Unraveling the Influence of Estradiol on Reproductive Tract Microbiota and Fertility in Beef Cattle

Increasing reproductive efficiency is essential to minimize economic losses incurred from reproductive failures in the cattle industry. Associations between endogenous ovarian steroid hormones and reproductive tract microbiota may influence pregnancy outcomes. However, minimal work has identified specific microbiota communities during early gestation with pregnancy maintenance in cattle. Therefore, we aimed to determine the impact of endogenous and exogenous estradiol at time of ovulation on uterine microbiota during early gestation in beef cattle.