Association between anti-Mullerian hormone levels and reproductive parameters in Wagyu cattle raised in Brazil

The production of in vitro embryos has sped up the dissemination of superior genetic material. However, the variation among the cattle response to oocyte and embryo production is a challenging factor. This variation is even higher in the Wagyu cattle as the breed has a small effective population size. The identification of an effective marker related to reproductive efficiency would allow the selection of more responsive females to reproductive protocols. The objective of this study was to evaluate the blood levels of anti-Mullerian hormone and associate it with oocyte recovery and blastocyst rate of embryos produced in vitro in Wagyu cows, as well as observe the hormone circulating levels in males. Serum samples from 29 females with seven follicular aspirations and four bulls were used. AMH measurements were performed using the bovine AMH ELISA kit. A positive correlation was identified between oocyte production and blastocyst rate (r = 0.84, P = 9 x 10(-9)), and AMH levels with oocyte (r = 0.49, P = 0.006) and embryo (r = 0.39, P = 0.03) production. The mean levels of AMH were different between animals with low (11.06 +/- 3.01) and high (20.75 +/- 4.46) oocyte production (P = 0.01). Males showed high serological levels of AMH (3829 +/- 2328 pg/ml) compared with other breeds. It is possible to use the serological measurement of AMH as a method to select Wagyu females with greater capacity for oocyte and embryo production. Further studies correlating AMH serological levels with Sertoli cell function in bulls are needed.

Automated summary

The production of in vitro embryos has accelerated the propagation of superior genetic material, but the variation in cattle response to oocyte and embryo production poses a challenge, particularly in Wagyu cattle with a small population size. This study aimed to evaluate the association of blood levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) with oocyte recovery and blastocyst rate in Wagyu cows, as well as observe the hormone levels in males.