Large or Food Animal and Equine Medicine Commons^™

Nutrient Digestibility And Ruminal Ph Of Finishing Diets Containing Dry Milling Byproducts With And Without Oil Extraction, Melissa L. Jolly-Breithaupt, Adam L. Shreck, Jana L. Harding Harding, James C. Macdonald, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A metabolism trial was conducted to determine the effects of corn oil removal in condensed distillers solubles (CDS) and modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS) on nutrient digestibility and ruminal pH. Oil removal had no impact on DM, OM, or NDF digestibility in steers fed CDS or MDGS. However, steers fed de-oiled CDS had a lower fat digestibility than steers fed normal CDS. Average ruminal pH was lower for steers fed de-oiled MDGS than for steers fed normal MDGS, however no difference within CDS was observed.

Using Enspira To Improve Fiber Digestion, Jana L. Harding, Adam L. Shreck, Melissa L. Jolly-Breithaupt Breithaupt, Galen E. Erickson, James C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A metabolism study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementing a fibrolytic enzyme (Enspira™) on total tract digestion of a finishing diet. In situ NDF digestibilities of the corn bran, HMC, corn residue, and corn silage were not different between the treatments. Rate of digestion of the corn residue and corn silage was lower for the enzyme treatment compared to the control. Averageruminal pH was not significantly different between the two treatments. Correspondingly, there was no difference in VFA profile. There were no differences in DM, OM, NDF, ADF, or hemicellulose digestibilities between the control and enzyme treatment.

Feeding Value Of De-Oiled Wet Distillers Grains Plus Solubles Relative To Normal When Fed With Either Dry-Rolled Corn Or Steam-Flaked Corn In Beef Finishing Diets, Meredith L. Bremer, Marie E. Harris, Jake A. Hansen Hansen, Karla H. Jenkins, Matt K. Luebbe, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A 128-day finishing study utilized 328 yearling steers to determine the effects of feeding de-oiled wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) in dry rolled corn (DRC) or steam-flaked corn (SFC) diets relative to normal fat WDGS. No significant interactions were observed, but cattle fed DRC had greater DMI and were less efficient than those consuming SFC. Linear improvements in ADG and F:G were observed as concentration of de-oiled WDGS increased from 0 to 35%. Numerically cattle fed normal WDGS were more efficient than cattle fed de-oiled WDGS.

Response To Increasing Concentrations Of De-Oiled Modified Distillers Grains Plus Solubles In Beef Feedlot Diets, Meredith L. Bremer, Curtis J. Bittner, Dirk B. Burken Burken, Galen E. Erickson, James C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A 154-day finishing study, utilizing 378 calf-fed steers, was conducted to evaluate the response to feeding increasing concentrations of de-oiled modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS) on cattle performance and carcass characteristics. Two additional diets were fed to compare de-oiled MDGS to normal MDGS at either 15 or 30% inclusion. Increasing concentration of de-oiled MDGS in the diet resulted in a linear improvement in F:G. When comparing 30% de-oiled to normal MDGS, there was a tendency for 3.4% improvement in F:G for cattle fed normal MDGS diets over those fed de-oiled MDGS.

Determining The Minimum Infectious Dose Of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (Pedv) In A Feed Matrix, L. L. Schumacher, J. C. Woodworth, C. R. Stark, C. K. Jones, R. A. Hesse, Rodger G. Main, Jianqiang Zhang, Phillip Charles Gauger, S. S. Dritz, M. D. Tokach

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Understanding the magnitude of transmissible risk Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV)-infected feed imposes and establishing the minimum infectious dose of PEDV in a feed matrix are important components in strengthening virus prevention and control methods. In this study, an experiment was performed involving 30 crossbred, 10-d-old pigs that were used as a bioassay model for the minimum infectious dose of PEDV in feed. The PEDV was first diluted using tissue culture media to form 8 serial 10-fold dilutions. An aliquot of the original stock virus at 5.6 x 10⁵tissue culture infectious dose/ml (TCID₅₀/ml), each serial PEDV …

