Evaluation of essential oils in beef cattle manure slurries and applications of select compounds to beef feedlot surfaces to control zoonotic pathogens.

AIMS: To evaluate natural terpene compounds for antimicrobial activities and determine whether these compounds could be used to control microbial activities and pathogens in production animal facilities. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thymol, geraniol, glydox, linalool, pine oil, plinol and terpineol were tested in laboratory studies for ability to control the production of odorous volatile fatty acid compounds and reduce pathogen levels in manure slurry preparations. Thymol is a terpene phenolic compound and was most effective for reducing fermentation products and pathogen levels (P < 0.05), followed by the extracts linalool, pine oil and terpineol, which are terpene alcohols. Select compounds thymol, linalool and pine oil were further evaluated in two separate studies by applying the agents to feedlot surfaces in cattle pens. Feedlot surface material (FSM; manure and soil) was collected and analysed for fermentation products, levels of coliforms and total Escherichia coli, and the presence of E. coli O157:H7, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Listeria and L. monocytogenes. The reduction in fermentation products but not pathogens was dependent on the moisture present in the FSM. Treatment with 2000 ppm thymol reduced the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 but not Listeria. In a separate study, treatment with 4000 ppm pine oil reduced E. coli O157:H7, Listeria and Campylobacter (P < 0.05). Linalool was tested at two levels (2000 and 4000 ppm) and did not affect pathogen levels at either concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Natural compounds bearing terpenes can control pathogenic bacteria in treated manures and when applied to the feedlot surface in production cattle systems. Pine oil is a cheaper alternative to thymol and may be a useful treatment for controlling pathogens. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The control of bacterial pathogens in animal productions systems is an important step in preharvest food safety. Waste products, such as pine oil extract, from the pulp wood industry may have application for treating feedlot pens and manures to reduce the pathogen load.

Effects of corn processing method and dietary inclusion of corn wet distillers grains with solubles on odor and gas production in cattle manure.

The growing ethanol industry in the Southern Great Plains has recently increased the use of wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) in beef cattle finishing diets. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate odorous compound production in urine and feces of feedlot steers fed diets with different concentrations of WDGS and different grain processing methods. In both experiments, a Latin square design was used. In Exp. 1, a 2× 2 factorial arrangement of treatments was used and the factors consisted of corn processing method [steam-flaked corn (SFC) or dry-rolled corn (DRC)] and inclusion of corn-based WDGS (0 or 30% on a DM basis). Thus, the 4 treatment combinations consisted of: 1) SFC-based diet with 0% WDGS (SFC-0); 2) SFC-based diet with 30% WDGS (SFC-30); 3) DRC-based diet with 0% WDGS (DRC-0); and 4) DRC-based diet with 30% WDGS (DRC-30). In Exp. 2, all diets were based on SFC and the 4 treatments consisted of: 1) 0% WDGS (SFC-0); 2) 15% WDGS (SFC-15); 3) 30% WDGS (SFC-30); and 4) 45% WDGS (SFC-45). In both experiments, diets were balanced for degradable intake protein and ether extract by the addition of cottonseed meal and fat. Fecal slurries were prepared from a 5-d composite of urine and feces collected from each treatment. The slurries were analyzed using a gas chromatograph for VFA, phenol, p-cresol, indole, skatole, hydrogen, methane (CH(4),) and total gas production. In Exp. 1, the DRC fecal slurries had greater initial total VFA concentration compared with the SFC-based slurries and accumulated a greater concentration of total gas throughout the incubation; however, the SFC-based manure resulted in more CH(4) production. In Exp. 2, total VFA concentrations did not differ across all fecal slurries initially and on d 28; however, throughout the incubation, slurries with 0 and 15% WDGS had the greatest total VFA concentration. Overall, the presence of starch in the feces was likely the determining factor for the accumulation of odorous compounds in the fecal slurries initially, which was especially evident in diets including DRC, and once methanogenic microorganisms were established they likely converted VFA to CH(4).

Effects of different fresh-cut forages and their hays on feed intake, digestibility, heat production, and ruminal methane emission by Boer x Spanish goats.

