Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Drinking Water of Cattle by Sodium Caprylate

Objective

To determine the potential of sodium caprylate as an antibacterial additive to kill E. coli O157:H7 in cattle drinking water. Specifically, the antibacterial effect of sodium caprylate (75, 100, and 120 mM) on E. coli O157:H7 in water in the presence and absence of 1% bovine feces or feed at 4, 10, and 21 C will be determined.

More information

Conclusions <br/>

Sodium caprylate (125 mM) was effective in killing E. coli O157:H7 even in water containing bovine feces. The antibacterial effect of caprylate was more pronounced at higher environmental temperatures (21 and 10oC) than at 4 C. This was important since fecal excretion of E. coli O157:H7 by cattle has been reported to be higher in summer months than in winter. Our future studies will focus on the palatability of water containing sodium caprylate to cattle.
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Deliverable
<br/>
Use of sodium caprylate as an intervention agent in reducing the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in drinking water for cattle, though palatability to cattle is unknown.

Investigators

Venkitanarayanan, Kumar

Institution

University of Connecticut

Start date

2005

End date

2015

Funding Source

Fndn. for Meat and Poultry Research and Education

Project number

03-317