# Identification of Naturally Occurring Inhabitants of Vaginal Microbiota in Cows and Determination of Their Antibiotic Sensitivity

## TL;DR

This study identifies bacteria in the vaginal microbiota of healthy cows and tests their response to antibiotics, aiming to improve herd health and reduce antibiotic misuse.

## Contribution

The study provides a detailed characterization of the vaginal microbiota in healthy dairy cows and evaluates their antibiotic susceptibility.

## Key findings

- Fifty-four bacterial species were identified, with Gram-positive bacteria making up 87% of isolates.
- Most bacteria remained sensitive to commonly used antibiotics despite some carrying resistance genes.
- The average vaginal pH was 7.2, indicating a neutral environment.

## Abstract

Understanding the natural composition of the vaginal microbiota in dairy cows is crucial for maintaining reproductive health and preventing diseases. This study identified the bacterial species present in the vaginal microbiome of healthy dairy cows and assessed their sensitivity to commonly used antibiotics. A total of 54 bacterial species were detected. The antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed that, while some bacteria carried resistance genes, most remained sensitive to multiple antibiotics. These results may contribute to improved herd management strategies by promoting microbiota balance and supporting the responsible use of antibiotics on dairy farms.

The vaginal microbiota plays a crucial role in bovine reproductive health in the periparturient period. This study aimed to characterize the naturally occurring bacterial species in the vaginal microbiome of healthy Holstein Frisian cows and evaluate their antibiotic sensitivity. Vaginal samples were collected from 44 healthy cows on three dairy farms. A total of 54 bacterial species were detected, with Gram-positive bacteria comprising 87% of the isolates. The most prevalent genera were Bacillus, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus. Antibiotic susceptibility tests indicated that some isolates carried resistance genes, but most remained sensitive to commonly used antibiotics. The average vaginal mucosa pH was 7.2. These findings provide valuable insights into the diversity of vaginal microbiota of healthy dairy cows. Understanding the bacterial composition and antibiotic susceptibility can support reproductive health management and prudent use of antibiotics in dairy herds.