Twenty-four yearling Boer × Spanish wethers were used to assess effects of different forages, either fresh (Exp. 1) or as hay (Exp. 2), on feed intake, digestibilities, heat production, and ruminal methane emission. Treatments were: 1) Sericea lespedeza (SER; Lespedeza cuneata), a legume high in condensed tannins (CT; 20% and 15% in fresh forage and hay, respectively), 2) SER supplemented with polyethylene glycol (SER-PEG; 25 g/d), 3) alfalfa (Medicago sativa), a legume low in CT (ALF), and 4) sorghum-sudangrass (Sorghum bicolor), a grass low in CT (GRASS). Experiments were 22 d, which included 16 d for acclimatization followed by a 6-d period for fecal and urine collection, and gas exchange measurement (last 2 d). Intake of OM was 867, 823, 694, and 691 g/d (SEM = 20.1) with fresh forage, and 806, 887, 681, and 607 g/d with hay for SER, SER-PEG, ALF, and GRASS, respectively (SEM = 46.6). Apparent total tract N digestion was greater for SER-PEG vs. SER (P < 0.001) with fresh forage (46.3%, 66.5%, 81.7%, and 73.2%; SEM = 1.71) and hay (49.7%, 71.4%, 65.4%, and 54.8% for SER, SER-PEG, ALF, and GRASS, respectively; SEM = 1.57). Intake of ME was similar among treatments with fresh forage (8.24, 8.06, 7.42, and 7.70 MJ/d; SEM = 0.434) and with hay was greater for SER-PEG than ALF (P < 0.03) and GRASS (P < 0.001) (8.63, 10.40, 8.15, and 6.74 MJ/d for SER, SER-PEG, ALF, and GRASS, respectively; SEM = 0.655). The number of ciliate protozoa in ruminal fluid was least for SER with fresh forage (P < 0.01) (9.8, 20.1, 21.0, and 33.6 × 10(5)/ml; SEM = 2.76) and hay (P < 0.02) (6.3, 11.4, 13.6, and 12.5 × 10(5)/ml for SER, SER-PEG, ALF, and GRASS, respectively; SEM = 1.43). Methane emission as a percentage of DE intake was lower (P < 0.01) for SER vs. ALF and GRASS with fresh forage (6.6, 8.3, 9.4, and 9.2%; SEM = 0.64) and hay (4.3, 4.9, 6.4, and 6.7% for SER, SER-PEG, ALF, and GRASS, respectively; SEM = 0.38). In summary, methane emission in this short-term experiment was similar between a legume and grass low in CT as fresh forage and hay. The CT in SER markedly decreased N digestibility and elicited a moderate decline in ruminal methane emission. Supplementation with PEG alleviated the effect of CT on N digestibility but not ruminal methane emission, presumably because of different modes of action. In conclusion, potential of using CT-containing forage as a means of decreasing ruminal methane emission requires further study, such as with longer feeding periods.

Effect of anaerobic digestion temperature on odour, coliforms and chlortetracycline in swine manure or monensin in cattle manure.

AIMS: This study evaluated the effect of anaerobic digestion at 22, 38 and 55°C on odour, coliforms and chlortetracycline (CTC) in swine manure or monensin (MON) in cattle manure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Swine or cattle were fed the respective growth promotant, manure was collected, and 2-l laboratory methane digesters were established at the various temperatures and sampled over 25 or 28 days. After 21 days, the concentration of CTC in the 22, 38 and 55°C swine digester slurries decreased 7, 80 and 98%, respectively. Coliforms in the 22°C digester slurries were still viable after 25 days; however, they were not detectable in the 38 and 55°C slurries after 3 and 1 days, respectively. After 28 days, the concentration of MON in the 22, 38 and 55°C cattle digester slurries decreased 3, 8 and 27%, respectively. Coliforms in the 22°C cattle digester slurries were still viable after 28 days; however, they were not detectable in the 38 and 55°C slurries after 14 and 1 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These studies indicate that anaerobic digestion at 38 or 55°C may be an effective treatment to reduce coliforms and CTC; however, it is not an effective treatment to reduce MON. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: More studies are needed to determine which pharmaceuticals are susceptible to degradation by a specific manure treatment to prevent negative environmental consequences.

Prevalence and level of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in feces and on hides of feedlot steers fed diets with or without wet distillers grains with solubles.

