Variation in Campylobacter Multilocus Sequence Typing Subtypes from Chickens as Detected on Three Plating Media.

The objective of this study was to compare subtypes of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli detected on three selective Campylobacter plating media to determine whether each medium selected for different subtypes. Fifty ceca and 50 carcasses (representing 50 flocks) were collected from the evisceration line in a commercial broiler processing plant. Campylobacter was cultured and isolated from cecal contents and carcass rinses on Campy-Cefex, Campy Line, and RF Campylobacter jejuni/coli agars. When a positive result was obtained with all three media, one colony of the most prevalent morphology on each medium was selected for further analysis by full genome sequencing and multilocus sequence typing. Sequence types were assigned according to PubMLST. A total of 49 samples were positive for Campylobacter on all three media. Forty samples contained only C. jejuni , three had only C. coli , and both species were detected in six samples. From 71% of samples, Campylobacter isolates of the same sequence type were recovered on all three media. From 81.6% of samples, isolates were all from the same clonal complex. From significantly fewer samples (26%, P < 0.01), one medium recovered an isolate with a sequence type different from the type recovered on the other two media. When multiple sequence types were detected, six times the medium with the odd sequence type was Campy-Cefex, four times it was Campy-Line, and six times it was RF Campylobacter jejuni/coli . From one sample, three sequence types were detected. In most cases, all three plating media allowed detection of the same type of Campylobacter from complex naturally contaminated chicken samples.

Ribosomal operon intergenic sequence region (ISR) heterogeneity in Campylobacter coli and Campylobacter jejuni.

AIMS: The intergenic sequence regions (ISR) between the 16S and 23S genes of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli are markedly different for each species. However, in the genomic sequence for Camp. coli RM2228, two rRNA operons have an ISR that is characteristic of Camp. coli, and the third operon is characteristic of Camp. jejuni. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of ISR heterogeneity in these organisms. METHODS AND RESULTS: PCR primers were designed to yield a 327-base pair (bp) product for Camp. coli and 166-bp product for Camp. jejuni. A strain like Camp. coli RM2228 should yield products of both sizes. DNA from a panel of Camp. coli (n=133) and Camp. jejuni (n=134) isolates were tested. All of the isolates yielded products of the predicted size for the species. To verify the data for Camp. coli RM2228, each ribosomal operon from the isolate was individually amplified by PCR and tested with the ISR primer pair. Products of both sizes were produced as predicted. CONCLUSIONS: The cross-species heterogeneity of the ISR seen in Camp. coli RM2228 is uncommon. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The heterogeneity must have been caused by horizontal gene transfer at a frequency lower than predicted from housekeeping gene data. Thus, it can be expected that species identification based on the ISR can be confused in rare isolates.

Inter- and intra-genomic heterogeneity of the intervening sequence in the 23S ribosomal RNA gene of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli.

An intervening sequence (IVS) can be present or absent in the 23S rRNA of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. As part of a survey, we used a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to detect the presence of the IVS in 43 isolates of C. coli and 82 isolates of C. jejuni. An IVS was present in 40 (93.0%) of the C. coli and only 34 (41.5%) of the C. jejuni isolates. Twelve (27.9%) of the C. coli isolates and seven (8.5%) of the C. jejuni isolates resulted in two polymerase chain reaction products, indicating heterogeneity in the presence of the 23S rRNA IVS. Fourteen of the isolates with two products were evaluated by pulse-field gel electrophoresis; 13 different patterns were observed. The total band size of one isolate was substantially greater than the expected 1.7 Mb, possibly indicating a mixed culture. Southern blot analyses demonstrated the expected three rRNA operons in all tested isolates. Nested PCR reactions with operon-specific primers followed by primers for the IVS confirmed that the strains of interest contained either one or two operons carrying the IVS and the remaining operon(s) did not. Sequence analysis of the IVS and flanking regions of the 23S rRNA genes did not discriminate C. jejuni and C. coli as distinct populations. These results indicate horizontal transfer of 23S rRNA genes or portions of the genes between C. jejuni and C. coli. Also, data showing sequence polymorphisms between the three 23S rRNA loci outside of the IVS region suggest that the isolates with intra-genomic heterogeneity appear to be members of clones that have an ancient defect in gene conversion mechanisms needed for concerted evolution of the ribosomal operons.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter in US dairy cattle.

