Reproductive Tract Infections in Dairy Cows: Can Probiotics Curb Down the Incidence Rate?

Abstract

Postpartum uterine diseases are common in dairy cows and are a great concern for the dairy industry as they are associated with various consequences, including lower fertility, lower milk yield, and an overall negative impact on the host health. An infected uterus is a source of bacterial compounds and cytokines that spill into the systemic circulation, spreading inflammation to other organs. In this review article, we discuss a short overview of the anatomy of the reproductive tract of dairy cows and several infectious diseases of the uterus including metritis, endometritis, and pyometra. Additionally, we discuss the microbiome of the reproductive tract in health and during uterine diseases. As well, diagnostic criteria for metritis and endometritis and contributing factors for increased susceptibility to metritis infection are important topics of this review. To better understand how the uterus and reproductive tract respond to bacterial pathogens, a section of this review is dedicated to immunity of the reproductive tract. Both the innate and adaptive immunity systems are also discussed. We conclude the review with a factual discussion about the current treatments of uterine diseases and the new developments in the area of application of probiotics for uterine health. Mechanisms of actions of probiotics are discussed in detail and also some applications to prevent uterine infections in dairy cows are discussed.

Knowledge and preventive practices of livestock farmers on infectious causes of reproductive disorders in dairy cows in the Kembata Tambaro zone, southern Ethiopia

“…Additionally, more than half respondents perceived that RDs affect dairy cow productivity. The respondents' insight agrees with reports in veterinary literature that report severe economic losses in dairy herds following incidences of RDs, such as slower uterine involution, prolonged interconception and calving interval, reduced reproduction rate, drop in milk production, and increased cost of medication (Abutarbush 2010;Ettinger et al 2017;Radostits et al 2007;Rosales and Ametaj 2021).…”

“…Similarly, the majority of respondents reported sharing of calving space with other animals, and a study by Diez and Coelho 2013 showed the importance of this practice for disease transmission between animals. Many RSIs can be shed during calving or at abortion, contaminating the environment and increasing the risk of disease transmission to other animals and humans (Ettinger et al 2017;Hussien 2019;Radostits et al 2007;Rosales and Ametaj 2021).…”

“…This scenario is further exacerbated due to the emphasis on the selection and rearing of animals for specific commercial purposes, which compromises livestock reproduction (Yoo 2010). Reproductive system infections, either specific or nonspecific, significantly account for reproductive underperformances in dairy cows worldwide (Rosales and Ametaj 2021). Diseases such as brucellosis, leptospirosis, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine virus diarrhea (BVD), and vibriosis are known to reduce reproductive capabilities in dairy cows (Radostits et al 2007;Rosales and Ametaj 2021).…”

“…Reproductive system infections, either specific or nonspecific, significantly account for reproductive underperformances in dairy cows worldwide (Rosales and Ametaj 2021). Diseases such as brucellosis, leptospirosis, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), bovine virus diarrhea (BVD), and vibriosis are known to reduce reproductive capabilities in dairy cows (Radostits et al 2007;Rosales and Ametaj 2021). These diseases are not only related to the prosperity of livestock industry but also important for public health (World Bank 2010;Ettinger et al 2017;Radostits et al 2007).…”

“…Bovine brucellosis caused by Brucella abortus bacteria is responsible for severe economic losses in the livestock industry. It causes abortions in female cattle and infertility in males (Rosales and Ametaj 2021). The most common route of infection is the digestive tract, through ingestion of feed or water contaminated with the bacteria.…”