Effect Of Diet Type And Added Copper On Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Energy Digestibility, Gut Morphology, And Mucosal Mrna Expression Of Finishing Pigs, K. F. Coble, D. D. Burnett, R. D. Goodband, J. M. Gonzales, J. Usry, M. D. Tokach, J. R. Pluske, J. M. Derouchey, J. C. Woodworth, S. S. Dritz, J. R. Flohr, M. A. Vaughn

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 757 pigs (PIC 337 × 1050, initially 60.8 lb) were used to determine the effects of added Cu (TBCC, tribasic copper chloride, IntelliBond C; Micronutrients, Inc., Indianapolis, IN) and diet type on growth performance, carcass characteristics, energy digestibility, gut morphology, and mucosal mRNA expression of finishing pigs. Pens of pigs were allotted to 1 of 4 dietary treatments, balanced on average pen weight in a randomized complete-block design with 26 to 28 pigs per pen and 7 replications per treatment. Treatments were arranged as a 2 × 2 factorial with main effects of diet type, a corn-soybean …

Vitamin And Trace Minerals: A Survey Of Current Feeding Regimens, J. R. Flohr, M. D. Tokach, J. C. Woodworth, J. M. Derouchey, S. S. Dritz, R. D. Goodband

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Swine producers and nutritionists representing production systems across the United States were surveyed about added vitamin and trace mineral concentrations in swine diets used from March to August of 2014. Respondents were asked to provide the vitamin and trace mineral premix specifications and inclusion rates to calculate complete diet added vitamin and trace mineral concentrations. Weight ranges associated with feeding phases also were collected. In total, 18 production systems representing approximately 2.3 million sows (~40% of the U.S. sow herd) participated in the survey. Data were compiled into relatively consistent weight ranges across all participating producers. There were three nursery …

Effect Of Thermal Mitigation On Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (Pedv)- Contaminated Feed, R. A. Cochrane, L. L. Schumacher, S. S. Dritz, J. C. Woodworth, A. R. Huss, C. R. Stark, J. M. Derouchey, M. D. Tokach, R. D. Goodband, J. Bai, Qi Chen, Jianqiang Zhang, Phillip Charles Gauger, Rodger G. Main, C. K. Jones

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) is primarily transmitted by fecal-oral contamination. However, epidemiological evidence has shown that swine feed and ingredients may serve as potential vectors of transmission. Since it is known that PEDV is a heat-sensitive virus, we hypothesized that a conditioner and pellet mill mimicking commercial thermal processing would mitigate PEDV infectivity. To test this hypothesis, two experiments were designed to determine if different pellet mill conditioner retention times or temperatures would impact PEDV infectivity determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis and bioassay. For the first study, a 3×3×2 factorial was utilized, with three pelleting temperatures (155, …

Evaluating The Effects Of Maternal Vitamin D Supplementation On The Subsequent Growth Performance And Carcass Characteristics Of A Subsample Population Of Growing Pigs, J. R. Flohr, J. C. Woodworth, M. D. Tokach, S. S. Dritz, R. D. Goodband, J. M. Derouchey, J. R. Bergstrom

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A subsample of 448 growing pigs (PIC 327 × 1050), or approximately 50% of pigs weaned from sows fed varying dietary vitamin D regimens, were used in a split-plot design to determine the influence of maternal and nursery vitamin D regimens on growth performance. Sows were previously administered diets containing vitamin D as either: 1) low vitamin D₃(363 IU/lb); 2) medium vitamin D₃(907 IU/lb); 3) high vitamin D₃(4,354 IU/lb); or 4) 23μg 25(OH)D₃/lb (Hy-D, DSM Nutritional Products Inc, Parsippany, NJ) as described by Flohr et al. (20153) throughout gestation and …

Utilizing Feed Sequencing To Decrease The Risk Of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (Pedv) Cross-Contamination During Feed Manufacturing, L. L. Schumacher, R. A. Cochrane, J. C. Woodworth, C. R. Stark, C. K. Jones, Rodger G. Main, Jianqiang Zhang, Phillip Charles Gauger, S. S. Dritz, M. D. Tokach

