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Effects of washing on the bacterial flora of the stallion’s penis.

Abstract: Six stallions were subjected to extensive cleansing of the penis and prepuce with water, Ivory Soap and water, or Betadine surgical scrub and water. The stallions were all washed for 14 days, and then allowed 14 days respite. This pattern of washing and resting was repeated consecutively. Swabs were taken from all 7 stallions twice weekly and semen was collected once a week for bacteriological examination. All forms of cleansing altered the bacterial flora of the stallion's penis; the Ivory Soap tended to encourage the replacement of the normal flora with coliform organisms, while Betadine favoured the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella spp. This experiment showed that the systematic washing of a stallion's penis will cause the normal flora to be replaced with pathogens and potential pathogens.
Publication Date: 1982-01-01 PubMed ID: 6820065
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  • Journal Article

Summary

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This research study explores the impacts of washing methods on the bacterial composition of a stallion’s penis, finding that different washing substances can cause an increase of potentially harmful bacteria.

Objective of the Study

  • The aim of this research was to understand the impact of different cleaning techniques on the bacterial make-up of a stallion’s penis. This involved exploring the induction of potentially harmful bacteria or pathogens due to specific cleaning agents.

Methodology

  • Six stallions were included in the study.
  • These stallions underwent intensive cleaning of their penis and prepuce with various solutions: water, Ivory Soap and water, or Betadine surgical scrub and water.
  • The cleaning regimen included washing for 14 days, followed by a 14-day break. This was performed repeatedly.
  • Swabs were collected from each specimen bi-weekly, and semen was collected once a week to conduct a bacteriological examination.

Results

  • The study found that all types of cleaning methods affected the bacterial flora of the stallion’s penis in some way.
  • Washing with Ivory Soap and water led to the replacement of normal bacterial flora with coliform organisms.
  • Utilizing Betadine surgical scrub and water appeared to stimulate the growth of potentially harmful bacteria, namely Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella spp.

Conclusion

  • The study concluded that regular washing of a stallion’s penis can disrupt the normal bacterial flora, leading to the introduction of pathogens or potentially harmful bacteria.
  • This finding emphasizes the importance of considering the negative impact of washing methods on the health of animals in addition to their cleanliness.

Cite This Article

APA
Bowen JM, Tobin N, Simpson RB, Ley WB, Ansari MM. (1982). Effects of washing on the bacterial flora of the stallion’s penis. J Reprod Fertil Suppl, 32, 41-45.

Publication

ISSN: 0449-3087
NlmUniqueID: 0225652
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 32
Pages: 41-45

Researcher Affiliations

Bowen, J M
    Tobin, N
      Simpson, R B
        Ley, W B
          Ansari, M M

            MeSH Terms

            • Animals
            • Escherichia coli / drug effects
            • Horses / microbiology
            • Klebsiella pneumoniae / drug effects
            • Male
            • Penis / microbiology
            • Povidone / analogs & derivatives
            • Povidone-Iodine / pharmacology
            • Pseudomonas aeruginosa / drug effects
            • Soaps / pharmacology
            • Species Specificity
            • Streptococcus agalactiae / drug effects
            • Surface-Active Agents / pharmacology