An official website of the United States government.
The project goals are to reduce the carriage (pathogen load) of E. coli 0157 in beef cattle through feed interventions. We hypothesize that energy sources used in cattle feeds influence the carriage of E. coli 0157 by making the colonic microenvironment and microbial ecology either more or less hospitable for the survival of this pathogen. <P>
We will compare the colonic microbial ecology between cattle feed corn- or distillers' grain-based diets and link the specific the changes in colonic microbial ecology with the presence and magnitude and E. coli 0157 shedding among naturally exposed groups of cattle.
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The components that are included in feeds provided to cattle may impact how much/how often they carry E. coli 0157, an important foodborne pathogen. Reducing E. coli 0157 in live cattle will enhance food safety. The information gained from this study will provide preharvest intervention strategies in the selection of feed sources or additives that will optimize food safety. The successful completion of this project wil enhance the safety of the food supply and reduce foodborne illnesses. At the completion of this project we will have understanding of the mechanisms involved in dietary and colonic ecological influences of E. coli shedding by cattle.
<P>
APPROACH: Specific bacterial species that are associated with lower E. coli 0157 shedding among corn-fed cattle (compared to distillers grain-fed cattle) will be identified, isolated and tested for in vivo inhibition of E. coli 0157.