The relationship of anogenital distance with fertility and anti-müllerian hormone in Awassi and Cukurova meat ewes

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship of anogenital distance (AGD) with fertility and the serum concentrations of estrogen and anti-müllerian hormone in Awassi and Cukurova meat ewes. Fifty five Cukurova meat ewes and 46 Awassi ewes were used in the study. Before sponge insertion, AGD of all ewes were measured with a digital caliper. For each breed, they were divided into two AGD categories: short AGD group and long AGD group. A sponge containing 60 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate was applied intravaginally on day 0, and remained in situ for 12 days. On the 12th day, sponges were removed and eCG (500 IU per ewe) was administered intramuscularly. Blood samples were collected from all ewes on day 0 and at the onset of estrus. Estrous rate, conception rate, pregnancy rate, lambing rate, multiple birth rate, litter size and male rate were calculated in all groups and breeds. No significant difference were detected in the parameters between the groups (P>0.05). It is stated that AGD was found not to affect AMH or estrogen levels (P>0.05); however linear regression showed a positive correlation (P=0.03) between AGD and estrogen on the day of estrus in the Awassi ewes. It is stated that AGD is not associated with fertility in Awassi and Cukurova meat ewes, but there is a relationship between AGD and estrogen level in Awassi ewes.