Avaliação do gene do hormônio anti-mulleriano (AMH) em fêmeas bubalinas submetidas à sincronização de cio, na Amazônia.

Abstract

Reproductive management in buffaloes is essential for the productivity of the Brazilian agricultural sector, especially in the Amazon region. The anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is considered a significant marker of ovarian reserve, and understanding the relationship between genotypes and fertility is important for sustainable livestock production. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the presence of polymorphism in exon 5 of the AMH gene and its associations with the reproductive efficiency of female buffaloes. The research was conducted with 54 multiparous Murrah breed buffaloes, located on a farm in the municipality of Bujaru, Pará. The females were subjected to a fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol. Initially, all females selected for the study were non-pregnant. Only after estrus synchronization and pregnancy diagnosis were the animals subdivided into two groups: pregnant and non-pregnant. Blood collection for DNA extraction and ultrasonographic evaluation of the ovaries were performed on day 11 of the protocol.Following collection, DNA extraction was carried out, and the AMH gene was amplified using the PCR technique; subsequently, the products were purified for sequencing. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS software, with a significance level of 0.05, and ANOVA methods were employed to compare the means of reproductive variables.The results showed the absence of polymorphisms in exon 5 of the AMH gene in buffaloes. However, a significant difference was observed in antral follicle count (AFC) via transrectal ultrasonography between pregnant and non-pregnant buffaloes (p = 0.02). Additionally, variables such as ovarian volume (V) and dominant follicle (DF) did not present significant differences, suggesting these factors may play a less prominent role in reproductive performance. These findings demonstrate the conservation of the AMH gene and highlight the presence of antral follicles as predictors of reproductive efficiency in this study. The research underscores the need for future studies in other regions of the AMH gene and the association with genetic factors that may influence fertility. Finally, the results presented contribute to the development of more effective future strategies in assisted reproduction, aiming to increase productive efficiency in buffalo herds in the Amazon region.