AIMS: To obtain an overview of the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter in faeces of US dairy cows in 2002. METHODS AND RESULTS: Faeces from 1435 cows, representing 96 dairy operations in 21 US states, were collected for the culture of Campylobacter. A total of 735 Campylobacter strains were isolated (51.2% positive samples) with 94 operations positive (97.9%) for Campylobacter. From this collection, 532 isolates (473 Campylobacter jejuni and 59 Campylobacter coli) were randomly selected for susceptibility testing to eight antimicrobials: azithromycin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, erythromycin, gentamicin, nalidixic acid and tetracycline. The C. jejuni isolates exhibited resistance to tetracycline (47.4%), nalidixic acid (4.0%) and ciprofloxacin (2.5%), while the C. coli strains exhibited some resistance to all antimicrobials except chloramphenicol and ciprofloxacin. Only 3.6% of the C. jejuni isolates were resistant to two or more antimicrobials but 20.3% of the C. coli strains were multiresistant. CONCLUSIONS: On most operations, at least one cow was positive for Campylobacter and more than half of the cows sampled were shedding Campylobacter. The C. coli isolates had significantly higher levels of resistance to macrolides and to tetracycline compared with the C. jejuni strains, but were susceptible to ciprofloxacin. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study demonstrated a high prevalence of Campylobacter on US dairy operations; however, US dairy cattle have not been recognized as a major source of human infection compared with poultry. Campylobacter coli appears to develop antimicrobial resistance more readily than C. jejuni from the same environment.

Subtherapeutic tylosin phosphate in broiler feed affects Campylobacter on carcasses during processing.

Tylosin phosphate is an antimicrobial drug approved for use in broiler feed at subtherapeutic levels for growth promotion. Erythromycin is often the drug of choice for treating humans with campylobacteriosis. Both tylosin and erythromycin are classified as macrolide drugs and cross-resistance between these antimicrobials occurs. Commercial broiler chicks were placed in isolation grow-out chambers and colonized with Campylobacter jejuni. From 14 d of age through grow-out, broilers were fed ad libitim a diet that included 22 ppm of tylosin phosphate (20 g/ton). Control broilers received the same diet without tylosin phosphate. At 42 d of age, broilers were processed in a pilot plant with equipment that closely modeled commercial conditions. Carcass rinses were collected after feather removal, after inside and outside washing, and after immersion chilling. Campylobacter numbers recovered from carcasses after feather removal did not differ according to feed type (3.53 log cfu/mL of rinse for control carcasses, and 3.60 log cfu/mL of rinse for those fed medicated feed). Likewise, medicated feed did not affect Campylobacter numbers on carcasses after inside-outside washing (3.11 and 3.07 log cfu/mL of rinse). However, carcasses of broilers fed tylosin phosphate had lower numbers of Campylobacter after chilling (1.45 log cfu/mL of rinse) than control carcasses (2.31 log cfu/mL of rinse). No Campylobacter isolated from control carcasses were resistant to erythromycin; all Campylobacter recovered from carcasses fed tylosin phosphate were resistant to erythromycin. Application of tylosin phosphate in feed results in lower numbers of Campylobacter on chilled carcasses; however, the Campylobacter that do remain are resistant to erythromycin.

Antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella and Escherichia coli isolated from commercial shell eggs.

