Comparative Analysis of Anti-Müllerian Hormone Concentration in Two Indigenous Slovenian Sheep Breeds
2025
Nataša Šterbenc | Janko Mrkun | Špela Petročnik | Meta Sterniša | Maja Zakošek Pipan
Anti-Mü:llerian hormone (AMH), produced only by granulosa cells, is a biomarker for ovarian reserve in sheep. This study compared AMH levels in two Slovenian breeds: Istrska pramenka (IP), a seasonal breeder, and Jezersko&ndash:Solč:ava (JS), which reproduces year-round. Blood serum samples from 78 sheep were analyzed during the estrus period using an ovine AMH ELISA. JS sheep were grouped by age (1&ndash:3, 4&ndash:6, &ge: 7 years), while the majority of IP sheep were &ge:7 years. AMH levels differed significantly between breeds (p <: 0.001), with JS sheep showing higher concentrations. No age-related differences were found within the JS breed (p = 0.752), but JS sheep &ge: 7 years had higher AMH than IP sheep of the same age (p <: 0.001). AMH levels were also higher in ewes lambing two lambs (p <: 0.001) and were positively correlated with litter size, particularly in the JS sheep &ge: 7 years (p <: 0.001). These findings suggest AMH is a useful fertility marker in sheep, although breed-specific reference values are essential for an accurate interpretation. The study highlights the influence of breed and age on AMH levels and its potential role in predicting reproductive performance.
Afficher plus [+] Moins [-]Mots clés AGROVOC
Informations bibliographiques
Cette notice bibliographique a été fournie par Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
Découvrez la collection de ce fournisseur de données dans AGRIS