on the behavior and production performance of dairy cows.