RESUMO
The objective of this study was to characterize the vaginal bacterial flora and subsequent conception rates after AI in buffaloes subjected to 3 different estrous induction regimes-the use of CIDR and use of two intravaginal sponges (Polyurethane sponges with micronized progesterone and Polyurethane sponges with micronized progesterone with Carboxy methyl cellulose). The estrus induction was 100% in Group I and II followed by 91.67 % in group III. The pregnancy rates were Group I, II and III were 50.00, 66.67 and 54.55% respectively. All the vaginal swabs in all three groups yielded growth of bacteria and the predominance of mixed isolates over single isolates 81.94% vs 18.06% was indicative of dominance of mixed culture over single isolates. E. coli, Staphylococcus, Proteus and Klebsiela spp. were the commonest isolates obtained prior to insertion and after removal of implants in postpartum anestrus buffaloes. The gram positive bacteria were Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Bacillus spp. while, gram negative bacteria were E. coli, Proteus and Klebsiella spp. These organisms could be considered as a part of the normal bacterial flora of the buffalo