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I've read that feeding corn to cattle produces an acidic environment in their digestive systems, leading to the growth of E. coli O157:H7 and that these cattle are the only known source of this bacteria. Is this true, and, if so, should we be re-evaluating a more natural, grass diet for cattle?

Related resource areas: Animal Manure Management


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Author: Sheridan Kidd Haack, Research Hydrologist/Microbiologist, U.S. Geological Survey

There has been at least one thorough research review which showed no conclusive evidence that E. coli O157:H7 developed as a result of feeding grain to cattle. Further, E. coli O157:H7 has been found not only in cattle but also in a wide variety of other animals such as seagulls, deer, and others (it is unknown if the strains of E. coli O157:H7 from wildlife are capable of causing human illness as the strains from cattle are).

Additional reading:
D. Hancock and T. Besser. 2006. E. coli O157:H7 in hay- or grain-fed cattle. College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University. http://www.puyallup.wsu.edu/dairy/joeharrison/publications.asp

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