The development of antimicrobial resistance in bacteria has become a global problem. Isolates of Salmonella and Escherichia coli recovered from shell egg samples, collected at 3 commercial plants, were analyzed for resistance to 16 antimicrobial agents (n=990). Eggs were sampled by rinsing in a saline solution. Pooled samples were preenriched in buffered peptone water and then selectively isolated using standard broths and agars. Salmonella-positive isolates were serogrouped immunologically before being serotyped. Enterobacteriaceae were enumerated from individual samples using violet red bile glucose agar plates. Escherichia coli were identified biochemically from presumptive Enterobacteriaceae isolates. Salmonella and generic E. coli antimicrobial-susceptibility testing was conducted using a semiautomated broth microdilution system. More resistance was observed in the Salmonella isolates (n=41) than in the E. coli isolates (n=194). Salmonella Typhimurium was the most prevalent (69.0%) serotype and demonstrated the greatest multiple resistance. Salmonella Kentucky, the least prevalent (5.0%) serotype recovered, was the most susceptible. Although 34.1% of the Salmonella serotypes were susceptible to all antimicrobial agents, 60.1% were resistant to 11 or more compounds. Many Salmonella isolates exhibited resistance to tetracycline (63.4%), nalidixic acid (63.4%), and streptomycin (61.0%). Most E. coli isolates (73.2%) were susceptible to all antimicrobial drugs. Many E. coli isolates exhibited resistance to tetracycline (29.9%), streptomycin (6.2%), and gentamicin (3.1%). Only 1% of the E. coli isolates were resistant to 4 antimicrobial agents. These data indicate that shell eggs can harbor resistant foodborne and commensal bacteria; among Salmonella isolates, resistance was serotype-dependent.

Herd-level risk factors for Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica in U.S. market pigs.

Midwest U.S. herds (n=63) were studied to identify risk factors for harboring Salmonella enterica among slaughter-weight pigs. Samples collected on farms (feces) and at slaughter (distal colonic content, cecal content and ileocolic lymph nodes) were cultured using conventional means. Approximately 15 pigs were studied per herd, for a total of 3754 samples. The proportion of pigs positive in one or more samples was calculated for each herd. Herd characteristics were described by a combination of interview and written survey. Logistic regression was used to detect relationships between the detection of Salmonella and potential herd-level risk factors. The mean individual pig prevalence was 5% for feces, 4% for distal colonic content, 15% for ileocolic lymph nodes, and 17% for cecal contents. One or more Salmonella isolates were detected in at least one sample type in every herd. The five most common serovars were S. Agona, S. Derby, S. Schwarzengrund, S. Typhimurium and S. Senftenberg, with 25 additional serovars detected. Salmonella prevalence estimates were positively correlated among all samples except distal colonic content and ileocolic lymph nodes. Pigs with culture positive fecal samples were at increased odds of being detected positive for each of the slaughter-collected samples examined, namely distal colonic content (OR=30.5), ileocolic lymph nodes (OR=12.9) and cecal content (OR=23.2). Herds with positive fecal sample(s) had increased odds of having positive cecal content (OR>1.5), distal colonic content (OR=15.3) and ileocolic lymph nodes (OR=12.7). Pigs from herds with at least some bowl drinkers had eight-fold higher odds of testing Salmonella positive than did pigs from herds with only nipple drinkers. Pigs from herds with only dry feeders had five-fold higher odds of testing Salmonella positive when compared with pigs from herds with combinations of wet/dry style feeders. Interventions at these two points should be considered when designing growing pig facilities to reduce Salmonella shedding.

Antimicrobial resistance patterns of Campylobacter from feedlot cattle*.

AIMS: This study examined 448 Campylobacter strains isolated in 1999 and 2000 from US feedlot cattle for resistance to 12 antimicrobials. METHODS AND RESULTS: Isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using the E-test method. Approximately 60% (n = 267) were resistant to one or more antimicrobials, and 19.6% (n = 88) were resistant to two or more antimicrobials. Of the Campylobacter jejuni isolates, 49.1% (n = 187) were resistant to tetracycline, 10.2% (n = 39) were resistant to nalidixic acid, 8.4% were resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and 1.8% (n = 7) were resistant to ciprofloxacin. Resistance to any of the other eight antimicrobials was 1.3% or less, but 14.4% (n = 55) were resistant to two or more antimicrobials. In the Campylobacter coli group, 65.7% (n = 44) were resistant to tetracycline, 52.2% (n = 35) were resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, 22.4% (n = 15) were resistant to nalidixic acid, and 9.0% (n = 6) were resistant to ciprofloxacin. Resistance to any of the remaining eight antimicrobials was 3.0% or less, although 49.3% (n = 33) were resistant to two or more antimicrobials. CONCLUSIONS: Although antimicrobials are widely used in US feedlot cattle production, our results demonstrate generally low levels of resistance to a broad range of commonly used antimicrobials relative to other recent studies. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Resistance data on Campylobacter isolated from this major US livestock commodity is lacking. This overview enhances current knowledge and provides a basis for further studies.