The objective of this study was to determine if wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) from corn in diets affected Escherichia coli O157:H7 in growing and finishing cattle; steers (n = 603) were randomly assigned to diets with or without WDGS. Hide and fecal samples were collected monthly (October through June) from each animal for enumeration and enrichment of E. coli O157:H7. In the growing phase (0 or 13.9% WDGS diets), fecal prevalence for E. coli O157:H7 in steers fed a diet with WDGS was twice that of the prevalence in control steers (P < 0.001). In the finishing phase (0 or 40% WDGS diets), the average prevalence in feces (P < 0.001) and on hides (P < 0.001) was higher for cattle fed WDGS. The average percentage of fecal E. coli O157:H7 enumerable samples during the finishing phase for cattle fed WDGS was 2.7% compared with 0.1% for control steers (P < 0.001). The average percentage of E. coli O157:H7 enumerable hide samples was not different between diets, but the cattle fed WDGS had higher levels (P < 0.05) of the pathogen. Animals fed WDGS had higher levels of E. coli (P < 0.001), higher pH values (P < 0.001), and lower concentrations of L-lactate (P < 0.001) in feces than those values of the control steers. These results indicate that feeding 40% WDGS could increase the level and prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in and on feedlot cattle when E. coli O157:H7 is seasonally low.

Nutrient excretion and odorant production in manure from cattle fed corn wet distillers grains with solubles.

Twenty-four cross bred steers (BW 452.5 +/- 15.5 kg) were used to evaluate nutrient excretion and odorous compounds in urine and feces of feedlot steers fed diets containing corn wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS). Cattle were weighed, blocked by BW, and assigned randomly to 1 of 4 dry-rolled corn-based diets containing 0, 20, 40, or 60% WDGS (DM basis). A 96-h total fecal and urine collection was conducted. Orts, feces, and urine were collected daily. Samples were analyzed for moisture, total N, total P, water soluble P, and total S. Fresh fecal samples were collected at the end of the balance trial for analysis of VFA, phenol, p-cresol, indole, skatole, ammonia-N, and lactate concentration. Total P, N, and S intake increased linearly as the amount of WDGS increased in the diet (P or= 0.11). Total N excretion increased linearly as dietary WDGS inclusion increased (P < 0.01) and was due to a linear increase in urinary N excretion (P < 0.01). Total S excretion also increased as WDGS concentration increased in the diet (P < 0.01). Dietary treatment did not affect the concentration of odorous compounds in urine (P >or= 0.07). Total VFA concentration in feces decreased as WDGS increased in the diet (P < 0.01), but branched-chained VFA concentrations (isobutyrate and isovalerate) and phenol in feces increased when WDGS replaced corn in the diet (P or= 0.09). This study indicates that feedlot cattle fed increasing amounts of WDGS had increased P, N, and S intake and excretion, which may contribute to the production of odorous compounds (primarily long- and branched-chain VFA, and phenol) as well as increased ammonia and H(2)S emissions from the feedlot. Increased P concentration in livestock waste will increase the amount of land necessary to utilize manure P. Because of increased urinary P excretion, producers should consider environmental implications of liquid runoff from the feedlot surface as well as solid manure when WDGS are fed to feedlot cattle.

Odorant production and persistence of Escherichia coli in manure slurries from cattle fed zero, twenty, forty, or sixty percent wet distillers grains with solubles.

