Preliminary Investigation of the Association between Feeding Starch-based Ethanol Co-Products and Salmonella Species Shedding in Commercial Feedlots

Authors

  • J. B. Osterstock Texas AgriLife Research, Amarillo, TX 79106
  • J. E. Kahl Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843
  • S. D. Lawhon Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20094308

Keywords:

Salmonella, food animals, feedlot cattle, hindgut, environmental ecology, wet corn distiller's grains, diet

Abstract

Fecal shedding of Salmonella spp in feedlot cattle is an important component of pre-harvest food safety. Prevalence of salmonella in feedlot cattle varies and may be influenced by factors affecting hindgut and environmental ecology. Feedlots in the Texas Panhandle have begun to incorporate wet corn distiller's grains (WDGS) in their rations due to the increase in starch-based ethanol production in the region. Previous research has identified an association between feeding distiller's grains and shedding of E.coli O157:H7. These findings indicate that changes in starch, fiber, and fat composition of rations containing WDGS may impact hindgut ecology favoring the colonization and shedding of specific microorganisms. The objective of this study was to estimate the association between feeding WDGS and fecal shedding of Salmonella spp in feedlot cattle.

Cover image of the 42nd Conference Proceedings: Cattle grazing in a spring field along the horizon. In the foreground, one brown cow with a triangle marking and ear tags is posing. Yellow background.

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Published

2009-09-10

Issue

2009

Section

Research Summaries 1

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