ANTI-MÜLLERIAN HORMONE (AMH) AS ENDOCRINE MARKER FOR EMBRYO PRODUCTION IN SUPEROVULATED FRIESIAN COWS

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate follicular dynamics, yield, quality and stage of embryos in superovulated Friesian cows with high and low AMH levels. A total of 10 Friesian cows synchronized with PGF2α to bring them in heat before start superovulation protocol. On Day 10 post oestrus, cows were injected with 2500 IU PMSG, then after 48h cow were injected with 3 ml PGF2α and with 5 ml GnRH on day 14. Cows were artificially inseminated twice at 12 and 24 h after GnRH. Embryos were collected after 7 days from AI. To measure AMH concentration 1 blood sample was collected at the beginning of second follicular wave according to ultrasonography. Results showed that number of antral follicles and total follicles was greater in high AMH level than in low AMH level donors. Differences in CL number of cows in high AMH level was greater than in low AMH level on flushing day. AMH concentration had a significant positive correlation with antral follicles number pre-treatment, total CL number on flushing day, and ovulation rate . The average number and recovery rate of recovered embryos from donor cows with high AMH level was greater than those recovered from cows in low AMH level. Also results indicated highly, significant, and positive correlation of AMH level with total number, recovery rate, excellent, good grade of embryos, and blastocysts, compact morulae, and morulae. In conclusion, circulating AMH concentration, as endocrine marker, is highly associated individually with superovulatory response and embryo production potential in cows.