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Home / Equine Research Bank / Acta Vet Scand / Bacterial flora of semen collected from Danish warmblood sta...
Acta veterinaria Scandinavica1995; 36(1); 1-7; doi: 10.1186/BF03547698

Bacterial flora of semen collected from Danish warmblood stallions by artificial vagina.

Abstract: Semen samples were collected from 21 Danish Warmblood stallions by the Colorado artificial vagina (Colorado AV, 14 samples) or by the Missouri artificial vagina (Missouri AV, 7 samples). The semen was examined bacteriologically by direct plating (DP) on blood agar plates, and by plating of semen swabs stored in Stuart's transport media (TM) at 4 degrees C for 1-4 days. No significant differences were observed between results obtained by DP and cultures of identical TM samples. Of the 21 samples examined, only 1 TM (4.8%) and 2 DP samples (9.5%) were sterile, while the rest yielded a predominantly mixed flora comprising 1 to 4 bacterial genera. The natural flora was dominated by coagulase-negative staphylococci (Staphylococcus lentus, S. capitis, S. haemolyticus, S. xylosus) (16/21 = 76%), coryneforms (11/21 = 52%) and alpha-hemolytic streptococci and lactobacilli (7/21 = 33%). Potential venereal pathogens were isolated from 7 stallions (33%). Beta-hemolytic streptococci were found in 4 stallions used for natural service, whereas Pseudomonas aeruginosa serotype 6 (2 samples) and Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae capsule type K5 (1 sample) were isolated from 3 stallions used exclusively for artificial insemination. The role of the stallion as a carrier of potential venereal pathogens, and the artificial vagina as a source of contamination, is discussed in the context of mare endometritis.
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Publication Date: 1995-01-01 PubMed ID: 7572447PubMed Central: PMC8095401DOI: 10.1186/BF03547698Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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This study examines the bacterial content of semen samples from 21 Danish Warmblood stallions, collected using artificial vaginas, to identify potential sources of equine endometritis.

Methodology

  • The research began with a collection of semen samples from 21 Danish Warmblood stallions. Two different types of artificial vaginas, the Colorado and Missouri methods, were used for the collection. Accordingly, 14 samples came from the Colorado artificial vagina and 7 from the Missouri artificial vagina.
  • Each sample underwent two types of bacteriological tests: a direct plating (DP) test on blood agar plates, and a plating of semen swabs stored in Stuart’s transport media (TM) at 4 degrees Celsius for 1-4 days.

Findings

  • The results from both test methods (DP and TM) showed no significant differences; thus, any one of the methods could efficiently be used for bacteriological studies of equine semen.
  • Out of the 21 samples, only one TM and two DP samples were sterile. A majority of the samples represented a mixed flora consisting of 1 to 4 different bacterial genera.
  • Most common bacterial species found were coagulase-negative staphylococci, coryneforms, alpha-hemolytic streptococci, and lactobacilli.
  • Potential venereal pathogens were found in 7 stallions, indicating around 33% of the studied stallions carry harmful bacteria. Beta-hemolytic streptococci were predominantly found on stallions used for natural service, while Pseudomonas aeruginosa serotype 6 and Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae capsule type K5 were isolated from stallions intended exclusively for artificial insemination.

Implications

  • The research emphasizes the role of the stallion as a possible carrier of potential venereal pathogens, leading to possible equine endometritis, an inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus which can interfere with conception or cause early embryonic death.
  • The findings also suggest that artificial vaginas can be a source of bacterial contamination, necessitating further studies on their sterility and potential measures to ensure phytosanitary safety during the insemination process.

Cite This Article

APA
Madsen M, Christensen P. (1995). Bacterial flora of semen collected from Danish warmblood stallions by artificial vagina. Acta Vet Scand, 36(1), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1186/BF03547698

Publication

Acta veterinaria Scandinavica
ISSN: 0044-605X
NlmUniqueID: 0370400
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 36
Issue: 1
Pages: 1-7

Researcher Affiliations

Madsen, M
  • Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Frederiksberg, Denmark.
Christensen, P

    MeSH Terms

    • Animals
    • Artificial Organs
    • Bacteria / isolation & purification
    • Breeding
    • Female
    • Horses / microbiology
    • Male
    • Semen / microbiology
    • Vagina

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