Vaginal bacterial microflora modifications during the growth of healthy cows

• Published in: Letters in applied microbiology Vol. 31; no. 3; pp. 251 - 254
• Main Authors: Otero, C., Saavedra, L., Silva de Ruiz, C., Wilde, O., Holgado, A.R., Nader‐Macías, M.E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Science Ltd 01.09.2000; Blackwell Science
• Subjects: Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Animals; Bacteria - classification; Bacteria - growth & development; Bacteria - isolation & purification; Biological and medical sciences; Cattle - growth & development; Cattle - microbiology; Colony Count, Microbial; Ecosystem; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Microbial ecology; Normal microflora of man and animals. Rumen; Staphylococcus; Streptococcus; Vagina - microbiology; Growth; Vagina; Ox; Population structure; Cow; Vertebrata; Mammalia; Bacteria; Lactobacillaceae; Population dynamics; Associated microflora; Artiodactyla; Urogenital system; Ungulata; Lactobacillus
• ISSN: 0266-8254; 1472-765X; 1365-2673
• DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2672.2000.00809.x

The aim of this work was first, to determine the predominant groups capable of colonizing the vagina and maintaining high numbers with time. The normal microbial flora of the cow's vagina and its evolution from weaning to service was then studied using standard microbiological methods. The results show that the most dominant bacteria belong to the streptococci, followed by the staphylococci, with similar levels during the whole study period. Enterobacteriaceae and lactobacilli were present at very low levels, the latter increasing during the cow's growth, suggesting some kind of hormonal influence. The results will allow the selection of micro‐organisms with probiotic characteristics, classified as GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe), to be used in the prevention of infections in the vaginal tract of cows, such as metritis, which produces delayed periods between partum and conception, and consequent economic losses.