Anti-Mullerian Hormone: Potential Association with Fertility in Ewes

Abstract

Two flocks of Rambouillet ewes, with and without the Booroola gene, were sampled for anti-mullerian hormone concentrations and fertility characteristics. The total sample population consisted of 307 ewes. The objective of this study was to estimate the effect of FecB genotype and BW on AMH concentration, estimate the difference in AMH concentrations between pregnant and non-pregnant ewes and to estimate the difference in AMH concentrations between ewes carrying singles v.s. multiple fetuses. Sheep with one copy of the FecB gene showed reduced AMH concentrations when compared to ewes that had no copies of the FecB gene. Genotype had a significant effect on AMH concentrations prior to exposure and at mid gestation. Fetal count had a significant source of variance in group 2. Genotype had a significant effect on AMH concentrations in both flocks. Fetal count was shown to be a significant source of variance of AMH concentrations in one group.