GENITAL GERM FLORA OF THE STALLION - MICR OBIOLOGIC EXAMINATION OF PRESECRETION SAMPLES FROM 1972 TO 1991

From 1972 to 1991, presecret on an average of 183 stallions per year h ad been examined. Facultatively pathogenic germs were ascertained in 1 3,5% of the samples. However, the portion showed considerable annual f luctuation, as did the percentage of the different kinds of germs. In most of the cases, only minimal growth had been observed in culture. E xcept for the total percentage, these results are contradictory to tho se we found during the examination of cervical swabs of mares. In orde r to ascertain the importance of the respective results and to render possible a correct interpretation, the constancy of the facultatively pathogenic germs was investigated additionally. It was distinctly depe ndent on the quantity and - to a lesser extent - on the kind of the ge rms as well. According to the present results, minimal growth in cultu re throughout only indicates a temporary colonization of the genitals. These results - except for the indication of CEMO - may be neglected, unless otherwise indicated by clinical findings or by anamnesis.