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

The study groups (n=40) included animals with ongoing pregnancy (P+; n=19), with fetal death (FD; n=12), and that were not pregnant (P-; n=8). Blood samples were taken on days 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80 and 150 post mating. USG controls were started on day 30. The P4 values was a highly significant different between P+ and P- animals on all days (p<0.001). In regards to AMH values, there was a significant difference between P+ and P- on the 30th day. P4 increased significantly from day 60 to 80 and it continued until day 150. The values remained at basal levels in the P- animals. In FD and P-, the P4 values reached its lowest values. In terms of P4 values, a rapid decrease was observed in the P- group from day 20 onwards. When P4 values was determined a significant statistically difference in P+ compared to FD. Differences in P4 values were also observed between single and twin mothers around days 20 and 40. In terms of AMH, statistically significant differences were identified between P+ and FD groups on the days 10, 20 and 30. In May-June both P4 and AMH values were found to be the highest in P+ sheep. Significant decreases were obtained in Hp values during the May-June period. AMH and Hp values were significantly higher in the body weight on the 10th day, and a significant decrease was observed in the values as the weights increased. These parameters were found to be important in P+ and P- discrimination, singleton and twinning discrimination (P4), FD determination (P4, AMH) and seasonal changes and weight changes (AMH, Hp).