Salmonella in dairy operations in the United States: prevalence and antimicrobial drug susceptibility.

Salmonella serotypes are important foodborne pathogens of humans that can be acquired through consumption of contaminated meat and dairy products. Salmonella infection also can be a significant animal health issue. As part of a national study of U.S. dairy operations conducted between March and September 2002, fecal samples were collected from representative cows in 97 dairy herds in 21 states and were cultured to determine the prevalence of Salmonella shedding. Salmonella was recovered from the feces of at least one cow in 30.9% of the herds. Overall, 7.3% of fecal samples were culture positive for Salmonella. The three most frequently recovered serotypes were Salmonella Meleagridis (24.1%), Salmonella Montevideo (11.9%), and Salmonella Typhimurium (9.9%). The susceptibilities of Salmonella isolates recovered were determined using a panel of 16 antimicrobial drugs. Salmonella isolates recovered from dairy cows had relatively little resistance to these antimicrobial agents; 83.0% of the isolates were susceptible to all antimicrobials tested. This study provides updated information on the prevalence and susceptibility patterns of Salmonella in dairy herds and on cow and herd characteristics. These data contribute to our understanding of the ecology of Salmonella in the dairy farm environment.

High-level aminoglycoside resistant enterococci isolated from swine.

Approximately 42% (187/444) of swine enterococci collected between the years 1999 and 2000 exhibited high-level resistance to gentamicin (MIC > or =500 microg/ml), kanamycin (MIC > or =500 microg/ml), or streptomycin (MIC > or =1000 microg/ml). Eight aminoglycoside resistance genes were detected using PCR, most frequently ant(6)-Ia and aac(6')-Ii from Enterococcus faecium. Twenty-four per cent (45/187) of total high-level aminoglycoside-resistant isolates and 26% (4/15) of isolates resistant to high levels of all three antimicrobials were negative for all genes tested. These data suggest that enterococci isolated from swine contain diverse and possibly unidentified aminoglycoside resistance genes.

Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella spp. isolates from US cattle in feedlots in 1999 and 2000.

AIMS: Faecal samples from cattle in US feedlots were evaluated for the presence of Salmonella. When Salmonella isolates were recovered the antimicrobial resistance patterns were determined. METHODS AND RESULTS: Faecal samples were collected from pen floors in 73 feedlots in 12 states during the period from October 1999 to September 2000. Pens of cattle selected for sampling were those that had been in the feedlot for the shortest period of time, the longest period of time and a randomly selected pen from the remaining pens. Faecal samples were cultured for Salmonella spp. and all Salmonella isolates were categorized by serotype. The susceptibilities of all isolates were determined using a panel of 17 antimicrobials. Overall, 6.3% (654/10,417) of the samples cultured positive for Salmonella spp. and 22.2% (94/422) of pens and 50.7% (37/73) of feedlots had one or more positive samples. There was little difference in the proportion of positive samples from short-fed (6.1%, 212/3482), random (6.4%, 217/3400) and long-fed (6.4%, 224/3485) pens of cattle. One of two pens of cattle that could not be attributed to a pen type had a single positive sample (2.0%, 1/50). Samples collected during the period of April to June (6.8%, 209/3054) and July to September (11.4%, 286/2500) were more likely to be positive than those collected during October to December (4.0%, 73/1838) and January to March (2.8%, 86/3025). The most common serotypes of Salmonella were dissimilar from those that are typically seen in human illness and cattle illness. The majority of isolates (62.8%, 441/702) were sensitive to all of the antimicrobials tested. Resistance was most frequently observed to tetracycline (35.9%, 252/702) followed by streptomycin (11.1%, 78/702), ampicillin (10.4%, 73/702) and chloramphenicol (10.4%, 73/702). Multiple resistance (resistance to > or =2 antimicrobials) was observed for 11.7% (82/702) of the isolates. CONCLUSIONS: Salmonella was isolated at low frequency from faeces of feedlot cattle and the serotypes were not those commonly associated with human illness. In addition most of the Salmonella isolates were sensitive to all the antimicrobials tested. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study contributes to understanding the ecology of Salmonella in cattle feedlots and the prevalence of resistance among potential food-borne pathogens.

