The inter-related physio-ecology of the gastro-intestinal tract, the mammary gland and the reproductive system in dairy cattle and swine

The crucial role of gut microbiome in intestinal and extra-intestinal diseases is emerging. Gut microbiomes have been shown to impact host physiology, metabolism, and immune function and to confer direct and indirect (immune-mediated) resistance against enteric pathogens. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiome impacts the profile of microbially-driven metabolites and compounds produced by the microbiota. These molecules influence the metabolic and immunological capacities of the host both within and outside of the gut, which retroactively impacts the diversity and behaviour of the microbiome in the digestive tract, and also influences the microbiomes of other body sites, such as vaginal tract or mammary glands. The shifts in the diversity and functionality of vaginal tract and mammary glands microbiomes in one hand can result in initiation or progression of infectious or inflammatory diseases in those systems, e.g. mastitis, while on the hand can negatively affect the succession of gut microbiome in offspring hence increase their susceptibility to infectious diseases in early life. In this presentation, I will review the role of gut microbiome in the context of its association with vaginal and mammary microbiomes in dairy and swine. I will also highlight the pressing need for development of synthetic microbial communities to improve gut, mammary and vaginal health.