Hormonal and metabolic effects on antral follicle count in dairy cows

Authors : Vefa Tohumcu, Damla Tuğçe Okur, Alper Yasin Çiplak, Şifanur Aydin, Mehmet Cengiz

Pages : 25-30

Doi:10.31196/huvfd.1603378

View : 26 | Download : 0

Publication Date : 2025-06-19

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study aimed to investigate the relationship between antral follicle count (AFC) and hormonal profiles as well as metabolic status in dairy cows. A total of 32 Holstein cows aged between 2 and 4 years and in their 60th day of lactation were included. Based on ultrasonographic evaluations, the cows were divided into two groups according to their AFC: low AFC ( 0.05). However, E2 levels on Day 9 were significantly higher in the low AFC group compared to the high AFC group (P = 0.004). Additionally, P4 levels were significantly higher in the low AFC group on Days 0, 6, and 9 (P < 0.05). In contrast, BHBA levels were significantly elevated in the high AFC group across all time points (P < 0.05). Cholesterol levels were consistently higher in the low AFC group throughout the study (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the findings suggest that AFC has a significant effect on hormonal profiles and energy metabolism in dairy cows. Particularly, the elevated steroid hormone levels observed in the low AFC group may reflect a compensatory mechanism to sustain reproductive function in conditions of limited follicular reserve.
Keywords : Anti-Müllerian hormon, Antral folikül sayısı, Enerji metabolizması, Hormon profili, Metabolik parametreler, Süt inekleri

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