Effect of treatment with two intravaginal inserts on the uterine and vaginal microflora of early postpartum beef cows

Abstract

Objective: To describe the bacterial species found within the uterus and vagina of early postpartum (10 to 20 d) beef cows treated for 14 d with (i) two intravaginal (CIDR-B™) progesterone releasing inserts (C-P4; n=31); (ii) two identical but blank inserts (C-BL; n=15); (iii) untreated controls (CON; n=15). It was hypothesised that due to the locally immunosuppressive effects of progesterone on the uterus, the bacterial microflora of C-P4 would be altered by this treatment in contrast to CON and C-BL Procedure: Cows were enrolled at two intervals 7 d apart. Blood samples were collected at 0, 7 and 14 d after beginning treatments for subsequent progesterone assay. A triple guarded swabbing t..