Effects of Distillers Grains or Fiber on Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli in Steers

Increased probability for fecal shedding and colonization by Escherichia coli O157:H7 has been observed in previous studies when steers are fed increased inclusions of distillers grains. A feeding study was conducted to determine if distillers grains or fiber from distillers grains in the finishing ration of feedlot steers affected fecal shedding prevalence of seven serogroups of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC- 7). For EHEC O45 and EHEC O103, the greatest prevalence of shedding occurred when steers were fed increased distillers grains For all EHECs except for O111, fecal shedding prevalence was similar between the corn control and either of the corn fiber isolate diets. Decreased prevalence for shedding O111 was observed in steers fed increased distillers grains at higher fiber level compared to steers fed corn fiber isolate diets. Dietary treatment did not impact EHEC O145 or EHEC O157 shedding. These data suggest that dietary factors affecting EHEC fecal shedding diff er by serogroup