Corn ethanol production removes starch and concentrates the remaining nutrients, including CP and minerals. When wet distillers grains with solubles (WDGS) are fed to cattle in place of corn, CP and minerals often exceed dietary needs. This may increase N emission, P run-off, and odor production. These variables are evaluated in this study. Crossbred steers (n = 160; 434 +/- 8 kg) were assigned in a completely randomized block design to 9 x 9 m pens with concrete floor (10 animals/pen; 4 pens/treatment). Steers were fed a finishing diet that contained 0, 20, 40, or 60% WDGS on a DM basis, and provided 13.3, 15.5, 20.6, or 24.9% CP, respectively. Two kilograms of manure slurry (14 to 23% DM) were collected from each pen monthly (Aug. 20, Sep. 24, and Oct. 22). Samples were analyzed immediately for odorants, DM, pH, NH(3), total alcohol, l-lactate, and concentrations of generic Escherichia coli. After incubation of the samples at 22 degrees C for 2, 4, 7, 10, 15, 21, and 28 d, samples were analyzed for methane production in addition to the above characteristics. Before incubation, NH(3), H(2)S, indole, phenol, isovalerate, isobutyrate, and acetate increased (P < 0.01) with increasing amounts of WDGS in the diet. Other odorants, including skatole, caproate, valerate, butyrate, and propionate, were greater (P < 0.01) in manure slurries from cattle fed 20 or 40% WDGS, compared to 0% WDGS. The l-lactate was greater (P < 0.01) in slurries from cattle fed 0% WDGS (447 mu mol/g of DM) compared with the other treatment slurries (14 to 15 mu mol/g of DM). After incubation, l-lactate contributed to lowered slurry pH (6.3, 7.1, 7.6, and 8.2, respectively, for 0, 20, 40, and 60% WDGS), which inhibited microbial fermentation, E. coli persistence, and methane production. Because of the favorable, more neutral pH in the 40 and 60% WDGS slurries, many of the odorant compounds were rapidly converted to methane during a 28-d static incubation. Escherichia coli O157:H7 inoculated into subsamples of the manure slurries exhibited behavior similar to that of naturally present generic E. coli, surviving in greater numbers longer (P < 0.05) in 20 and 40% WDGS slurries than in 0% WDGS. These data indicate feeding WDGS can increase odorants in manure slurries and extend the persistence of E. coli.

Viability of zoonotic pathogens Escherichia coli and Salmonella in swine manure slurries with and without a urease inhibitor and thymol.

AIMS: To determine the effects of urine, a urease inhibitor and/or an odour-reducing antimicrobial compound, on zoonotic pathogens in swine manure slurries. METHODS AND RESULTS: Swine faeces were collected and blended with different amounts of urine. Marker strains of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium and Escherichia coli O157:H7 were inoculated into the manure slurries with or without the urease inhibitor, N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide, or the antimicrobial compound thymol. In slurries containing approximately 1 : 1 or 2 : 1 of urine and faeces, the decreases in colony forming units (CFU) of Salm. Typhimurium and E. coli were similar and few counts were observed after 14 days. When the urine content of the slurry was increased to 5 : 1, both strains died off rapidly. When NBPT was added to the slurries, pathogen CFU was not affected in the 1 : 1 slurry. The 2 : 1 and 5 : 1 slurries had higher urea content and NBPT increased CFU of both pathogens. Thymol addition rapidly killed the pathogens and few CFU of Salmonella or E. coli were observed after day 1. CONCLUSIONS: These experiments demonstrate that urea hydrolysis in swine manure affects pathogens. Inhibition of urea hydrolysis may promote pathogen viability. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Manure amendments that prevent urea hydrolysis may promote pathogen persistence. Additional treatments with antimicrobials may be required to kill pathogens.

Combination of a urease inhibitor and a plant essential oil to control coliform bacteria, odour production and ammonia loss from cattle waste.

AIM: To evaluate urea hydrolysis, volatile fatty acid (VFA) production (odour) and coliforms in cattle waste slurries after a urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) and a plant oil component (thymol) were added. METHODS AND RESULTS: Faeces from cattle fed a diet of 70% corn silage and 30% alfalfa haylage, urine and distilled water in the ratio 50 : 35 : 15 were blended at high speed for 1 min. Triplicate aliquots of 750 ml were amended with NBPT plus or minus thymol and reblended for 1 min, and were poured into 1.6 l wide-mouth jars covered 90% with a lid. After 56 days, thymol (2000 mg kg(-1) waste) in combination with NBPT (80 mg kg(-1) waste) retained 5.2 g of an initial 9.2 g of urea in cattle waste slurries, compared with less than 1 g of urea retained when NBPT was the only additive (P < 0.05). Another experiment using excreta from cattle fed 76.25% high moisture corn, 19.25% corn silage and a 4.5% supplement, blended at a low speed, gave a similar response with urea hydrolysis; and the two treatments, thymol alone and thymol in combination with NBPT, reduced VFA production (P < 0.01) and eliminated all coliform bacteria by day 1. A third experiment indicated coliforms disappeared in the no addition treatment after 8 days; however, they were viable at 6.6 x 10(4) CFU g(-1) waste beyond 35 days in the NBPT treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Thymol supplements the effect of NBPT by increasing the inhibitory period for hydrolysis of urea in cattle waste slurries and nitrogen retention in the waste. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Thymol and NBPT offer the potential to reduce odour and pathogens in cattle manure, and increase the fertilizer value.

