The nasopharyngeal microbiota in feedlot cattle and its role in respiratory health

The nasopharyngeal microbiota is dynamic and changes dramatically after feedlot placement. Although microbial instability of the respiratory and digestive tracts has been linked to disease in other animals, it is not yet known how these changes impact development of pneumonia in cattle. There is, however, evidence to suggest that the structure of the nasopharyngeal microbiota of cattle is related to the development of pneumonia. Specifically, certain commensal bacteria that have been associated with improved animal health are reduced in the nasopharynx of cattle that develop pneumonia. Better understanding of the functionality of the bovine respiratory microbiota will facilitate new approaches to mitigate pneumonia and develop alternatives to antibiotics. Specifically, studies using sequencing technologies to characterize the interaction of commensal respiratory bacteria with pathogens and the host will aid in targeted approaches to develop respiratory probiotics.