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Understanding key points of potential cross-contamination during the feed manufacturing process is important to developing efficacious methods to control or prevent transmission of pathogens into swine diets. In this study, an experiment was conducted involving 30 crossbred 10-d-old pigs that were used as a bioassay model for Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) to determine the effects of feed batch sequencing on PEDV cross-contamination and subsequent infectivity. PEDV with a PCR cycle threshold value (Ct) of 11 was uniformly mixed into 4.5 kg of swine diet using a stainless steel bench top mixer validated for mixing efficiency. The inoculated feed was …

Evaluating The Effect Of Manufacturing Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (Pedv)-Contaminated Feed On Subsequent Feed Mill Environmental Surface Contamination, L. L. Schumacher, R. A. Cochrane, C. E. Evans, J. R. Kalivoda, J. C. Woodworth, C. R. Stark, C. K. Jones, Rodger G. Main, Jianqiang Zhang, S. S. Dritz, Phillip Charles Gauger

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

This study aimed to utilize the only known pilot feed mill facility approved for pathogenic feed agent use in the United States to evaluate the effect of manufacturing Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV)-contaminated feed on subsequent feed mill environmental surface contamination. In this study, PEDV inoculated feed was manufactured and conveyed on equipment along with four subsequent batches of PEDV-free feed. Equipment and environmental surfaces were sampled using swabs and analyzed for the presence of PEDV RNA by PCR. The experiment was replicated three times with decontamination of the feed mill and all equipment between replications. Overall, environmental swabs indicated …

Evaluating Pellet And Meal Feeding Regimens On Finishing Pig Performance, Stomach Morphology, Carcass Characteristics, And Economics, J. A. De Jong, J. M. Derouchey, M. D. Tokach, S. S. Dritz, R. D. Goodband, M. Allerson

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 2,100 pigs (PIC 327 × 1050, initially 68.8 lb) were used in a 118-d trial to determine the effects of pellet feeding regimens on finishing pig growth performance, stomach morphology, and carcass characteristics. Pens of pigs were balanced by initial BW and randomly allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments (14 pens/treatment with 25 pigs/pen). Pens were sorted by gender allowing for 7 barrow and 7 gilt pens/treatment. The same corn-soybean meal–based diets containing 15% dried distillers grains with solubles were used for all treatments and fed in 5 phases. The 6 treatments included a meal or …

Determining The Impact Of By-O-Reg+ In Diets With Or Without A Feed Grade Antibiotic On Growth Performance Of Nursery Pigs, L. L. Thomas, J. C. Woodworth, R. D. Goodband, J. M. Derouchey, M. D. Tokach, S. S. Dritz

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

A total of 717 nursery pigs (PIC C-29 × 28 and PIC L3-1050 × 1040, initially 12.48 ± 0.10 lb) from two consecutive nursery groups were used in a 35-d growth study. The objective was to determine the impact of increasing levels of By-O-Reg+ in diets with or without 50 g/ton Carbadox. By-O-Reg+ is a unique mixture of essential oils primarily based on oregano. It utilizes encapsulation technology to stabilize the essential oils and is suggested to have antimicrobial-like properties. The present study evaluated growth performance of nursery pigs fed 1 of 6 dietary treatments that were arranged as a …

Effects Of Potential Detoxifying Agents On Growth Performance And Deoxynivalenol (Don) Urinary Balance Characteristics Of Nursery Pigs Fed Don-Contaminated Wheat, H. L. Frobose, E. W. Stephenson, M. D. Tokach, J. M. Derouchey, S. S. Dritz, R. D. Goodband, J. C. Woodworth, R. E. Musser

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of detoxifying agents on the growth performance of nursery pigs fed diets contaminated with deoxynivalenol (DON). Naturally DON-contaminated wheat (6 ppm) replaced noncontaminated wheat in diets to achieve desired dietary DON concentrations. Basal ingredients were tested for mycotoxin and amino acid content prior to diet manufacturing. Diets were pelleted at 180˚F with a 45-s conditioning time.

