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Calleros L, Barcellos M, Grecco S, Garzón JP, Lozano J, Urioste V, Gastal G. Longitudinal study of the bovine cervico-vaginal bacterial microbiota throughout pregnancy using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequences. INFECTION, GENETICS AND EVOLUTION : JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY AND EVOLUTIONARY GENETICS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2024:105657. [PMID: 39168274 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2024.105657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
The microbiota composition of the bovine female reproductive tract influences reproductive efficiency, susceptibility to genital pathogens, and the health of newborn calves. However, knowledge about cervico-vaginal microbiota during gestation is scarce. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the taxonomic profile of the cervico-vaginal bovine microbiota throughout pregnancy and after calving using high-throughput sequencing of a fragment of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Healthy nulliparous Holstein heifers (n = 13) with similar age and body conditional score were selected to collect samples from the cervico-vaginal area with a sterile swab at 5 timepoints. We sequenced the V1-V2 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene and analyzed data using the DADA2, phyloseq and vegan R Studio packages. No differences were observed in alpha and beta diversity across sampling points, accounting for the stability of the microbiota throughout pregnancy. The most abundant phyla are Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria, and are present as the main taxa in all five sampling points. Also, several of the least abundant taxa can be observed to change with time. Our comprehensive study of the cervico-vaginal bacterial microbiota during the gestation period contributes to the knowledge of microbiota dynamics on the bovine reproductive tract during and after pregnancy and can serve as a baseline for future research and the development of potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Calleros
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Maila Barcellos
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Sofía Grecco
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Juan Pablo Garzón
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental INIA La Estanzuela, Ruta 50 Km. 11, Colonia, Uruguay.
| | - Joaquín Lozano
- Sección Genética Evolutiva, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de la República, Iguá 4225, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Victoria Urioste
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental INIA La Estanzuela, Ruta 50 Km. 11, Colonia, Uruguay
| | - Gustavo Gastal
- Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria, Estación Experimental INIA La Estanzuela, Ruta 50 Km. 11, Colonia, Uruguay.
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Banchi P, Bertero A, Gionechetti F, Corrò M, Spagnolo E, Donato GG, Pallavicini A, Rota A. The vaginal microbiota of healthy female cats. Theriogenology 2024; 224:134-142. [PMID: 38772246 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
The vaginal microbiota of the queen (i.e., female cat) has never been described using culture independent methods. The objectives of the present research were to describe the vaginal microbiota of healthy domestic shorthair queens using both 16S rRNA sequencing and culture, and to assess the effects of age, living environment, and reproductive season on its composition. Thirty queens undergoing elective ovariectomy were included in the study. The vaginal samples were collected just before surgery, from animals under general anaesthesia. Two consecutive mini-swabs were introduced in the queens' vaginal tract. A preliminary study with 10 healthy queens aimed to negate sampling order's effect. Two consecutive samples for sequencing (5 queens, 10 swabs) and culture (5 queens, 10 swabs) were collected, confirming a match (100 % in culture, Bray-Curtis P = 0.96 in sequencing). The experiment included 20 queens that were prospectively grouped based on age (prepubertal N = 10, adult N = 10), living environment (indoor N = 10, outdoor N = 10), and time of the year, whether during the reproductive season (N = 10) or during seasonal anoestrous (N = 10). Bacteria were identified through metataxonomic analysis, amplifying the V1-V2 regions of 16S rRNA gene, and through standard culture followed by MALDI-TOF MS. The feline vaginal microbiota is dominated by Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Actinobacteria. Escherichia-Shigella, Streptococcus, and Pasteurella were the most abundant genera. Although culture underestimated bacterial richness and diversity compared to sequencing, Escherichia and Streptococcus were the most isolated bacteria. No bacterial growth was observed in 15 % of samples (N = 3/20), whereas growth of one or two bacterial species was observed in 64.7 % (N = 11/17) and 35.3 % (N = 6/17) of cases, respectively. No differences in terms of alpha (Kruskal-Wallis rank sum test P = 0.65) and beta diversity (Bray-Curtis, Unweighted and Weighted UniFrac analyses P > 0.5) were observed. Although a difference in alpha diversity based on phylogenetic tree (P = 0.02) was detected between indoor and outdoor queens. In conclusion, mixed and monoculture of Escherichia coli, Streptococcus canis, Staphylococcus felis, and Enterococcus spp. are normal findings within the cat vagina. Age and reproductive season do not influence the feline vaginal microbiota, whereas further research is needed to elucidate the role of the living environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Banchi
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Torino, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Alessia Bertero
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Torino, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy.
