Year: 2025
Type: article
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.
Institutions: Atatürk University, Muğla University
Language: English
Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4411453456