Antral follicle counts and association with ovarian superstimulatory response to gonadotropins in prepubertal calves

•The number of follicles ≥1 mm at wave emergence was predictive of the number of follicles recruited into subsequent waves.•Large AFC at wave emergence resulted in higher number of follicles and oocytes following superstimulation than small AFC.•Seven days of exogenous FSH treatments resulted in a greater number of large than small follicles than four days.•Prolonged follicular growth under exogenous FSH support requires control of endogenous LH release.•Ovarian response was positively associated with AFC at wave emergence in prepubertal calves.