Incorporation of thymol into corncob granules for reduction of odor and pathogens in feedlot cattle waste.

Confined animal feeding operations can be a source of odor emissions, global warming gases, water pollution, and food contamination. Laboratory studies have indicated that plant oils with antimicrobial activity can be used to control pathogens and odor emissions from cattle and swine wastes. However, these oils are aromatic and may volatilize when applied topically. Our objectives were to evaluate the volatility of thymol from a feedlot surface and the effectiveness of topically applying thyme oil (2.5% thymol), incorporated into corncob granules and added once per week, to control odor emissions and total coliforms in feedlot manure. In the first study, thymol either volatilized or was degraded within 28 d after topical application. In a second study, thyme oil (2.5% thymol) was incorporated into corncobs and applied to pen surfaces weekly. Manure samples from 6 locations in each pen were collected from 3 untreated and 3 thymol-corncob-treated pens (15 x 150 m; fifty 400-kg cattle/pen), 3 times per week for 8 wk. Samples were analyzed for thymol concentration, total VFA, branched-chain VFA, aromatic compounds, and the number of Escherichia coli and total coliform bacteria. Over the 8 wk, with the exception of wk 7, the desired thymol concentration of 15 to 20 micromol/g DM was maintained in the manure. Concentrations of VFA and branched chain-VFA increased over time in untreated and treated pens. However, the rate of VFA accumulation in treated pens (7.5 +/- 1.3 micromol.g DM(-1).wk(-1)) was less (P < 0.01) than the rate of accumulation in untreated pens (18.0 +/- 2.1 micromol.g DM(-1).wk(-1)). Likewise, the rate of branched-chain VFA accumulation in treated pens (0.31 +/- 0.04 micromol.g DM(-1).wk(-1)) was less (P < 0.01) than in untreated pens (0.55 +/- 0.06 micromol.g DM(-1).wk(1)). The concentrations of E. coli in treated pens (2.9 +/- 1.2 x 10(5) cfu.g DM(-1)) were 91% less (P < 0.04) than in untreated pens (31.1 +/- 4.0 x 10(5) cfu.g DM(-1)). Similarly, concentrations of coliforms in treated pens (3.7 +/- 1.3 x 10(5) cfu.g DM(-1)) were 89% less (P < 0.04) than those of untreated pens (35.3 +/- 4.2 x 10(5) cfu.g DM(-1)). These results indicate that odor emissions and total coliforms can be reduced in feedlot manure with a once per week application of thymol incorporated in a granular form. However, corncobs are bulky, and other granular carriers with a greater carrying capacity for thyme oil should be explored.

Effects of common forage phenolic acids on Escherichia coli O157:H7 viability in bovine feces.

Ruminant animals are carriers of Escherichia coli O157:H7, and the transmission of E. coli O157:H7 from cattle to the environment and to humans is a concern. It is unclear if diet can influence the survivability of E. coli O157:H7 in the gastrointestinal system or in feces in the environment. Feces from cattle fed bromegrass hay or corn silage diets were inoculated with E. coli O157:H7, and the survival of this pathogen was analyzed. When animals consumed bromegrass hay for <1 month, viable E. coli O157:H7 was not recovered after 28 days postinoculation, but when animals consumed the diet for >1 month, E. coli O157:H7 cells were recovered for >120 days. Viable E. coli O157:H7 cells in feces from animals fed corn silage were detected until day 45 and differed little with the time on the diet. To determine if forage phenolic acids affected the viability of E. coli O157:H7, feces from animals fed corn silage or cracked corn were amended with common forage phenolic acids. When 0.5% trans-cinnamic acid or 0.5% para-coumaric acid was added to feces from silage-fed animals, the E. coli O157:H7 death rate was increased significantly (17-fold and 23-fold, respectively) compared to that with no addition. In feces from animals fed cracked corn, E. coli O157:H7 death rates were increased significantly with the addition of 0.1% and 0.5% trans-cinnamic acid (7- and 13-fold), 0.1% and 0.5% p-coumaric acid (3- and 8-fold), and 0.5% ferulic acid (3-fold). These data suggest that phenolic acids common to forage plants can decrease viable counts of E. coli O157:H7 shed in feces.

