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Feeding Crude Glycerin Decreases Fecal Shedding Of E. Coli O157:H7 In Growing Cattle, C. Aperce, James S. Drouillard

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Crude glycerin is a byproduct of ethanol production and is used as a carbohydrate source for cattle feed. Glycerin levels in previous studies have ranged from 0 to 20% of diet dry matter, and concentrations of 8% or less generally improve feedlot performance. At even low levels of glycerin, however, the activity of cellulolytic bacteria is depressed, ultimately leading to poorer fiber digestion. This observation suggests that glycerin may affect a specific population of bacteria in the gut. Crude glycerin can account for 8 to 10% of the weight of dried distillers grains with solubles, because it is one of …