| | - Fabrizia Gionechetti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Edoardo Weiss 2, 34128, Trieste, TS, Italy
| | - Michela Corrò
- Diagnostics in Animal Health Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Elena Spagnolo
- Diagnostics in Animal Health Department, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, Viale dell'Università 10, 35020, Legnaro, Italy
| | - Gian Guido Donato
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Torino, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Alberto Pallavicini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Edoardo Weiss 2, 34128, Trieste, TS, Italy
| | - Ada Rota
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Torino, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy
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Banchi P, Spanoghe L, Maes D, Morrell J, Van Soom A. The reproductive microbiome in dogs: Friend or foe? Vet J 2024; 304:106100. [PMID: 38484870 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
The microbiome of the reproductive tract is an area of research in full development. Specifically, the microbiome may be involved in reproductive health, disease, and pregnancy outcomes, as has been shown in humans and animals, including dogs. The aim of the present review was to summarize current knowledge on the microbiome of the canine reproductive tract, to expose the controversial role that some bacterial agents may play in canine subfertility, and to highlight future research perspectives. This review discussed whether the use of antimicrobials in dogs is appropriate to increase reproductive performance and to treat subfertility without proper diagnosis, and the possible use of probiotics to modulate the reproductive canine microbiome. Finally, we indicate areas in which scientific knowledge is currently lacking, and could be promising directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Banchi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium; Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco 10095, Italy.
| | - Lotte Spanoghe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Dominiek Maes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
| | - Jane Morrell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), Uppsala 75007, Sweden
| | - Ann Van Soom
- Department of Internal Medicine, Reproduction and Population Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium
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Merker Breyer G, De Carli S, Rocha Jacques Da Silva ME, Dias ME, Muterle Varela AP, Bertoni Mann M, Frazzon J, Quoos Mayer F, Góes Neto A, Maboni Siqueira F. Alternative amplicon-PCR protocol for maximizing bacterial and fungal sequencing in low-biomass samples. Anal Biochem 2024; 687:115449. [PMID: 38145697 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Determining bacterial and fungal communities from low-biomass samples remains a challenge for high-throughput sequencing. Due to the low microbial load and host contamination, some sites, including the female upper reproductive tract and the lower respiratory tract, were even considered sterile until recent years. Despite efforts to improve sampling and DNA isolation protocols, some samples provide insufficient microbial DNA input for library preparation and sequencing. Herein, we propose an alternative amplicon-PCR protocol to be used in bacterial and fungal sequencing in low-biomass samples, targeting 16S-rDNA and the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), respectively. Similar to a nested-PCR, we performed two sequential PCR reactions to maximise the target amplicon. We compared metagenomic results from the original Illumina protocol (Protocol 1 - P1) and the alternative one (Protocol 2 - P2), using a mock community and clinical samples with different microbial loads. Our findings showed no significant differences in data generated by P1 and P2, indicating that the second amplification round does not bias the microbiota diversity rates. Thus, the alternative protocol can be applied for low-biomass samples when the original protocol results in spurious output, preventing library preparation and sequencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Merker Breyer
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária (LaBacVet), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Silvia De Carli
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária (LaBacVet), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda Rocha Jacques Da Silva
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária (LaBacVet), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda Dias
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária (LaBacVet), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Muterle Varela
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Michele Bertoni Mann
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Jeverson Frazzon
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Microbiologia Agrícola e do Ambiente, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Laboratório de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular de Microrganismos, Departamento de Ciência de Alimentos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Fabiana Quoos Mayer
- Centro de Pesquisa em Saúde Animal, Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor, Departamento de Diagnóstico e Pesquisa Agropecuária, Secretaria da Agricultura, Pecuária e Desenvolvimento Rural, Eldorado do Sul, Brazil
| | - Aristóteles Góes Neto
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Franciele Maboni Siqueira
- Laboratório de Bacteriologia Veterinária (LaBacVet), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Departamento de Patologia Veterinária, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Veterinárias, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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Adnane M, Whiston R, Tasara T, Bleul U, Chapwanya A. Harnessing Vaginal Probiotics for Enhanced Management of Uterine Disease and Reproductive Performance in Dairy Cows: A Conceptual Review. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1073. [PMID: 38612312 PMCID: PMC11011061 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Uterine disease in cattle impairs reproductive performance and profitability and increases antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. Thus, probiotics offer a promising alternative therapy. This review presents conceptual findings on the efficacy of probiotics in managing uterine diseases and fertility in cows. Probiotics containing Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. individually or as composite formulations are known to improve fertility. Strategic intravaginal administration of these formulations would likely enhance uterine immunity, particularly during the postpartum period. While current findings on the benefits to uterine health are encouraging, there is still significant knowledge missing, including a lack of empirical information from large-scale field trials. This review underscores the need for evidence-based guidelines for probiotics, such as genomic selection of formulations, targeted delivery, or potential synergy with other interventions. Future research should address these gaps to maximize the potential of probiotics in managing uterine diseases and enhancing the reproductive health of dairy cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mounir Adnane
- Department of Biomedicine, Institute of Veterinary Sciences, University Ibn Khaldoun of Tiaret, Tiaret 14000, Algeria
- USDA, Faculty Exchange Program Fellow, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Ronan Whiston
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (R.W.); (A.C.)