A total of 238 barrows and gilts (PIC 327 × 1050; initially 29.6 ± 5.6 lb and 42 d of age) were used in a 21-d growth study. Pens of pigs were allotted by BW to …

Effects Of Calf Age At Weaning On Cow And Calf Performance And Feed Utilization In An Intensive Production System, Jason M. Warner, Curtis J. Bittner, Karla H. Jenkins Jenkins, Rick J. Rasby, Matt K. Luebbe, Galen E. Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

The effects of calf weaning age on cow and calf performance, reproduction, and feed utilization were investigated in a two-year study. Early weaning increasedcow BW in January. Pregnancy rates were not impacted by calf age at weaning. Dry matter intake (DMI) was similar between normal-weaned cow-calf pairs and early-weaned cows and calves. Feed requirements and utilization were comparable between early- and normal-weaned pairs when fed high energy diets, implying weaning decisions should be made on the basis of management rather than feed efficiency.

Evaluation Of The Impact Of An Alternative Corn Residue Harvest Method On Performance And Methane Emissions From Growing Cattle, Janessa J. Updike, Anna C. Pesta, Robert G. Bondurant Bondurant, James C. Macdonald, Samodha Fernando, Galen E. Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A growing study was conducted to evaluate the impact of alternative corn residue harvesting methods and inclusion of Rumensin® on performance and methane to carbon dioxide ratio (CH₄:CO₂) of steers. Use of the alternative harvesting method resulted in greater ADG and improved F:G ratio than traditionally harvested cornstalks. Rumensin increased ADG and improved DMI; however, it did not have an impacton F:G ratio. Altering the composition of baled corn residue did affect CH₄:CO₂, while inclusion of Rumensin, whether included in the diet on a constant or rotational basis, had no impact.

Effect Of Harvest Method On In Vitro Digestibility Of Corn Residues, Janessa J. Updike, Jana L. Harding, Terry J. Klopfenstein Klopfenstein, James C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

New corn residue harvesting methods were evaluated to determine the impacts of altering the proportions of plant part that are composed in a round bale. In vitro techniques were used to assess the organic matter digestibility of corn residue bale harvested with different proportions of stalks, leaves, and husk. As husk comprised a greater proportion of the bale, digestibility appeared to increase when compared with a conventional bale of cornstalks.

Digestibility Of Calcium Oxide Treated Corn Residue With De-Oiled Distillers Grains, Sarah J. Peterson, Meredith L. Bremer, Adam L. Shreck Shreck, James C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A digestion study was conducted to evaluate diets containing calcium oxide treated corn residue in combination with de-oiled distillers grains in forage based growing diets. Chemical treatment did not affect digestibility of DM, OM, or NDF. However, concentration of distillers grains did improve DM and OM digestibility. The use of chemically treated residue in combination with distillers grains in growing diets may not impact diet digestibility.

A Comparison Of Two Implant Protocols: Synovex-Choice/Synovex-Plus Vs. Synovex-S/Revalor-S On Steer Feedlot Performance And Carcass Characteristics, Hazy R. Nielson, Adam F. Summers, Rick N. Funston Funston

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

In a 2 year study, implant strategies were compared utilizing Synovex® Choice followed by Synovex Plus® or Synovex® S followed by Revalor® S. Spring-born crossbred steers were blocked by BW and randomly assignedto receive either Synovex Choice or Synovex S as the initial implant. Approximately100 days later, steers were reimplanted with Synovex Plus or Revalor S. Steers were slaughtered after 205 days on feed. There was no difference in average daily gain or hot carcass weight between treatment groups. Furthermore, there were no differences in yield grade, marbling score, or proportion of steers grading USDA Choice. Both implant regimens resulted …

Effect Of Diet On The Rumen Microbial Community Composition Of Growing Cattle And The Role It Plays In Methane Emissions, Allison L. Knoell, Christopher L. Anderson, Anna C. Pesta Pesta, Galen E. Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Samodha C. Fernando

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

To understand the relationship betweenmicrobial community and methane, the microbial community of the rumen was examined by esophageally tubing cattle on a common diet and on 10 treatment diets. Microbial community analysis via 16S taq sequencing displayed structuring of microbial communities (Bacteria and Archaea) by diet. This study demonstrates that diet influences microbial community composition within the rumen, and the potential capacity to develop dietary interventionstrategies for methane mitigation and animal performance.