Eugenol stimulates lactate accumulation yet inhibits volatile fatty acid production and eliminates coliform bacteria in cattle and swine waste.

AIM: To determine how eugenol affects fermentation parameters and faecal coliforms in cattle and swine waste slurries stored anaerobically. METHODS AND RESULTS: Waste slurries (faeces:urine:water, 50:35:15) were blended with and without additives and aliquoted to triplicate 1-l flasks. Faecal coliforms were eliminated in cattle and swine waste slurries within 1 or 2 days with additions of eugenol at 10.05 mm (0.15%) and 16.75 mm (0.25%). At these concentrations volatile fatty acids (VFA) were reduced ca 70 and 50% in cattle and swine waste, respectively, over 6-8 weeks. Additionally, in cattle waste, eugenol stimulated the accumulation of lactate (>180 mm) when compared with thymol treatment (20 mm lactate). In swine waste, lactate accumulation did not occur without additives; eugenol and thymol stimulated lactate accumulation to concentrations of 22 and 32 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Eugenol added to cattle waste may be more beneficial than thymol because not only does it effectively control faecal coliforms and odour (VFA production), it also stimulates lactate accumulation. This in turn, causes the pH to drop more rapidly, further inhibiting microbial activity and nutrient emissions. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Plant essential oils have the potential to solve some of the environmental problems associated with consolidated animal feeding operations. Thymol and eugenol reduce fermentative activity, thus, have the potential to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and odour, and curtail transmission of pathogens in cattle and swine wastes.

Plant oils thymol and eugenol affect cattle and swine waste emissions differently.

Wastes generated from the production of cattle and swine in confined facilities create the potential for surface and groundwater pollution, emission of greenhouse gases, transmission of pathogens to food and water sources, and odor. It is our hypothesis that something which inhibits microbial fermentation in livestock wastes will be beneficial to solving some of the environmental problems. Our work has concentrated on the use of antimicrobial plant oils, thymol, thyme oil, carvacrol, eugenol and clove oil. Anaerobic one-litre flasks with a working volume of 0.5 L cattle or swine manure were used to evaluate the effect of thymol and eugenol on production of fermentation gas, short-chain volatile fatty acids, lactate, and bacterial populations. Either oil at 0.2% in both wastes essentially stopped all production of gas and volatile fatty acids, and eliminated all fecal coliform bacteria. In cattle but not swine waste, thymol prevented the accumulation of lactate. However, eugenol stimulated lactate formation in cattle and swine wastes. Thus, eugenol may offer a distinct advantage over thymol, because lactate accumulation in the wastes causes the pH to drop more rapidly, further inhibiting microbial activity and nutrient emissions. We conclude that plant oils may offer solutions to controlling various environmental problems associated with livestock wastes, assuming that they are cost-effective.

Metabolic and microbial responses in western crossbred and Meishan growing pigs fed a high-fiber diet.

Four Duroc x White composite crossbred (21.8 +/- 1.0 kg BW) and four 12-wk-old Meishan purebred (20.7 +/- 1.6 kg BW) growing barrows were used to determine the relative breed differences in metabolic and microbial responses to a high-fiber diet. The pigs were trained to consume 700 g of a diet containing 35% (as-fed basis) dehydrated alfalfa meal once daily. The pigs' daily intakes of DM, N, GE, NDF, and ADF were 610 g, 16.6 g, 2.64 Mcal, 150 g, and 88 g, respectively. On d 12 after surgical catheterization of the portal vein, ileal vein, and carotid artery, a 3-d total urine and feces collection was conducted. On d 24 after surgery, each pig was placed in an open-circuit calorimeter, and its catheters were connected to a system for simultaneous measurements of oxygen consumption by portal-drained viscera and by whole body, and the net portal absorption of VFA after a 24-h fasting and during a 5-h postprandial period. The VFA measured included acetic, propionic, isobutyric, butyric, isovaleric, and valeric acids. A second 3-d total urine and feces collection was conducted on d 30 after surgery. There were no differences (P = 0.13) between the first and second collections in apparent total-tract digestibility coefficients for nutrients and N retention of pigs. Compared with Duroc x White composite crossbred pigs, Meishan pigs had lower (P = 0.05) apparent digestibility coefficients for DM, N, NDF, hemicellulose, and N retention, but their portal-drained viscera used a greater (P = 0.05) fraction of whole-body oxygen consumption. No differences (P = 0.12) were found between Duroc x White composite crossbred and Meishan pigs in total viable bacteria and cellulolytic bacteria from fecal samples, in vitro digestibility of alfalfa NDF fractions by fecal inocula, whole-body oxygen consumption, net portal absorption of VFA, total energy of absorbed VFA, and the potential of absorbed VFA for meeting the energy needs for whole-body heat production. These results indicate that, in contrast to previous beliefs, the ability of Meishan growing pigs to utilize a high-fiber diet is not superior to that of Duroc x White composite crossbred growing pigs.