| | - Taurai Tasara
- Institute for Food Safety and Hygiene, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Ulrich Bleul
- Department of Farm Animals, Clinic of Reproductive Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Aspinas Chapwanya
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre 00265, Saint Kitts and Nevis; (R.W.); (A.C.)
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6
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Kowsar R, Sadeghi K, Hashemzadeh F, Miyamoto A. Ovarian sex steroid and epithelial control of immune responses in the uterus and oviduct: human and animal models†. Biol Reprod 2024; 110:230-245. [PMID: 38038990 PMCID: PMC10873282 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The female reproductive tract (FRT), including the uterus and oviduct (Fallopian tube), is responsible for maintaining an optimal microenvironment for reproductive processes, such as gamete activation and transportation, sperm capacitation, fertilization, and early embryonic and fetal development. The mucosal surface of the FRT may be exposed to pathogens and sexually transmitted microorganisms due to the opening of the cervix during mating. Pathogens and endotoxins may also reach the oviduct through the peritoneal fluid. To maintain an optimum reproductive environment while recognizing and killing pathogenic bacterial and viral agents, the oviduct and uterus should be equipped with an efficient and rigorously controlled immune system. Ovarian sex steroids can affect epithelial cells and underlying stromal cells, which have been shown to mediate innate and adaptive immune responses. This, in turn, protects against potential infections while maintaining an optimal milieu for reproductive events, highlighting the homeostatic involvement of ovarian sex steroids and reproductive epithelial cells. This article will discuss how ovarian sex steroids affect the immune reactions elicited by the epithelial cells of the non-pregnant uterus and oviduct in the bovine, murine, and human species. Finally, we propose that there are regional and species-specific differences in the immune responses in FRT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Kowsar
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | | | - Farzad Hashemzadeh
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Akio Miyamoto
- Global Agromedicine Research Center, Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
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7
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Aryee G, Luecke SM, Dahlen CR, Swanson KC, Amat S. Holistic View and Novel Perspective on Ruminal and Extra-Gastrointestinal Methanogens in Cattle. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2746. [PMID: 38004757 PMCID: PMC10673468 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11112746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the extensive research conducted on ruminal methanogens and anti-methanogenic intervention strategies over the last 50 years, most of the currently researched enteric methane (CH4) abatement approaches have shown limited efficacy. This is largely because of the complex nature of animal production and the ruminal environment, host genetic variability of CH4 production, and an incomplete understanding of the role of the ruminal microbiome in enteric CH4 emissions. Recent sequencing-based studies suggest the presence of methanogenic archaea in extra-gastrointestinal tract tissues, including respiratory and reproductive tracts of cattle. While these sequencing data require further verification via culture-dependent methods, the consistent identification of methanogens with relatively greater frequency in the airway and urogenital tract of cattle, as well as increasing appreciation of the microbiome-gut-organ axis together highlight the potential interactions between ruminal and extra-gastrointestinal methanogenic communities. Thus, a traditional singular focus on ruminal methanogens may not be sufficient, and a holistic approach which takes into consideration of the transfer of methanogens between ruminal, extra-gastrointestinal, and environmental microbial communities is of necessity to develop more efficient and long-term ruminal CH4 mitigation strategies. In the present review, we provide a holistic survey of the methanogenic archaea present in different anatomical sites of cattle and discuss potential seeding sources of the ruminal methanogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Godson Aryee
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA; (G.A.); (S.M.L.)
