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Determine the effectiveness of commercial tannins delivered as a feed supplement
on generic fecal E. coli and E. coli O157:H7 shedding and animal average daily gain in
finishing feedlot cattle over 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 day feeding periods and to
quantify bacteriostatic and bactericidal capacity of these compounds.
<P> Characterize the efficacy of tannin compounds applied pre-harvest on cattle in
decreasing fecal pathogens (E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and Campylobacter) loads on
cattle hides prior to the harvest phase.
<P> Quantify the response of food pathogens (E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and
Campylobacter) and associated bio-films to post-harvest carcass application of plant
tannins to reduce pathogen transport to the fabrication phase.
Findings: The research results did not show any benefit to supplementation with tannins for 42 d in
cattle receiving a finishing ration in terms of animal performance, carcass traits or fecal E. coli and
other coliforms shedding patterns. Similarly pre- and post-harvest sprays with Chestnut and
Mimosa tannin plant extracts showed no effect on E. coli and other coliforms. Unfortunately, the
results from this 42-d feeding trial do not demonstrate any benefit to the use of Chestnut or Mimosa
tannin extracts in the E. coli mitigation programs of the beef industry form the feedlot to harvest.
We will conduct further research at the hay-feeding and pasture grazing phases of beef production.