Fig. 1

Schematic of the experimental periods. Far-off Controlfed group gained BCS during late lactation period, and during the nonlactating period this group was managed to gain < 0.25 BCS (Controlfed), the Overfed group gained little during the late lactation period and during the nonlactating period were managed to gain between 0.75 to 1.0 BCS (Overfed). Both groups achieved similar BCS approximately 5 weeks pre-calving. The close-up period from 3 weeks pre-calving where cows were managed to achieve 3 levels of ME intake (65% = Feed65, 90% = Feed90, and 120% = Feed120). Post-calving period where cows were managed in a single herd through to the end of the 10-week seasonal breeding period