| | - Sarah M. Luecke
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA; (G.A.); (S.M.L.)
| | - Carl R. Dahlen
- Department of Animal Sciences, and Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA; (C.R.D.); (K.C.S.)
| | - Kendall C. Swanson
- Department of Animal Sciences, and Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58102, USA; (C.R.D.); (K.C.S.)
| | - Samat Amat
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58108, USA; (G.A.); (S.M.L.)
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Heil BA, van Heule M, Thompson SK, Kearns TA, Oberhaus EL, King G, Daels P, Dini P, Sones JL. Effect of Sampling Method on Detection of the Equine Uterine Microbiome during Estrus. Vet Sci 2023; 10:644. [PMID: 37999467 PMCID: PMC10675083 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10110644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial endometritis is among the most common causes of subfertility in mares. It has a major economic impact on the equine breeding industry. The sensitivity of detecting uterine microbes using culture-based methods, irrespective of the sample collection method, double-guarded endometrial swab, endometrial biopsy, or uterine low-volume lavage (LVL), is low. Therefore, equine bacterial endometritis often goes undiagnosed. Sixteen individual mares were enrolled, and an endometrial sample was obtained using each method from all mares. After trimming, quality control and decontamination, 3824 amplicon sequence variants were detected in the dataset. We found using 16S rRNA sequencing that the equine uterus harbors a distinct resident microbiome during estrus. All three sampling methods used yielded similar results in composition as well as relative abundance at phyla (Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidota) and genus (Klebsiella, Mycoplasma, and Aeromonas) levels. A significant difference was found in alpha diversity (Chao1) between LVL and endometrial biopsy, suggesting that LVL is superior at detecting the low-abundant (rare) taxa. These new data could pave the way for innovative treatment methods for endometrial disease and subfertility in mares. This, in turn, could lead to more judicious antimicrobial use in the equine breeding industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. A. Heil
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA;
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - M. van Heule
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction (PHR), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA (P.D.)
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium;
| | - S. K. Thompson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; (S.K.T.); (T.A.K.); (G.K.)
| | - T. A. Kearns
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; (S.K.T.); (T.A.K.); (G.K.)
| | - E. L. Oberhaus
- School of Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA;
| | - G. King
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; (S.K.T.); (T.A.K.); (G.K.)
| | - P. Daels
- Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium;
| | - P. Dini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction (PHR), School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA (P.D.)
| | - J. L. Sones
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
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Diaz-Lundahl S, Nørstebø SF, Klem TB, Gilfillan GD, Dalland M, Gillund P, Krogenæs A. The microbiota of uterine biopsies, cytobrush and vaginal swabs at artificial insemination in Norwegian red cows. Theriogenology 2023; 209:115-125. [PMID: 37390751 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
The individual resistance or tolerance against uterine disease in dairy cattle might be related to variations in the uterine tract microbiota. The uterine tract microbiota in dairy cattle is a field of increasing interest. However, its specific taxonomy and functional aspects is under-explored, and information about the microbiota in the endometrium at artificial insemination (AI) is still missing. Although uterine bacteria are likely to be introduced via the vaginal route, it has also been suggested that pathogens can be transferred to the uterus via a hematogenous route. Thus, the microbiota in different layers of the uterine wall may differ. Norwegian Red (NR) is a high fertility breed that also has a high prevalence of subclinical endometritis (SCE), an inflammation of the uterus that has a negative effect on dairy cattle fertility. However, in this breed the negative effect is only moderate, raising the question of whether this may be due to a favorable microbiota. In the present study we investigated the endometrial microbiota in NR at AI by biopsy and cytobrush samples, and comparing this to the vaginal microflora. The second objective was to describe potential differences at both distinct depths of the endometrium, in healthy vs SCE positive NR cows. We sampled 24 lactating and clinically healthy Norwegian red cows in their second heat or more after calving, presented for first AI. First, we obtained a vaginal swab and a cytobrush sample, in addition to a cytotape to investigate the animal's uterine health status with respect to SCE. Secondly, we acquired a biopsy sample from the uterine endometrium. Bacterial DNA from the 16S rRNA gene was extracted and sequenced with Illumina sequencing of the V3-V4 region. Alpha and beta diversity and taxonomic composition was investigated. Our results showed that the microbiota of endometrial biopsies was qualitatively different and more even than that of cytobrush and vaginal swab samples. The cytobrush samples and the vaginal swabs shared a similar taxonomic composition, suggesting that vaginal swabs may suffice to sample the surface-layer uterine microbiota at estrus. The current study gave a description of the microbiota in the healthy and SCE positive NR cows at AI. Our results are valuable as we continue to explore the mechanisms for high fertility in NR, and possible further improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Diaz-Lundahl
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway
| | - Simen Foyn Nørstebø
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway
| | - Thea Blystad Klem
- Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway
| | - Gregor Duncan Gilfillan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, 0450, Oslo, Norway
| | - Marianne Dalland
- Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, 0450, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Gillund
- Geno Breeding and AI Association, Storhamargata 44, 2317, Hamar, Norway
| | - Anette Krogenæs
- Department of Production Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Box 5003, 1432, Ås, Norway.
