Composition of the fecal, vaginal and colostrum microbiotas of dams at parturition and their relationship with neonatal outcomes in dogs.

Background: Microbial seeding in early life is critical for the host's short- and long-term health, and the mother is the first source of bacteria for the newborn. The objective of this study was to characterize the maternal fecal, vaginal, and colostral microbiotas in the canine species one day after parturition and to evaluate the relationship between the microbial profiles of 36 dams and the neonatal outcomes of 284 newborns.

Results: The first part of the study revealed the presence of 2 fecal, 3 vaginal, and 2 colostral microbial clusters on the basis of the core microbiota of the dams.

Coppery titi monkey (Plecturocebus cupreus) pairs display coordinated behaviors in response to a simulated intruder.

Mate guarding and coordinated behaviors between partners are important for the maintenance of monogamous pair bonds. To study the effects of a perceived unfamiliar social intruder on females' behavior, we used coppery titi monkeys (Plecturocebus cupreus). We examined the effects of male aggressive temperament on females' behavior and the effects of each behavior performed by the male on the same female behavior.