Chachere, Jonathan Allen (2015-08). Anti Mullerian Hormone Concentrations as a Predictor of Superovulation Response and Conception Rate in Beef Females. Master's Thesis.
Thesis
The primary objective of this study was to determine the relationship of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) to ova production in various breeds of cattle in an embryo transfer program. Factors evaluated included breed type, age, weight, body condition, and previous response to flush history. Cow superovulation regimen included insertion of a CIDR (Controlled Internal Drug Release) and a 2 cc injection (IM) of Combo (25 mg and 1.25 mg/mL injectable) on Day 0. On Day 4, FSH treatments were initiated in both morning and afternoon with decreasing amounts over the next three days (five injections). Day 6, prostaglandin was also administered (IM) in both the AM and PM. On Day 7, AM final FSH injection and CIDR removal were performed. This resulted in estrus and AI on day 8 and collection of ova on day 15. Results were based on analysis of 369 animals; Angus (n = 25), Black Brangus (n = 43), Red Brangus (n = 53), , Brahman (n = 103), Beefmaster (n = 112), and Wagyu (n = 33). Age of donors ranged from 1.6 years to 15.4 years at collection with an average age of 7.2. Age had a significant (P<0.05) effect on total ova production, but total ova production did not differ among breeds (P>0.05). Total ova production was positively associated (P<0.05) with AMH concentration (the greater the AMH concentration, the greater number of ova per flush). Secondary studies evaluated the use of AMH as a predictor of conception rate following timed artificial insemination. and tracked the concentration both over 9 consecutive months in heifers and a superovulatory regimen in donors.
