Abstract #M11

# M11
Evaluating the impact of stage of life on anti-Müllerian hormone in dairy cattle.
K. Alward*1, W. Graves1, R. Palomares2, A. Nelson1, J. Bohlen1, 1Animal and Dairy Science, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 2College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA.

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is produced by granulosa cells, found in early, antral follicles on the ovary. Higher circulating AMH concentrations are indicative of a larger number of viable follicles present and published data shows that heifers with high AMH have longer productive lives than low AMH counterparts. The objective of this study was to examine whether stage of life at sampling affects AMH level and to describe changes in AMH level from virgin heifers through calving and early lactation. Virgin Holstein heifers (n = 111) meeting minimum weight and height requirements were enrolled pre-breeding at 13–15 mo of age. Upon enrollment, blood was collected and analyzed for AMH (Ansh Labs, Webster TX) and transrectal ultrasonography was performed to record antral follicle count (AFC). In addition, presence of corpora lutea (CL) were noted for cyclicity status and any reproductive tract anomalies were recorded. Heifers were inseminated upon standing estrus with all service data recorded. After calving, blood was collected at 5–20 d fresh and at 45–60 d in milk (DIM) to analyze for AMH concentration. Transrectal ultrasonography was also performed at 45–60 DIM and the same parameters were recorded as previously described. Following sampling, heifers were split based on AMH concentration to form a HIGH AMH group (>275 pg/mL) and LOW AMH group (<275 pg/mL) for analysis. AMH was consistent across stages of life with animals maintaining their categorization as HIGH or LOW throughout all 3 sampling times (P < 0.0001). As heifers, the high AMH categorization correlated with fewer services per conception (P < 0.0001). AMH and AFC were positively correlated when evaluated as heifers and at 45–60 DIM in the lactating herd (P < 0.0001). AMH was in the highest concentration within the heifer group (P < 0.0001) while the 45–60 DIM sample was higher than fresh (P < 0.0001). This data indicates that calving may temporarily depress AMH concentrations; however, these animals recover and maintain their AMH categorization.

Key Words: anti-Müllerian hormone, stress, fertility