Halil Gunes Ozturan

The study groups (n = 39) included ewes 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. Ultrasonography (USG) controls started on day 30. The P₄ concentrations differed significantly between P+ and P− on all days (p < 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.

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).