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Yagisawa T, Uchiyama J, Takemura-Uchiyama I, Ando S, Ichii O, Murakami H, Matsushita O, Katagiri S. Metataxonomic Analysis of the Uterine Microbiota Associated with Low Fertility in Dairy Cows Using Endometrial Tissues Prior to First Artificial Insemination. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0476422. [PMID: 37098918 PMCID: PMC10269553 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04764-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The deterioration in reproductive performance in association with low fertility leads to significant economic losses on dairy farms. The uterine microbiota has begun to attract attention as a possible cause of unexplained low fertility. We analyzed the uterine microbiota associated with fertility by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing in dairy cows. First, the alpha (Chao1 and Shannon) and beta (unweighted and weighted UniFrac) diversities of 69 cows at four dairy farms that had passed the voluntary waiting period before the first artificial insemination (AI) were analyzed with respect to factors including farm, housing style, feeding management, parity, and AI frequency to conception. Significant differences were observed in the farm, housing style, and feeding management, except parity and AI frequency to conception. The other diversity metrics did not show significant differences in the tested factors. Similar results were obtained for the predicted functional profile. Next, the microbial diversity analysis of 31 cows at a single farm using weighted UniFrac distance matrices revealed a correlation with AI frequency to conception but not with parity. In correlation with AI frequency to conception, the predicted function profile appeared to be slightly modified and a single bacterial taxon, Arcobacter, was detected. The bacterial associations related to fertility were estimated. Considering these, the uterine microbiota in dairy cows can be varied depending on the farm management practices and may become one of the measures for low fertility. IMPORTANCE We examined the uterine microbiota associated with low fertility in dairy cows derived from four commercial farms via a metataxonomic approach using endometrial tissues prior to the first artificial insemination. The present study provided two new insights into the relevance of uterine microbiota with respect to fertility. First, the uterine microbiota varied depending on housing style and feeding management. Next, a subtle change was observed in functional profile analysis: a formation of uterine microbiota was detected to be different in correlation with fertility in one farm studied. Considering these insights, an examination system on bovine uterine microbiota is hopefully established based on continuous research on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jumpei Uchiyama
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Iyo Takemura-Uchiyama
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shun Ando
- Hokkaido Agriculture Mutual Aid Association, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Osamu Ichii
- Laboratory of Anatomy, Department of Basic Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
- Laboratory of Agrobiomedical Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Hironobu Murakami
- Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Osamu Matsushita
- Department of Bacteriology, Graduate School of Medicine Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Seiji Katagiri
- Laboratory of Theriogenology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
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11
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Webb EM, Holman DB, Schmidt KN, Crouse MS, Dahlen CR, Cushman RA, Snider AP, McCarthy KL, Amat S. A Longitudinal Characterization of the Seminal Microbiota and Antibiotic Resistance in Yearling Beef Bulls Subjected to Different Rates of Gain. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0518022. [PMID: 36916922 PMCID: PMC10100376 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.05180-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the seminal and fecal microbiota in yearling beef bulls fed a common diet to achieve moderate (1.13 kg/day) or high (1.80 kg/day) rates of weight gain. Semen samples were collected on days 0 and 112 of dietary intervention (n = 19/group) as well as postbreeding (n = 6/group) using electroejaculation, and the microbiota was assessed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, quantitative PCR (qPCR), and culturing. The fecal microbiota was also evaluated, and its similarity with seminal microbiota was assessed. A subset of seminal bacterial isolates (n = 33) was screened for resistance against 28 antibiotics. A complex and dynamic microbiota was detected in bovine semen, and the community structure was affected by sampling time (R2 = 0.16, P < 0.001). Microbial richness increased significantly from day 0 to day 112, and diversity increased after breeding (P > 0.05). Seminal microbiota remained unaffected by the differential rates of gain, and its overall composition was distinct from fecal microbiota, with only 6% of the taxa shared between them. A total of 364 isolates from 49 different genera were recovered under aerobic and anaerobic culturing. Among these seminal isolates were pathogenic species and those resistant to several antibiotics. Overall, our results suggest that bovine semen harbors a rich and complex microbiota which changes over time and during the breeding season but appears to be resilient to differential gains achieved via a common diet. Seminal microbiota is distinct from the fecal microbiota and harbors potentially pathogenic and antibiotic-resistant bacterial species. IMPORTANCE Increasing evidence from human and other animal species supports the existence of a commensal microbiota in semen and that this seminal microbiota may influence not only sperm quality and fertility but also female reproduction. Seminal microbiota in bulls and its evolution and factors shaping this community, however, remain largely underexplored. In this study, we characterized the seminal microbiota of yearling beef bulls and its response to the bull age, different weight gains, and mating activity. We compared bacterial composition between seminal and fecal microbiota and evaluated the diversity of culturable seminal bacteria and their antimicrobial resistance. Our results obtained from sequencing, culturing, and antibiotic susceptibility testing provide novel information on the taxonomic composition, evolution, and factors shaping the seminal microbiota of yearling beef bulls. This information will serve as an important basis for further understanding of the seminal microbiome and its involvement in reproductive health and fertility in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Webb
