Concentrations of Progesterone (P₄), Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH), and Haptoglobin (Hp) in Pregnant and Non-Pregnant Ewes and Their Association with Fetal Mortality, Maternal Weight, and Twinning Rate

• Published in: Veterinary Sciences
• Main Authors: Halil Gunes Ozturan, Selim Aslan, Feride Zabitler Tepik, Isfendiyar Darbaz, Serkan Sayiner, Axel Wehrend
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2025-05-01
• Subjects: sheep; ewe; pregnancy; single-twin gestation; body weight; progesterone
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/12/5/463
• ISSN: 2306-7381

The study groups (<i>n</i> = 39) included ewes with ongoing pregnancy (P+; <i>n</i> = 19), with fetal death (FD; <i>n</i> = 12), and that were not pregnant (P−; <i>n</i> = 8). Blood samples were taken on days 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80, and 150 post-mating. Ultrasonography (USG) controls started on day 30. The P₄ concentrations differed significantly between P+ and P− on all days (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Regarding AMH concentrations, a significant difference was observed between P+ and P− on day 30. P₄ increased significantly from day 60 to 80 and remained elevated until day 150 in P+, while remaining basal in P−. In FD and P− groups, P₄ reached its lowest concentrations. A rapid decrease in P₄ was observed in P− from day 20 onwards. A statistically significant difference in P₄ was also noted between P+ and FD. Additionally, P₄ concentrations differed between singleton and twin pregnancies, especially on days 20 and 40. Statistically significant differences in AMH were found between P+ and FD on days 10, 20, and 30. In P+ sheep, P₄, AMH, and Hp concentrations varied by season. A significant relationship was found between AMH and Hp concentrations and body weight. In conclusion, P₄ stands out as the primary marker for distinguishing pregnancy status and detecting embryonic loss, while AMH provides complementary support, particularly in identifying fetal death. Seasonal changes were reflected across P₄, AMH, and Hp concentrations, with AMH and Hp also showing significant associations with BW.