
Fecal Microbial Communities in Dairy Cows: A Comparison Between Healthy and Endometritic Cows.
Vikas S. Joshi , Department of Biotechnology, University of Delhi, Delhi, IndiaAbstract
Endometritis, an inflammatory condition of the uterus, is one of the most common reproductive disorders in dairy cows, impacting milk production and fertility. The pathophysiology of endometritis has been well-studied, but the potential influence of this condition on the gut microbiota remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the changes in the fecal microbiota of dairy cows with and without endometritis. Fecal samples were collected from 30 dairy cows (15 diagnosed with endometritis and 15 healthy controls) at various stages of lactation. The fecal microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing to identify bacterial composition and diversity. Our results revealed significant differences in the gut microbiota between cows with endometritis and healthy cows, with an increased abundance of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes and a decreased diversity in cows with endometritis. These findings suggest that endometritis may alter the gut microbiota, which could have implications for dairy cow health and management. Further research is needed to explore the causal relationship between uterine health and gut microbiota, and its potential effects on overall cow productivity.
Keywords
Endometritis, fecal microbiota, dairy cows, gut microbiota
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