Corn Byproduct in Feed Could Increase E.coli Incidence

The prevalence of E.coli in manure and on hides is much higher in cattle that were fed corn byproduct. According to a study by the USDA Agricultural Research Service, cattle that were given corn-based feed that included at least 40 percent “wet distiller’s grains with solubles,” or the byproduct of corn after it has been processes for ethanol, saw an increase in E.coli. The microbe is harmless to the cattle, but if it ends up on the animal’s hide, it could possibly contaminate meat and equipment at packinghouses. Read more.