Swine manure composition affects the biochemical origins, composition, and accumulation of odorous compounds.

Odors from swine production facilities are associated with the storage and decomposition of manure. Diet is linked to manure composition and will likely affect odor, but the microbial mechanisms responsible for manure decomposition and odor production are poorly understood. To identify the sources of odor during manure fermentation, substrates (starch, casein, and cellulose) were added to slurries of fresh swine manure, and the anaerobic accumulation of fermentation products and the consumption of substrates were measured relative to no addition of substrates. Volatile fatty acids and alcohols were the dominant fermentation products in all treatments. The total VFA concentration from starch treatment was greater (P < 0.001) than for all other treatments. Branched-chain VFA and aromatic compounds accumulated in all treatments, but accumulation in the casein treatments was greater (P < 0.001) than in all other treatments. Thus, addition of carbohydrate to swine manure slurries did not circumvent protein fermentation, as was previously observed in cattle manure slurries. Based on substrate loss, starch and protein fermentation were equivalent in all treatments, with losses of each exceeding 4% of the DM. Substrate additions had a limited effect on the overall accumulation of odor compounds in manure and on odor compound composition. Compared with the results of the earlier fermentation study of fresh cattle manure, swine manure fermentation produced less lactate and more products of protein fermentation (branched-chain VFA and aromatic ring compounds). We hypothesize that differences in manure organic matter composition between cattle and swine, a result of diet and digestion, select for bacterial communities that are adapted to the available substrate composition.

An in vitro study of manure composition on the biochemical origins, composition, and accumulation of odorous compounds in cattle feedlots.

Very little is known about the biochemical origin of cattle feedlot odors and the environmental factors controlling their production. The tie between diet and manure composition is well established, but the effect of different manure compositions on odorous chemical production is unknown. This study describes the effect of starch, casein, and cellulose substrate additions to slurries of fresh (< 24 h) and aged cattle manure (> 1 d) on the anaerobic production of fermentation products and the consumption of substrates relative to no addition treatments. Aged cattle manure accumulated more VFA (245 to 290 mM) than the fresh manure (91 to 181 mM) irrespective of substrate additions (P < 0.001). In fresh manures, VFA concentrations were increased (P < 0.01) over no addition treatments when carbohydrate (starch or cellulose) was added, whereas starch and protein treatments to aged manure increased VFA content relative to no addition treatments (P < 0.001). Branched-chain VFA and aromatic compounds accumulated only in the aged manure (no addition and protein treatments), indicating that some protein fermentation occurred in those treatments. Based upon substrate loss, starch fermentation was the dominant process in both manures and all treatments with losses exceeding 18.6 g/L. Protein fermentation occurred only in the aged manure, specifically the no addition and protein treatments, when starch was no longer available. The production of odorous compounds from manure was controlled by substrate availability and pH, with pH related to lactate accumulation. We believe that calcareous soil and lactate-consuming microorganisms in the aged manure slurries minimized slurry acidification and resulted in greater accumulations of odorous products. Substrate additions had little effect on the overall accumulation of odor compounds in manure but had profound effects on odor compound composition. We propose that modifying cattle diets to limit starch and protein excretion would profoundly affect the production and accumulation of odor compounds in feedlots.

Plant-derived oils reduce pathogens and gaseous emissions from stored cattle waste.

Carvacrol and thymol in combination at 6.7 mM each completely inhibited the production of short-chain volatile fatty acids and lactate from cattle waste in anoxic flasks over 23 days. Fecal coliforms were reduced from 4.6 x 10(6) to 2.0 x 10(3) cells per ml 2 days after treatment and were nondetectable within 4 days. Total anaerobic bacteria were reduced from 8.4 x 10(10) to 1.5 x 10(7) cells per ml after 2 days and continued to be suppressed to that level after 14 days. If the concentration of carvacrol or thymol were doubled (13.3 mM), either could be used to obtain the same inhibitory fermentation effect. We conclude that carvacrol or thymol may be useful as an antimicrobial chemical to control pathogens and odor in stored livestock waste.

