Possible Link Between E. Coli and Ethanol Byproduct
Concern over global warming has pushed research to developing cleaner fuel resources, one of which includes using ethanol as a fuel additive. The ethanol industry has in turn driven up the price of corn for cattle producers to use as feed. Distillers grain, a byproduct of ethanol, can be used as cattle feed and is much cheaper compared to corn. But as recent years have seen the increase of the use of distillers grain, last year marked a record for the most beef recalls due to E. coli 0157:H7 contamination, including the largest in U.S. history, the Topps Meat recall.
The possible correlation between distillers grain and E. coli 0157:H7 has spawned a great deal of research. According to the Des Moines Register,
Researchers at Kansas State University noticed the possible E. coli connection to distillers grains in 2005. A second study found a twofold increase in E. coli levels in cattle fed the product compared with those that ate only corn. Research at the University of Nebraska showed mixed results. Cattle fed a diet comprising 10 percent to 30 percent distillers grains actually had lower rates of E. coli than cattle on a diet of all corn. But cattle fed 40 percent to 50 percent distillers grains showed higher E. coli rates.
Currently, the U.S. Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska is conducting an experiment to test a possible link between the grain and the bacteria. The center is unique in that it has the capability of conducting large scale experiments to test on cattle. According the Associated Press,
The research involves 600 cattle. Half are being fed a traditional grain feed and half are being fed distiller's grain. The research will wrap up in June after the cattle have been sold for slaughter and samples of their carcasses have been collected.
The cattle fed with distillers grains receive a diet of 40 percent distillers grains. The research will be a valuable insight into both the beef and ethanol industry. The study hopes to gain a greater understanding of E. coli 0157:H7 so that its dangerous effects can be prevented. The bacteria can cause stomach cramps and diarrhea that may turn bloody within one to three days. It can also be lethal to the elderly, children, and those with weak immune systems.