Dried Distillers Grains Supplementation Of Calves Grazing Irrigated Corn Residue, Mandi Jones, James C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Robby Bondurant

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Steer calves grazing irrigated corn residue received supplementation of dried distillers grains plus solubles (DGS) at 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 0.9, or 1.1% of body weight. Steers were individually supplemented daily through Calan gates. Daily gain improved linearly (0.77 lb/head/day to 2.21 lb/head/day) with increasing supplementation (1.5 lb/day to 7 lb/day). Supplementing DGS to calves grazing corn residue increased gain during the winter period.

Comparison Of Commercial Lick Tubs To Distillers Grains Supplementation For Calves Grazing Corn Residue, Mandi Jones, James C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson Erickson, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Kathleen R. Brooks, Dirk B. Burken, Robby Bondurant, Andrea K. Watson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Steer calves grazing irrigated corn residue were supplemented dried distillers grains plus solubles (DGS) or allowedcontinuous access to a commercial lick tub. Dried DGS was fed at 2.94 lb/steer/day and the lick tubs were consumed at 2.04 lb/steer/day (DM basis). Gain was greater for cattle supplemented with dried DGS (1.36 lb/day) compared to those with access to lick tubs (0.83 lb/day). Supplement efficiency varied between calves receiving dried DGS (46%) and those with continuous access to the lick tub (43%) when expressed on a DM basis. Values for dried DGS supplementation (48%) were not different for supplement efficiencyon an OM …

Effects Of Processing Treated Corn Stover And Distillers Grains On Performance Of Growing Cattle, Jana L. Harding, Curtis J. Bittner, Dirk B. Burken Burken, Galen E. Erickson, James C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A study evaluated the effects of replacinga diet consisting of 60% corn stover, 18% solubles, and 18% distillers grains with a complete pelleted feed containing calcium oxide (CaO) treated corn stover and distillers grains on growing cattle performance. The pelleted feed was either pair-fed to the control treatment or fed ad libitum. There were no differences in ending BW, ADG, or F:G between the control and pair-fed treatment. Feeding the pellet ad libitum resulted in greater DMI and ADG; however, the cattle had greater F:G. The pellet has 98% the feeding value of the control treatment.

Effects Of Replacing Corn With A Pelleted Treated Corn Stover And Distillers Grains On Performance Of Finishing Cattle, Jana L. Harding, Curtis J. Bittner, Dirk B. Burken Burken, Galen E. Erickson, James C. Macdonald

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

A finishing study evaluated the effectsof replacing 10, 20, or 30% corn (DM basis) with pelleted treated corn stover and distillers grains in a diet containing either 20 or 40% modified distillers grains plus solubles (MDGS) on finishing cattle performance. Steers consuming 10, 20, or 30% of the pelleted feed with 40% MDGS had equal or similar performance to the control diet with 40% MDGS. Cattle consuming 10% pelleted feed with 20% MDGS had similar efficiencies as the control diet; however, feeding the pellet at 20 or 30% of the diet DM with 20% MDGS decreased feed efficiency.

Effect Of Feeding Distillers Grains In Different Phases Of Production On The Fatty Acid Profile And Oxidation Of Frozen, Cooked Beef Links, Brandy D. Cleveland, Amy L. Redfield, James C. Macdonald Donald, Tommi F. Jones, Gary A. Sullivan

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Lipid oxidation of cooked ground beef links made from cattle fed different diets and with different concentrations of added natural antioxidants was compared to evaluate product shelf life. Fatty acid composition was analyzed on raw lean, composite, and fat portions from each shoulder clod. Samples without antioxidants were the most oxidized, with no differences between other antioxidant concentrations throughout frozen storage. An increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids was found in beef when finished on modified distillers grains but did not result in increased oxidation. Therefore, the addition of natural antioxidants was effective at reducing oxidative rancidity regardless of animal diet.

