Progress 10/29/07 to 12/31/08
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Determine the effect of feeding distillers grains on the shedding of E. coli O157:H7 in finishing feedlot cattle. Approach (from AD-416) We will collect hide and feces samples from 300 control and 300 cattle fed diets supplemented with distillers grains. Cattle will be sampled every 28 days for ten months. These samples will be tested for the prevalence and level of E. coli O157:H7. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations Previous small studies of wet distiller's grains with solubles (WDGS) in feedlot cattle diets have had mixed results regarding Escherichia coli O157:H7. Long-term studies with large animal groups have not been performed. ARS scientists at Clay Center, NE, conducted a 245-day replicated study with 600 calf-fed steers in the feedlot environment to determine the level and prevalence for Escherichia coli O157:H7 on hides and in feces through the growing and finishing phases of beef production. In the finishing phase, animals receiving 40% WDGS (on dry matter basis) in their diet had significantly higher prevalence of the pathogen on hides and in feces compared with animals fed 0% WDGS, but the magnitude of the difference was affected by one of the four WDGS pens that had higher levels than all other pens. This study suggests that feeding WDGS at high levels could increase the level of the pathogen. ADODR monitoring of research progress included regular planning sessions, meetings, and progress reports.
Impacts
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Publications
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