In vitro study of the biochemical origin and production limits of odorous compounds in cattle feedlots.

Livestock odors are closely correlated to airborne concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOC), which are a complex mixture of carbon-, sulfur-, and nitrogen-containing compounds produced primarily during the incomplete anaerobic fermentation of animal manure by microorganisms. Volatile fatty acids, alcohols, and aromatic ring compounds comprise a substantial fraction of VOC, yet very little is known about their biochemical origin and environmental factors controlling their production. The anaerobic production of fermentation products and consumption of substrates (CP, starch, and nonstarch carbohydrate) were analyzed in slurries of fresh (< 24 h) and aged (> 1 d) cattle manure over several weeks. Ethanol, acetate, propionate, butyrate, lactate, and H2 were the major products of fermentation. Aged cattle manure produced twice the concentration of VFA during incubation produced by the fresh manure (P < 0.001). Aromatic compounds (phenols, indoles, and benzoates) remained unchanged in both manures. Production of VFA from fresh manure was inhibited when the pH fell below 4.5. It is likely that the presence of calcareous soil, which has a high buffering capacity, and lactate-consuming microorganisms minimized acidification in the aged manure slurries. Low starch content limited VFA production in the aged manure. Starch was the likely biochemical source for fermentation products in both manures based on the strong negative correlations between fermentation product and starch content (r = -0.944 and -0.773) and ratio of fermentation products produced to starch consumed (r = 0.64 and 0.72) for fresh and aged manure, respectively. Nonstarch carbohydrate served an indeterminate role in the production of fermentation products. Nonstarch carbohydrate decreased by 4.7 and 23.4 g/L in the fresh and aged manure, respectively, whereas the starch content decreased by 18.6 and 22.4 g/L in the fresh and aged manure, respectively. The concentration of CP did not change, which suggests a balance between protein consumption and new bacterial biomass production. We conclude that the types of substrates in cattle manure and the feedlot soils where they are deposited are significant factors in the production of odors.

Effect of carvacrol and thymol on odor emissions from livestock wastes.

A majority of the beef cattle and swine in the United States is produced in confined facilities. This generates significant environmental pollutants from the waste produced, including global warming gases, odor, and pathogens. The objectives of this study were to control the fermentation activity and pathogens in cattle and swine wastes with antimicrobial plant essential oils. Anaerobic one litre flasks with a working volume of 0.5 l were used to evaluate the effect of carvacrol and thymol on production of fermentation gas, short-chain volatile fatty acids, lactate, and bacterial populations. In cattle waste, 1 g l(-1) each of carvacrol and thymol completely inhibited the production of volatile fatty acids and lactate over 23 days. In swine waste, 2.5 g l(-1) carvacrol inhibited the production of all volatile fatty acids. We conclude that these essential oils are effective in controlling livestock waste odor emissions and field studies are warranted.

Effect of antimicrobial agents on livestock waste emissions.

Various antimicrobial agents were evaluated with the purpose of reducing the microbial fermentation in stored cattle waste and the resulting odor emissions. Duplicate sealed 2-L flasks with 500 ml waste slurry, with and without antimicrobial inhibitors, were used to measure the production of short-chain volatile fatty acids, lactate, and total fermentation gas over 27-30 days. A combination of chlorhexidine diacetate (2 mM), iodoacetate (2 mM), and alpha-pinene (3.8 mM) reduced gas production 80% (1000 ml to 200 ml) and total volatile fatty acid production 50% (145 mM to 72 mM). Pinene had little antimicrobial effect; rather, it served as an effective masking agent, giving the waste a less offensive odor. A combination of chlorhexidine diacetate and the deaminase inhibitor, diphenyliodonium chloride (1.3 mM) had a similar effect in reducing short-chain volatile fatty acid production (145 mM to 80 mM). It is concluded that a combination of antimicrobial agents may be useful in controlling odor emissions and conserving organic matter in livestock wastes, therefore providing a potentially more useful byproduct waste when used as plant fertilizer.