A Basic Mechanism Of Beef Tenderization: Feeding Wet Distillers Grains Plus Solubles Contributes To Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Membrane Instability, Michael D. Chao, Katherine I. Domenech, Chris R. Calkins Calkins

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Feeding wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS) could increase polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentration in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) membrane, thereby altering membrane integrity, resulting in more rapid post-rigor calcium leakage, greater enzyme activity and improved tenderness. Steers were finished on either 0% WDGS or 50% WDGS. Steaks from steers fed WDGS were more tender and had greater free calcium concentrations. Feeding WDGS also increased proportions of PUFA in SR membrane and altered SR lipid and phospholipid profiles. These findings suggest that feeding increased concentrations of WDGS in the finishing diet can possibly increase meat tenderness through the proposed mechanism.

Genetic Parameter Estimates For Calving Difficulty And Birth Weight In A Multibreed Population, Cashley M. Ahlberg, Larry A. Kuehn, R. Mark Thallman Thallman, Stephen D. Kachman, Matthew L. Spangler

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Eighteen breeds were utilized to estimate genetic parameters for birth weight and calving difficulty on first-parity females. Birth weight and calving difficulty were moderately heritable allowing for genetic selection to decrease calving difficulty. Genetic correlation estimates were positive between direct effects for birth weight and calving difficulty. This work will serve as the foundation for estimating across-breed EPD for calving difficulty in the U.S.

Comparison Of Wet Or Dry Distillers Grains Plus Solubles To Corn As An Energy Source In Forage-Based Diets, Nerissa A. Ahern, Brandon L. Nuttelman, Terry J. Klopfenstein Klopfenstein, James C. Macdonald, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Four experiments were conducted comparing wet or dry distillers grains plus solubles to each other or to corn as an energy source in forage-based diets. Diets included dry distillers grains plus solubles, wet distillers grains plus solubles or dry-rolled corn, with sorghum silage, grass hay and supplement. Data were pooled to generate ADG at differing inclusions allowing energy value of wet distillers grains plus solubles to be calculated relative to dry-rolled corn. The energy value of distillers grains plus solubles fed at 15% of diet DM was 137% and fed at 30% of the diet DM was 136% relative to …

Anaerobic Digestion Of Feedlot Manure, Andrea K. Watson, Adam L. Shreck, Amy M. Schmidt Schmidt, Terry J. Klopfenstein, Galen E. Erickson

Nebraska Beef Cattle Reports

Cattle diet can impact manure quality and quantity but has minimal impacts on methane production from anaerobic digestion of manure. Quality of manure, measured as OM, does affectmethane production and is largely impacted by the environment cattle are housed in and methods used to collect manure. As the amount of ash contamination of manure was increased, or OM content of the manure was decreased, organic matter degradation and methaneproduction were decreased. With adequate daily cleanout of ash from digesters, open-lot beef cattle manurecan be used for anaerobic digestion.

Widespread Detection Of Antibodies To Leptospira In Feral Swine In The United States, K. K. Pedersen, K. L. Pabilonia, T. D. Anderson, S. N. Bevins, C. R. Hicks, J. M. Kloft, Thomas J. Deliberto

United States Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services: Staff Publications

As feral swine continue to expand their geographical range and distribution across the United States, their involvement in crop damage, livestock predation, and pathogen transmission is likely to increase. Despite the relatively recent discovery of feral swine involvement in the aetiology of a variety of pathogens, their propensity to transmit and carry a wide variety of pathogens is disconcerting. We examined sera from 2055 feral swine for antibody presence to six serovars of Leptospira that can also infect humans, livestock or domestic animals. About 13% of all samples tested positive for at least one serovar, suggesting that Leptospira infection is …