Colonization of broiler chicks by Salmonella typhimurium definitive phage type 104.

The prevalence of an antibiotic-resistant strain of Salmonella Typhimurium definitive phage type 104 (DT104) has increased dramatically in recent years resulting in increased morbidity and mortality in both animals and humans. Colonization and shedding of Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 was studied in broiler chickens in two trials. In trial 1, 180 day-of-hatch chicks (n = 60 per group, n = 30 per replicate) were challenged with 10(6) CFU DT104 (wild-type isolate from poultry) or were commingled with a seeder chick challenged with 10(6) CFU DT104. In trial 2, 360 day-of-hatch chicks (n = 120 per treatment, n = 30 per rep) were divided into three groups. Chicks in the susceptible group were commingled with two seeder chicks that were orally challenged with 10(7) CFU/bird of a pan-sensitive strain of Salmonella Typhimurium DT104. Chicks in the resistant group were commingled with two seeder chicks that were orally challenged with 10(7) CFU/bird DT104 used in trial 1. For both trials, a control group was not exposed to DT104, composite fecal samples were evaluated twice weekly for levels of Salmonella shedding and 20 chicks per group were necropsied weekly and their cecal contents were cultured. At hatch all groups were colonized with naturally occurring Salmonella Senftenberg and Salmonella Mbandaka (trial 1) or Salmonella Senftenberg and Salmonella Ohio (trial 2) prior to exposure to DT104. Throughout the study, the level of Salmonella spp. shedding in feces (trial 1 means 3.1, 2.9, and 3.0 log10 CFU per g feces for challenged, seeder, and control groups, respectively) or ceca (trial 2 means 2.9. 2.9. and 2.5 log10 CFU per g ceca for resistant, susceptible, and control groups, respectively) did not differ among groups. In trial 1, colonization of DT104 remained constant at higher levels in the challenged group (mean 87%, P < 0.01), increased over time in the seeder group (10 to 50%, P < 0.02) and was not recovered from the control chicks. Salmonella Mbandaka colonization remained steady within each group with challenge and seeder groups maintaining higher levels of colonization than the control group. Salmonella Senftenberg colonization levels tended to decline (P = .058) over time in the challenged group (20 to 0%) and significantly decreased (P < 0.01) over time for both the seeder (80 to 0%) and control chicks (85 to 10%). In trial 2, the percentage of chicks colonized with susceptible DT104 declined (r = 0.90, P < 0.05) over the course of the trial from 45 to 0%, while recovery of the resistant DT104 persisted at a mean percentage of 27%. DT104 was not recovered from the control chicks. Salmonella Ohio colonization levels tended to decline (r = 0.79, P > 0.05) over time in the control group (75 to 20%) and significantly decreased (P < 0.05) over time in both susceptible and resistant groups (40 to 10%, r = 0.82 and 55 to 5%, r = 0.85, respectively). Salmonella Senftenberg was recovered from the control group at low frequency throughout the trial and was not recovered from the other groups. For either trial, no apparent affect on morbidity or mortality was observed. Introduction of DT104 by commingling may induce colonization resulting in persistent high levels of shedding in flocks simultaneously with other Salmonella species.

Presence and level of Campylobacter, coliforms, Escherichia coli, and total aerobic bacteria recovered from broiler parts with and without skin.

