The occurrence of a negative energy balance (NEB) in dairy cows and its associated challenges for animal health and metabolism is one of hot topics in animal and veterinary sciences. Performance, metabolic and endocrine parameters were determined to study the effects of a NEB on adaptability in dairy cows. Commonly, dairy cows experience a NEB induced by lactation immediately post partum that may last up to 14 weeks of lactation. However, a NEB may also occur later in lactation during periods of insufficient feed quality and supply or during cases of illness. How do dairy cows adapt to energy...