Saprotrophic fungi and bacteria and commensal bacteria that infect frost-damaged pastures may be contributing to gut microbial overgrowth and lesions associated with the mare reproductive loss syndrome

摘要

The mare reproductive loss syndrome (MRLS) that occurred in 2001 was first recognized as a syndrome of unknown origin responsible for early-and late-term abortions in 1980 and 1981. In each of these years, spikes in abortions seemed to be associated with nutritious, high-protein diets, especially lush spring pastures. In each year that MRLS occurred, there were unusual weather conditions. The winter months were drier than normal, followed by periods of extremely warm and cool wet conditions in the spring with late frosts and/or freezes to rapidly growing lush pastures. Frosts will induce acute changes in plant electrolytes and minerals and will cause sugars to increase in plants. The increase in potassium, nitrates, and sugars that occurs in frost-damaged plants may make these plants ideal substrates for fungi. Saprotrophic fungi, like Aspergillus spp, are excellent producers of multiple enzymes that may even further promote the digestion of proteins and carbohydrates, making them more readily available to the gut microflora. These saprotrophic fungi and bacteria are naturally found in decaying soils and pasture plants.