This study was undertaken to determine if broiler chicken parts without skin are less contaminated with Campylobacter than those with skin. Samples were taken in a commercial plant from defeathered carcasses before evisceration. Bacterial counts from rinse of aseptically removed meat samples were lower than those from stomached skin samples. No Campylobacter were recovered from meat collected from the breasts or thighs, and only 2 of 10 drumstick meat samples had detectable levels of Campylobacter. However, 9 of 10 breast skin, 10 of 10 thigh skin, and 8 of 10 drumstick skin samples were positive for Campylobacter, with between 2 and 3 log10 CFU/g of Campylobacter. Breasts, thighs, and drumsticks were removed from broiler carcasses following evisceration before entering the chill tank. There was a significant difference (50 to 90%) in the levels of Campylobacter on breasts, thighs, and drumsticks with and without skin. Similar trends were noted for coliform, Escherichia coli, and total aerobic bacterial counts from samples collected in the plant. Broiler part samples were also collected at retail outlets. These samples were either skin on and skinned in the laboratory or skin off at purchase. Aseptic removal of skin from broiler breasts, thighs, and drumsticks did not cause change in Campylobacter, coliform, E. coli, or total aerobic counts recovered from the skinned part. Likewise, parts purchased without skin did not have different bacterial counts than paired parts purchased with the skin on. Consumers should not expect to significantly lower the number of bacteria present on a chicken breast, thigh, or drumstick by removing the skin.

Comparison of methods for isolating Salmonella bacteria from faeces of naturally infected pigs.

A series of experiments was conducted using faecal samples collected from commercial swine farms to evaluate the effects of variation in methods used for the detection of Salmonella bacteria. The primary objective of the studies was to compare the protocols routinely used in two laboratories in the USA. The studies included five experiments comparing the enrichment protocols used routinely in the respective laboratories (Method 1: 10 g faeces--buffered peptone water (BPW) pre-enrichment--selective enrichment in Rappaport/Vassiliadis (RV) broth; Method 2: approximately 1g faeces--primary enrichments in tetrathionate and Hajna GN broths--secondary enrichment in RV broth). The effects of enrichment temperatures (37 vs 42 degrees C) using RV broth (two experiments) and delayed secondary enrichment (four experiments) were also evaluated. Direct comparison of Method 1 and Method 2 indicated comparable results. However, when compared using faecal samples of equal weight, the Method 2 enrichment protocol was more sensitive for detecting Salmonella bacteria than the Method 1 protocol. Enrichment in RV at 42 degrees C was superior to 37 degrees C, particularly for samples that were pre-enriched in BPW. Delayed secondary enrichment increased detection of Salmonella bacteria in swine faeces. These results highlight the imperfect sensitivity of culture methods, and the need for researchers to consider the sensitivity of bacteriological methods in the design and interpretation of the results of epidemiologic studies based on faecal culture.

Survey of Salmonella serotypes shed in feces of beef cows and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.

Salmonella prevalence on cow-calf operations was studied as a part of a national study of health and management of the U.S. beef cow-calf industry and was conducted as part of the National Animal Health Monitoring System. Within this study, the prevalence of Salmonella spp. shed in feces was determined. A total of 5,049 fecal samples were collected from 187 beef cow-calf operations each visited on a single occasion. The number of fecal samples collected per operation was predetermined based on herd size. Salmonellae were recovered from 1 or more fecal samples collected on 11.2% (21 of 187) of the operations. Overall 78 salmonellae representing 22 serotypes were recovered from 1.4% (70 of 5,049) of samples. Multiple serotypes were recovered from eight samples from a single operation. The five most common serotypes were Salmonella Oranienburg (21.8% of isolates), and Salmonella Cerro (21.8%), followed by Salmonella Anatum (10.3%), Salmonella Bredeney (9.0%), and Salmonella Mbandaka (5.1%). The most common serogroups identified were C1 (33.3%), K (21.8%), B (16.7%), and E (15.4%). Even though the recovery rate of salmonellae from fecal samples was very low, 43.6% (34 of 78) and 38.5% (30 of 78) of the isolates were among the 10 most common serotypes from cattle with clinical signs of disease or isolated from humans, respectively. The majority of the isolates (50 of 78; 64.1%) were recovered from fecal samples from two operations. All isolates were screened for resistance to a panel of 17 antimicrobics, and 87.2% (68 of 78) were susceptible to all of the antimicrobics. The resistant isolates were most commonly resistant to streptomycin (n = 9) and/or sulfamethoxazole (n = 9). Nine isolates showed multiple (> or =2 antimicrobics) resistance most commonly to streptomycin and sulfamethoxazole (n = 6).

