Postpartum uterine flora following normal and abnormal puerperium in cows

Uterine swabs were taken from the uteri of three groups of cows (n = 5 each) on Days 1 and 2 and then at 3-d intervals up to 32 d post partum. Group I cows had a normal delivery, Group II cows had dexamethasone-induced parturition, and Group III cows were subjected to a Caesarian section. All cows in Group III and two cows in Group II retained their fetal membranes. A total of 230 bacterial isolates were made, and the most frequently isolated bacteria were Escherichia coli , streptococci, Proteus spp. , and clostridia. The highest number of bacterial isolates and the longest mean time to complete uterine involution were in the Group III cows.