Comparative analysis of Anti-Müllerian hormone concentration in two indigenous Slovenian sheep breeds

Šterbenc, Nataša (author), Mrkun, Janko (author), Petročnik, Špela (author), Sterniša, Meta (author), Zakošek, Maja (author)

Anti-Müllerian 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–Solčava (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 (1–3, 4–6, ≥ 7 years), while the majority of IP sheep were ≥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 ≥ 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 ≥ 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.

• Language: English
• Keywords: anti-Müllerian hormone, reproductive activity, Jezersko–Solčava breed, Istrska pramenka breed, ovarian reserve, prolificacy, fertility, sheep
• Work type: Article
• Typology: 1.01 - Original Scientific Article
• Organization: VF - Veterinary Faculty
• Publication status: Published
• Publication version: Version of Record
• Year: 2025
• Number of pages: 9 str.
• Numbering: Vol. 15, iss. 9, art. 1332
• PID: 20.500.12556/RUL-169059
• UDC: 636.3:618
• ISSN on article: 2076-2615
• DOI: 10.3390/ani15091332
• COBISS.SI-ID: 235299331
• Publication date in RUL: 09.05.2025

Record is a part of a journal

• Title: Animals
• Shortened title: Animals
• Publisher: MDPI AG
• ISSN: 2076-2615
• COBISS.SI-ID: 519120409

Licences

• License: CC BY 4.0, Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
• Description: This is the standard Creative Commons license that gives others maximum freedom to do what they want with the work as long as they credit the author.

Projects

• Funder: ARIS - Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency
• Project number: P4-0053
• Name: Endokrini, imunski in encimski odzivi pri zdravih in bolnih živalih

• Funder: Ministary of Agriculture, Forestry, and Food
• Project number: V4-2005