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Devin B. Holman
- Lacombe Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe, Alberta, Canada
| | - Kaycie N. Schmidt
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Matthew S. Crouse
- USDA, Agriculture Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska, USA
| | - Carl R. Dahlen
- Department of Animal Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
| | - Robert A. Cushman
- USDA, Agriculture Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska, USA
| | - Alexandria P. Snider
- USDA, Agriculture Research Service, U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska, USA
| | - Kacie L. McCarthy
- Department of Animal Sciences, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Samat Amat
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, USA
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12
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Polo C, García-Seco T, Díez-Guerrier A, Briones V, Domínguez L, Pérez-Sancho M. What about the bull? A systematic review about the role of males in bovine infectious infertility within cattle herds. Vet Anim Sci 2023; 19:100284. [PMID: 36647444 PMCID: PMC9840180 DOI: 10.1016/j.vas.2023.100284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous pathogens affect cow fertility. Nevertheless, little information has been published about microorganisms associated with cattle infertility focusing on bulls. The present review offers a current analysis and highlights potential key aspects on the relevance of bulls in the emergence of infertility problems of infectious origin within herds that are still not completely determined. The present systematic review was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases on December 9, 2022. In total, 2,224 bibliographic records were reviewed and, according to strict inclusion criteria, 38 articles were selected from 1966 to 2022, from which we ranked more than 27 different microorganisms (fungi were not identified). The most cited pathogens were BoHV (described by 26.3% of the papers), Campylobacter fetus (23.7%), Tritrichomonas foetus (18.4%), and BVDV, Ureaplasma spp., and Mycoplasma spp. (10.5% each). Despite the general trend towards an increasing number of publications about bull-infertility problems, a number of pathogens potentially transmitted through both natural breeding and seminal doses given to females and associated with infertility within herds were not ranked in the study (e.g., Chlamydia spp.). This work highlights i) the need to clearly establish the role of certain microorganisms not traditionally associated with reproductive problems in bull infertility (e.g., Staphylococcus spp. or BoHV-4) and ii) the need to perform additional studies on breeding bulls to clarify their role in infertility problems within herds. This would allow monitoring for pathogens that have gone unnoticed and those that are fastidious to diagnose and/or potentially transmitted to females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coral Polo
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Center, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain,MAEVA SERVET S.L., Calle de la Fragua 3, 28749 Alameda del Valle, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa García-Seco
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Center, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Díez-Guerrier
- MAEVA SERVET S.L., Calle de la Fragua 3, 28749 Alameda del Valle, Madrid, Spain,Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor Briones
- Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucas Domínguez
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Center, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain,Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Pérez-Sancho
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Center, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain,Department of Animal Health, Veterinary Faculty, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Av. Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain,Corresponding author at: VISAVET Health Surveillance Center, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Puerta de Hierro s/n, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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13
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Messman RD, Lemley CO. Bovine neonatal microbiome origins: a review of proposed microbial community presence from conception to colostrum. Transl Anim Sci 2023; 7:txad057. [PMID: 37334245 PMCID: PMC10276551 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txad057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been an influx of research evaluating the roles of the reproductive tract microbiota in modulating reproductive performance. These efforts have resulted in a breadth of research exploring the bovine reproductive tract microbiota. The female reproductive tract microbiota has been characterized during the estrus cycle, at timed artificial insemination, during gestation, and postpartum. Additionally, there are recently published studies investigating in-utero inoculation of the bovine fetus. However, critical review of the literature to understand how the microbial shifts during a dam's lifecycle could impact neonatal outcomes is limited. This review demonstrates a consistency at the phyla level throughout both the maternal, paternal, and neonatal microbiomes. Moreover, this review challenges the current gestational inoculation hypothesis and suggests instead a maturation of the resident uterine microbiota throughout gestation to parturition. Recent literature is indicative of microbial composition influencing metabolomic parameters that have developmental programming effects in feed utilization and metabolic performance later in life. Thus, this review enumerates the potential origins of neonatal microbial inoculation from conception, through gestation, parturition, and colostrum consumption while introducing clear paucities where future research is needed to better understand the ramifications of the reproductive microbiome on neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley D Messman
- Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA
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14
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Reinoso-Peláez EL, Saura M, González-Recio Ó, González C, Fernández A, Peiro-Pastor R, López-García A, Saborío-Montero A, Calvo JH, Ramón M, Serrano M. Impact of oestrus synchronization devices on ewes vaginal microbiota and artificial insemination outcome. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1063807. [PMID: 37032869 PMCID: PMC10076614 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1063807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The low pregnancy rate by artificial insemination in sheep represents a fundamental challenge for breeding programs. In this species, oestrus synchronization is carried out by manipulating hormonal regimens through the insertion of progestogen intravaginal devices. This reproductive strategy may alter the vaginal microbiota affecting the artificial insemination outcome. Methods In this study, we analyzed the vaginal microbiome of 94 vaginal swabs collected from 47 ewes with alternative treatments applied to the progesterone-releasing intravaginal devices (probiotic, maltodextrin, antibiotic and control), in two sample periods (before placing and after removing the devices). To our knowledge, this is the first study using nanopore-based metagenome sequencing for vaginal microbiome characterization in livestock. Results Our results revealed a significant lower abundance of the genera Oenococcus (Firmicutes) and Neisseria (Proteobacteria) in pregnant compared to non-pregnant ewes. We also detected a significant lower abundance of Campylobacter in the group of samples treated with the probiotic. Discussion Although the use of probiotics represents a promising practice to improve insemination results, the election of the suitable species and concentration requires further investigation. In addition, the use of progestogen in the synchronization devices seemed to increase the alpha-diversity and decrease the abundance of harmful microorganisms belonging to Gammaproteobacteria and Fusobacteriia classes, suggesting a beneficial effect of their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar L. Reinoso-Peláez
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Producción Agraria, Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería Agronómica, Alimentaria y de Biosistemas, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Edgar L. Reinoso-Peláez,
| | - María Saura
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
- María Saura,
| | - Óscar González-Recio
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen González
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Fernández
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ramón Peiro-Pastor
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián López-García
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Saborío-Montero
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge H. Calvo
- Departamento de Ciencia Animal, Centro de Investigación y Tecnología Agroalimentaria de Aragón (CITA-ARAID-IA2), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Manuel Ramón
- Departamento de Investigación en Reproducción y Mejora Genética Animal, Centro Regional de Selección y Reproducción Animal de Castilla La Mancha (CERSYRA-IRIAF), Valdepeñas, Spain
| | - Malena Serrano
- Departamento de Mejora Genética Animal, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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15
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Female reproduction and the microbiota in mammals: Where are we? Theriogenology 2022; 194:144-153. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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16
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Role of Genital Tract Bacteria in Promoting Endometrial Health in Cattle. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10112238. [DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10112238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbiota regulate endometrial health in cattle. It is important to know what a ‘good’ microbiome is, in order to understand pathogeneses of uterine disease. Given that microbial influx into the genital tract of cows at calving is unavoidable, exploring the involvement of genital tract bacteria in promoting endometrial health is warranted. The dysbiosis of endometrial microbiota is associated with benign and malign uterine diseases. The present review discusses current knowledge about the altered endometrial microbiome and the implications of this modulation on endometrial inflammation, ovarian activity, fecundation, pregnancy, and postpartum complications. Intravaginal administration of symbiotic microbes in cattle is a realistic alternative to antibiotic and hormone therapy to treat uterine disease. Genital microbial diversity can be modeled by nutrition, as the energy balance would improve the growth of specific microbial populations. It may be that probiotics that alter the endometrial microbiome could provide viable alternatives to existing therapies for uterine disease in cattle.
