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Our specific research objectives are as follows: <ol><li>To determine which management practices are related to fecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7 in feedlot cattle;
<li>To quantify the relations between management practices that foster the shedding of E. coli O157:H7 and feedlot cattle performance, as defined by average daily gain and feed efficiency.</ol>
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Escherichia coli O157:H7 has emerged as a significant
public health concern over the past decade. The source of this pathogen in cases of human illness is usually related to contaminated feeds, including beef products. </p>
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Control of E. coli 0157:H7 in the beef industry will require a concerted effort from all segments of the industry, including the farm level. </P>
The goal of the current project is to determine the extent to which specific management practices concomitantly affect cattle performance and fecal shedding of E.coli O157:H7 in feedlot cattle. </p>
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Our hypothesis is that inappropriate management practices, such as poor pen hygiene and feed and water management, not only predispose cattle to shed E. coli O157:H7, but that these same management practices reduce performance in feedlot cattle, thereby affecting feedlot revenues. </p>
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We will use an observational study design to identify specific management factors and average daily gain and feed efficiency,thereby providing the motivation for feedlot producers to implement control schemes. </p>