Sequencing and culture-based characterization of the vaginal and uterine microbiota in beef cattle that became pregnant or remained open following artificial insemination

Emerging evidence suggests that microbiome-targeted approaches may provide a novel opportunity to reduce the incidence of reproductive failures in cattle. To develop such microbiome-based strategies, one of the first logical steps is to identify reproductive microbiome features related to fertility...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Microbiology spectrum 2023-12, Vol.11 (6), p.e0273223-e0273223
Main Authors: Webb, Emily M, Holman, Devin B, Schmidt, Kaycie N, Pun, Beena, Sedivec, Kevin K, Hurlbert, Jennifer L, Bochantin, Kerri A, Ward, Alison K, Dahlen, Carl R, Amat, Samat
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
16S rRNA gene sequencing
bovine
culturing
Microbial Ecology
pregnancy
Research Article
uterine microbiota
vaginal microbiota
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Summary:Emerging evidence suggests that microbiome-targeted approaches may provide a novel opportunity to reduce the incidence of reproductive failures in cattle. To develop such microbiome-based strategies, one of the first logical steps is to identify reproductive microbiome features related to fertility and to isolate the fertility-associated microbial species for developing a future bacterial consortium that could be administered before breeding to enhance pregnancy outcomes. Here, we characterized the vaginal and uterine microbiota in beef cattle that became pregnant or remained open via artificial insemination and identified microbiota features associated with fertility. We compared similarities between vaginal and uterine microbiota and between heifers and cows. Using culturing, we provided new insights into the culturable fraction of the vaginal and uterine microbiota and their antimicrobial resistance. Overall, our findings will serve as an important basis for future research aimed at harnessing the vaginal and uterine microbiome for improved cattle fertility.
ISSN:2165-0497
2165-0497
DOI:10.1128/spectrum.02732-23