Background: Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is a reliable indirect marker of ovarian reserve and has been found associated with fertility in cows. As a result, AMH evaluation in postpartum cows can provide information about the potential fertility of cows during the lactation period. Yet, contradictory information is available on whether puerperal disorders can influence AMH concentration in postpartum cows. Additionally, there are studies indicating the relationship between size of ovarian reserve and uterine function. However, limited information is available about the association between size of ovarian reserve and risk of puerperal metritis.

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the association of postpartum disorders during the first month postpartum on AMH concentration at the timepoint near the first service in dairy cows. The second objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between AMH concentration, as a reliable marker for size of ovarian reserve, and risk of postpartum disorders.

Methods: Blood samples for evaluation of AMH concentration were collected from cows on days 50 to 70 postpartum. Further, data of puerperal disorders during the first month postpartum, including twining, dystocia, retained placenta, puerperal metritis, clinical endometritis and clinical mastitis, were collected from the database of herds for this study.

Results: None of puerperal disorders during the first month postpartum were associated with AMH concentration in dairy cows (P > 0.05). In addition, AMH concentration was not associated with risk of puerperal disorders (P > 0.05). Nonetheless, twin pregnancy increased the risk of retained placenta (P < 0.05), and dystocia augmented the risk of puerperal metritis (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: In conclusion, occurrence of puerperal disorders during the first month postpartum did not influence AMH concentration at the time approximate to the first service postpartum, implicating that AMH concentration in the second month postpartum could serve as a measure for estimation of fertility irrespective of puerperal condition of cows during the first month postpartum. Furthermore, it was revealed that size of ovarian reserve was not a risk factor for puerperal disorders in dairy cows.