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The effects of two Ureaplasma diversum strains on early pregnancy in heifers
1Agriculture Canada, Animal Diseases Research Institute, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Abstract:
Two field isolates of Ureaplasma diversum spp. were used to infect heifers at the time of insemination in a preliminary study to observe the effect of infection on early pregnancy. M84-14c-1 was a field isolate from a bull's prepuce typed by immunofluorescence to be similar to U. diversum strain T-44 (Group C). M84-477c-4 was a field isolate from bovine semen typed by immunofluorescence to be similar to U. diversum strain T-288 (Group A). All three heifers infected with M84-477c-4 had a mild granular vulvitis at some time during the trial. None was pregnant when slaughtered 27 days after infection. The result of infection with M84-14c-1, a preputial isolate, was not consistent. One heifer had no infection and a normal pregnancy, one heifer was infected with an abnormal pregnancy, and one heifer was open but ureaplasmas were not detected until day 17 of the trial.
Insights
Ureaplasma diversum infection in heifers impacted early pregnancy, causing vulvitis and pregnancy loss. The preputial isolate showed inconsistent effects on pregnancy outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Reproductive Immunology
- Bovine Health
Background:
- Ureaplasma diversum is a significant pathogen in cattle reproduction.
- Understanding its impact on early pregnancy is crucial for herd management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of two Ureaplasma diversum field isolates on early pregnancy in heifers.
- To determine the relationship between Ureaplasma diversum infection and pregnancy outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Infection of heifers with two distinct Ureaplasma diversum isolates (M84-14c-1 and M84-477c-4) at insemination.
- Clinical observation for vulvitis and pregnancy status assessment via slaughter at 27 days.
- Immunofluorescence typing of isolates against known U. diversum strains.
Main Results:
- Heifers infected with isolate M84-477c-4 (Group A) exhibited mild granular vulvitis and none were pregnant at slaughter.
- Infection with isolate M84-14c-1 (Group C) yielded inconsistent results: normal pregnancy, abnormal pregnancy, or open status.
- Ureaplasma detection varied, with some open heifers showing no ureaplasmas until day 17.
Conclusions:
- Ureaplasma diversum isolate M84-477c-4 appears detrimental to early pregnancy establishment in heifers.
- The preputial isolate M84-14c-1 demonstrated variable effects, warranting further investigation.
- Early pregnancy loss and reproductive complications are associated with Ureaplasma diversum infection.