Mucosal competitive exclusion to reduce Salmonella in swine.

A mucosal competitive exclusion culture has been shown to reduce or eliminate Salmonella spp. in poultry. Using similar techniques, a mucosal competitive exclusion culture from swine (MCES) was produced from the cecum of a 6-week-old pig. Suckling pigs were inoculated with 5 ml of MCES by oral gavage within 6 h postfarrowing (PF) and again at 24 h PE All pigs were challenged with 10(3) CFU of Salmonella Choleraesuis at 48 h PF by intranasal instillation, including pigs from two sows that had not been given MCES. Clinical signs and rectal swabs were monitored daily, and pigs were allowed to suckle throughout the experiment. All pigs underwent necropsy on day 7 PF, and presence of Salmonella was determined in both qualitative (10 tissues) and quantitative (two tissues) samples. Clinical signs were inapparent in all pigs throughout the experiment. Recovery of Salmonella from rectal swabs was variable. However, 28% of the gut tissues were positive from the MCES-treated pigs versus 79% from the control pigs. A 2- to 5-log10 reduction of Salmonella in the cecal contents or ileocolic junction was observed in the MCES-treated pigs when compared with the controls. These data indicate that use of MCES may be a useful approach for control of Salmonella.

Effect of corn hybrid and grain processing method on rate of starch disappearance and performance of finishing cattle.

Two trials evaluated the effects of different corn hybrids on in vitro rate of starch disappearance and finishing cattle performance. Hybrids were selected, based on in vitro rate of starch disappearance (A = fastest, B = intermediate, C = slowest). In Trial 1, hybrids A and B were fed as dry-rolled and early-harvested, high-moisture (28%) corn and hybrid C was fed as dry-rolled corn. Cattle fed dry-rolled hybrid A gained faster (P < .10) and more efficiently (P < .10) than cattle fed dry-rolled hybrids B and C. No differences were observed in DMI, quality grade, or fat thickness among hybrids fed dry-rolled. Dry matter intake was lower (P < .10) and feed efficiency was improved (P < .10) for cattle fed corn hybrids A and B as high-moisture corn compared with those same hybrids fed dry-rolled. In Trial 2, hybrids A, B, and C were fed as dry-rolled and early-harvested, high-moisture (29, 28, and 29% moisture, respectively) corn. Performance and carcass measurements were not affected by hybrid fed. Cattle fed high-moisture corn gained faster (P < .10), consumed less DM (P < .01), and were more efficient (P < .01) than cattle fed the same hybrids dry-rolled. Across trials, hybrids, and processing methods, in vitro rate of starch disappearance was correlated with feed efficiency (r2 = .58, P < .001).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

High-lysine corn as a source of protein and energy for finishing calves.

Three trials evaluated the protein and energy value of high-lysine corn for finishing calves. In Trial 1, 60 finishing steer calves were used to evaluate corn source (high-lysine vs control) and protein source (urea, blood meal [BM], corn gluten meal [CGM]) and level (BM and CGM addition; low, medium, high). Calves were individually fed using Calan gates for 102 d, and then were pen-fed (two pens per corn treatment) the remaining 83 d. During the initial 102 d, calves fed high-lysine corn had similar gains but were 6% more efficient (P < .10) compared with calves fed control corn. Performance did not differ (P > .10) among sources or levels of protein supplementation. Over the entire feeding period (185 d), calves fed high-lysine corn were 10% more efficient (P < .10) than calves fed control corn. In the second study, in situ starch disappearance was faster (P < .10) and the proportion of CP degraded by 12 h was 27% greater (P < .10) for high-lysine corn than for control corn. In a metabolism trial, five steers fitted with ruminal, duodenal, and ileal cannulas were used in a randomized block design to evaluate the effect of corn source on site and extent of digestion. Intake and ruminal and total tract digestibility of OM and N did not differ (P > .10) between corn sources. Steers fed high-lysine corn tended to have greater ruminal (P = .23) and postruminal (P = .18) starch digestion, resulting in greater (P < .10) total tract starch digestibility.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)