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17
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Luecke SM, Webb EM, Dahlen CR, Reynolds LP, Amat S. Seminal and vagino-uterine microbiome and their individual and interactive effects on cattle fertility. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1029128. [PMID: 36425035 PMCID: PMC9679222 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1029128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproductive failure is a major economical drain on cow-calf operations across the globe. It can occur in both males and females and stem from prenatal and postnatal influences. Therefore, the cattle industry has been making efforts to improve fertility and the pregnancy rate in cattle herds as an attempt to maintain sustainability and profitability of cattle production. Despite the advancements made in genetic selection, nutrition, and the implementation of various reproductive technologies, fertility rates have not significantly improved in the past 50 years. This signifies a missing factor or factors in current reproductive management practices that influence successful fertilization and pregnancy. Emerging lines of evidence derived from human and other animals including cattle suggest that the microbial continuum along the male and female reproductive tracts are associated with male and female fertility-that is, fertilization, implantation, and pregnancy success-highlighting the potential for harnessing the male and female reproductive microbiome to improve fertility in cattle. The objective of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the recent studies on the bovine seminal and vagino-uterine microbiome and discuss individual and interactive roles of these microbial communities in defining cattle fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M. Luecke
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Emily M. Webb
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Carl R. Dahlen
- Department of Animal Sciences, and Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Lawrence P. Reynolds
- Department of Animal Sciences, and Center for Nutrition and Pregnancy, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
| | - Samat Amat
- Department of Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, United States
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18
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Winther AR, Narvhus JA, Smistad M, da Silva Duarte V, Bombelli A, Porcellato D. Longitudinal dynamics of the bovine udder microbiota. Anim Microbiome 2022; 4:26. [PMID: 35395785 PMCID: PMC8994269 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-022-00177-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, the number of studies concerning microbiota of the intramammary environment has increased rapidly due to the development of high-throughput sequencing technologies that allow mapping of microbiota without culturing. This has revealed that an environment previously thought to be sterile in fact harbours a microbial community. Since this discovery, many studies have investigated the microbiota of different parts of the udder in various conditions. However, few studies have followed the changes that occur in the udder microbiota over time. In this study, the temporal dynamics of the udder microbiota of 10 cows, five with a low somatic cell count (SCC, SCC < 100,000 cells/mL) and five with a high SCC (SCC > 100,000 cells/mL), were followed over 5 months to gather insights into this knowledge gap. RESULTS Analysis of the temporal changes in the microbial composition of milk from udders with a low SCC revealed a dynamic and diverse microbiota. When an imbalance due to one dominating genus was recorded, the dominant genus quickly vanished, and the high diversity was restored. The genera dominating in the samples with a high SCC remained the dominant genera throughout the whole sampling period. These cows generally displayed a heightened SCC or an intramammary infection in at least one quarter though-out the sampling period. CONCLUSION Our results show that the bovine udder has a diverse microbiota, and that the composition and diversity of this community affects udder health with regards to SCC. Understanding what influences the composition and stability of this community has important implications for the understanding, control, and treatment of mastitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Ruud Winther
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway.
| | - Judith A Narvhus
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Marit Smistad
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, Oslo, Norway.,TINE SA, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vinicius da Silva Duarte
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
| | - Alberto Bombelli
- Department of Agrotechnology and Food Science, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Davide Porcellato
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, The Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway
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