Impact of Type of Parturition on Colostrum Microbiota Composition and Puppy Survival

Abstract

The objective of our study was to determine whether the type of parturition affects the microbiota of the colostrum and the growth and survival of the puppies. Seventy-nine newborn puppies were divided into three groups regarding the type of parturition: vaginal delivery (VD), elective caesarean section (EL-CS), and emergency caesarean section (EM-CS). After the birth of the puppies, swabs of meconium were collected from the puppies and colostrum was obtained from the dam. Many aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were isolated and identified by mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The colostrum microbiota of VD and EL-CS puppies contained a significantly higher abundance of bacteria belonging to the genera Staphylococcus, Kocuria and Enterococcus compared with EM-CS colostrum samples. The composition of the meconium microbiota of the puppies present at birth was similar to the colostrum microbiota of their mothers. It was also found that puppies without a meconium microbiota at birth gained weight more slowly compared with puppies with a meconium microbiota at birth. The type of parturition influenced the bacterial composition of the microbiota in the colostrum. Future studies are necessary to further define the significance of the observed differences in microbiota composition between EM-CS compared with EL-CS and VD colostrum microbiota.

Dead or Alive? A Review of Perinatal Factors That Determine Canine Neonatal Viability

“…The relationship between colostrum microflora and intestinal microflora of neonates is confirmed by studies in which the composition of meconium collected from neonates was found to be similar to that of colostrum collected from dams [ 61 ]. Adequate microflora composition determines colonization of neonatal intestines, and this directly translates into their chances of survival, adaptation to the ectopic environment, and development of health status [ 60 ].…”

“…The colostrum in mammals is the first food of crucial importance for the health of the offspring in the early neonatal period. In canine species, only 5–10% of antibodies can cross the placenta, so newborns are almost completely immune-deficient [ 61 ]. The timing and amount of colostrum intake immediately after birth are important for their survival and future health.…”

“…The timing and amount of colostrum intake immediately after birth are important for their survival and future health. The intestinal barrier is only permeable to IgG from the gastrointestinal tract during the first 12–16 h of life, so it is important to feed newborns with colostrum as soon as possible shortly after birth [ 61 ]. Although the exact mechanisms that determine the formation of the colostrum microbiota are not fully understood, studies seem to support the enteromammary hypothesis that the colostrum microbiota is shaped by gut bacteria present in the dam [ 61 ].…”

“…The type of parturition can also be a factor that affects the composition of the microflora of the colostrum [ 61 ]. Whether it is vaginal delivery, emergency cesarean section, or elective cesarean section, the colostrum samples contained different microorganisms.…”

“…Whether it is vaginal delivery, emergency cesarean section, or elective cesarean section, the colostrum samples contained different microorganisms. The colostrum of the bitches with vaginal delivery and elective cesarean section was characterized by a similar composition, unlike the colostrum collected from the bitches undergoing emergency cesarean section [ 61 ]. It should be noted that the differences may result from the fact that bitches in the latter group usually experience higher levels of stress as well as some degree of exhaustion.…”