The reproductive tract microbiome of cattle is relatively under-explored, particularly in terms of the specific taxonomic classification and functional aspect of the microbiome, which are beneficial for the development of diagnostic methods, such as microbial biomarkers and dysbiosis indexes. The genital microbes in humans and animals have protective functions against major pathogens. In women,
Lactobacilli produces lactic acid, which regulates vaginal pH and inhibits the proliferation of pathogens
[5]. In turn, symbiotic bacteria utilize the secretions of the genital tract such as mucus sugar and proteins as a source of essential nutrients
[6]. Lactic acid also induces acidification of milieu within the vagina, which interferes with intracellular functions, leading to microbial elimination
[5]. Results from in vitro studies revealed that
Chlamydia trachomatis is inactivated when there are normal concentrations of lactic acid
[7], as are
Neisseria gonorrhoeae and
Escherichia coli (E. coli) [8][9]. One of the potential benefits of the commensal bacteria in women is the protection against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). It seems that
Lactobacilli in the vagina protect women from contracting HIV-1 during sexual intercourse. Lactic acid and the resultant biofilm limit the number of free virions and thereby reduce the shedding of HIV
[10][11]. In vitro, HIV-1 is irreversibly inactivated when challenged with normal concentrations of lactic acid
[12]. This may be the mechanism by which
Lactobacilli confers vaginal protection against pathogens.
The genital microbiome is also implicated in the sociochemical signaling in different species through the production of pheromones
[13][14][15]. Pheromones are produced by the microbiome by either direct production of pheromonal cues or through the fermentation hypothesis, by which microbes metabolize existing endogenous organic compounds to produce highly volatile compounds
[16]. Results from a study in buffalo indicated there was a repetitive Flehmen response of males exposed to vaginal mucus from females at estrus
[17]. Interestingly, the pheromones elaborated vary with the diversity of the genital microbiome
[13][18].