Unraveling the relationship between the vaginal microbiome and return to estrus in post-weaning sows

We observed significant differences in the composition and predicted functional capacities of the vaginal microbiota between normal-return and non-return sows, and identified several bacterial taxa associated with return to estrus of weaned sows. These findings enhance our understanding of the relationship between the vaginal microbiota and return to estrus in post-weaning sows and provide a foundation for future mechanistic and interventional studies.