Veterinary sciences2026; 13(6); 552; doi: 10.3390/vetsci13060552

Application of Anti-Müllerian Hormone in Regulation of Ovarian Function and Its Practical Relevance for Fertility and Embryo Production in Cows and Mares.

Vernunft, A
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Scarlet, D

Abstract: In the female organism, Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is produced exclusively by granulosa cells, particularly in secondary and early tertiary follicles. The amount of AMH released into the blood is proportional to the total number of follicles present in the ovaries and is therefore used to estimate the ovarian functional reserve. In both cattle and mares, a strong and highly repeatable association has also been demonstrated between AMH concentrations and antral follicle count. Therefore, AMH may serve as a biomarker with broad diagnostic utility in reproductive medicine in these species, as it reflects the functional ovarian reserve through its association with viable antral and preantral follicles. While AMH is already being used for clinical diagnostics in human reproductive medicine and has been extensively investigated, it has received little attention in applied veterinary practice so far. This review explores the applications of AMH for reproductive medicine in cattle and horses, monoovulatory farm animals in which assisted reproductive technologies are widely used. The objectives of this review are to (I) provide clinically relevant background information and a comparative discussion of (II) the role of AMH in follicular development, (III) its value as a fertility indicator, and (IV) its significance for embryo production in vivo and in vitro in cows and mares, with particular emphasis on practical relevance and potential applications.

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Publication Date: 2026-06-03 PubMed ID: 42357750DOI: 10.3390/vetsci13060552Google Scholar: Lookup

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Overview

This research article reviews the role of Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) in regulating ovarian function and its practical applications for fertility assessment and embryo production in cows and mares.
It highlights AMH as a biomarker for ovarian reserve and discusses its potential use in veterinary reproductive medicine, particularly in relation to assisted reproductive technologies.

Introduction to Anti-Müllerian Hormone (AMH)

AMH is produced exclusively by granulosa cells within the ovaries.
Its secretion is primarily from secondary and early tertiary follicles.
The circulating concentration of AMH in the blood reflects the total number of follicles in the ovaries, acting as an indicator of the ovarian functional reserve.

AMH and Ovarian Reserve in Cattle and Mares

AMH levels strongly correlate with the antral follicle count (AFC) in both cows and mares.
This correlation is not only strong but also highly repeatable, making AMH a reliable biomarker.
Because AFC relates to viable follicles, AMH serves as an indirect measure of the pool of follicles capable of developing into mature eggs.

Clinical Utility of AMH in Reproductive Medicine

In humans, AMH measurement is well-established as a diagnostic tool for assessing fertility and ovarian reserve.
Despite its proven clinical utility in human medicine, AMH has been underutilized in veterinary medicine, particularly in practical applications involving farm animals such as cattle and horses.

AMH in Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) for Cows and Mares

Cows and mares are predominantly monoovulatory species, meaning they usually produce a single dominant follicle per cycle, influencing ART approaches.
AMH levels can help predict the ovarian response to ART protocols including superovulation and ovum pick-up with in vitro embryo production.
This predictive ability can improve the efficiency and success rates of embryo production both in vivo (within the animal) and in vitro (in a lab environment).

Implications for Fertility Assessment

AMH as a biomarker provides an objective, easily measurable indicator of ovarian reserve and fertility potential in cows and mares.
It allows for better selection of donors for embryo production and management of breeding programs based on individual reproductive potential.
Routine measurement of AMH can aid in identifying animals with diminished ovarian reserves or subfertility, facilitating targeted interventions.

Potential Applications and Future Directions

Implementing AMH testing in veterinary reproductive practice could optimize ART protocols and animal selection.
Exploration of AMH’s role in follicular development can enhance understanding of ovarian physiology in farm animals.
Further studies may extend the utility of AMH in managing reproductive lifespan and improving reproductive efficiency in livestock.

Summary

This review synthesizes current knowledge about AMH and its relationship with ovarian function in cows and mares.
It emphasizes the hormone’s relevance as a biomarker for fertility and its practical use in improving reproductive technologies.
By bridging research and applied veterinary practice, the review advocates for broader use of AMH measurement to enhance reproductive management and animal breeding outcomes.

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APA

Vernunft A, Scarlet D. (2026). Application of Anti-Müllerian Hormone in Regulation of Ovarian Function and Its Practical Relevance for Fertility and Embryo Production in Cows and Mares. Vet Sci, 13(6), 552. https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13060552