Anti-Müllerian hormone as a marker of embryo production in ruminants

Abstract

This review describes the role of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in embryo production for assisted reproductive technologies in ruminants. AMH is a marker of healthy follicles and oocytes, a reliable marker of gonadotropin-responsive follicles, and an indicator of longevity and productivity in dairy animals. The best times to measure AMH levels in order to select cows for embryo production is during oestrus and the period after the 12th day of the oestrous cycle. This allows animals with AMH concentrations below 87 pg/mL at oestrus or less than 74 pg/mL for multiple ovulation embryo transfer to be eliminated. Good oocyte donors, which have higher antral follicle counts, can be identified based on their higher AMH levels. In sheep and goats, the blood AMH level can serve as a marker of the animal’s potential to produce high or low numbers of high-quality embryos. A plasma AMH level of 97 pg/mL in sheep has been shown to be the optimum cut-off point to predict fertility and can be useful in selecting replacement ewes.