# Microbial Distribution and Biofilm-Forming Capacity in the Reproductive Tract of Farm Ruminants

## TL;DR

This study explores how different microbes in the reproductive tracts of cows, water buffaloes, and goats affect their reproductive health and disease susceptibility.

## Contribution

The study identifies species-specific microbial fingerprints and biofilm behaviors in ruminant reproductive tracts, linking them to reproductive health outcomes.

## Key findings

- Water buffaloes and goats showed higher levels of pathogenic microbes like Helicobacter trogontum and Brucella ovis.
- Cows had more beneficial bacteria such as Bifidobacterium longum and Lactobacillus acidophilus.
- Most bacteria formed weak biofilms, suggesting limited resistance to the host's defenses.

## Abstract

Reproductive health in cows, water buffaloes, and goats is influenced by nutrition, hormones, and the equilibrium of microbes residing within their reproductive systems. Certain bacteria are beneficial and contribute to system health, but others may induce infections resulting in infertility, abortion, or compromised progeny. This study investigated the reproductive tracts of 93 farm animals from Northeastern Thailand to identify the bacterial presence and their capacity to produce biofilms, a protective covering that enhances bacterial survival and treatment resistance. Buffaloes and goats exhibited elevated levels of pathogenic microbes, including Helicobacter trogontum (H. trogontum) and Brucella ovis (B. ovis), which may be linked to reproductive complications. Conversely, the cows exhibited a higher prevalence of advantageous bacteria, including Bifidobacterium longum (B. longum) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus), acknowledged for their contribution to maintaining a healthy equilibrium. Most bacteria produced only feeble biofilms, suggesting that they might survive but not successfully resist the body’s innate defenses. These findings may suggest the influence of each animal species’ “microbial fingerprint” on reproductive health. By understanding these bacterial patterns, farmers and veterinarians may adopt more accurate strategies to prevent diseases, improve fertility, and foster sustainable animal production in local agricultural communities.

Reproductive problems in farm ruminants are often linked to imbalances in the microorganisms living in the reproductive tract and their ability to form biofilms. This study examined the presence of bacteria and their biofilm-forming capacity in cows (n = 35), water buffaloes (n = 25), and goats (n = 33) in Northeastern Thailand. Samples collected from the vulva, urethral opening, and vagina were analyzed using bacterial culture, PCR, and a microtiter biofilm assay. Ten bacterial species were identified. H. trogontum and B. ovis were most common in water buffaloes and goats, while cows showed higher levels of beneficial bacteria such as B. longum and L. acidophilus. Biofilm testing showed mostly weak or non-adherent biofilms, with mean absorbance values remaining low across species. Weak biofilms were especially common in goats, whereas cows showed predominantly non-adherent patterns. Biofilm-associated genes (icaA, icaD, opp3AB) were more frequently detected in cows and buffaloes and were moderately correlated with weak biofilm formation. Overall, the results show that each ruminant species has a distinct microbial profile and biofilm behavior within its reproductive tract. These differences may influence susceptibility to reproductive infections and can guide future strategies for improving reproductive health and disease prevention in farm animals.