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<OL> <LI> To assess the risk of E. coli O157:H7 fecal shedding in North Dakota beef cattle. <LI> Test the effect of feeding probiotics to steers during the finishing period on the proportion of steers shedding E. coli O157:H7 in the feces, and on the performance of steers and carcass quality at the time of slaughter. <LI>Test the effect of feeding probiotics to steers under the commercial beef production setting on shedding E. coli O157:H7 in feces. <LI> Simultaneously, test for the prevalence of, and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella in North Dakota beef cattle.
E. coli O157:H7 has been identified as a potential public health hazard, believed to be widely distributed in cattle. Salmonella is a food borne pathogen that also causes illness in animals, including cattle. Additionally, emergence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria has become an important worldwide health problem. The purpose of this project is to measure the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in North Dakota beef cattle. Also, the effect of feeding probiotics to steers during finishing as a possible control strategy for E.coli O157:H7 will be tested. Lastly, the prevalence, serotype and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of Salmonella in North Dakota beef cattle will be investigated.
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Conduct a cross-sectional study of calves from various parts of North Dakota and culture fecal samples for E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella. In addition, conduct a longitudinal study design to monitor occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella in steers during the finishing period at the Beef Research Feedlot, North Dakota State University. Conduct a clinical trial to test effect of feeding steers with probiotics during the finishing period. Repeat the clinical trial under commercial beef production setting. Serotype and test for antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella isolates recovered.