Influence of Diet on Total and Acid Resistant E. coli and Colonic pH

Authors

Tony Scott, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Casey Wilson, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Doreen Bailey, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Terry J. Klopfenstein, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Todd Milton, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Rodney A. Moxley, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
David R. Smith, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Jeff Gray, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Laura Hungerford, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Date of this Version

January 2000

Comments

Published in Nebraska Beef Cattle Report 2000, published by Agricultural Research Division, University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension, and Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

Abstract

Nine steers were fed finishing diets in a replicated 3x3 Latin square design to determine if dietary manipulation would alter total and acid resistant E. coli populations. Manipulating diet by limit-feeding of finishing diets did not affect total or acid-resistant E. coli populations. Altering dietary ingredients did not affect total E. coli populations; however, steers fed diets containing dry-rolled or high-moisture corn had lower acid-resistant E. coli populations. Following completion of the Latin Square, all animals were fed alfalfa hay ad libitum for five days. Switching steers to alfalfa hay lowered both total and acid-resistant E. coli populations.