Characterization and comparison of the microbiomes and resistomes of colostrum from selectively treated dry cows

Professionals in animal agriculture promote prudent use of antimicrobials to preserve the natural microbiota in animal organ systems and to address public and animal health concerns such as reduction of antimicrobial residues and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in products like meat and milk. Few studies evaluate the impact of selective dry cow therapy on preservation of the milk microbiome or the profile of AMR genes (the resistome) present at freshening. Our objectives were to characterize the microbiome and resistome in the colostrum of low somatic cell count (SCC) cows that were treated or not treated with intramammary cephapirin benzathine at the dry-off event of the previous lactation.