Evaluating Salmonella Shedding in Backgrounded Calves Fed Broiler Litter

Abstract

The ability of ruminants to utilize nutrients presentin waste from other species provides an opportunity forefficient use of waste and a cost-effective source of cattlefeed.1 Processed broiler litter has been fed to beef cattlein the U.S. for several decades.2 Recently, however, concernshave been raised about litter as a potential sourceof pathogens, including Salmonella species, that may bespread from poultry to cattle and ultimately to consumers.3,4,5 This project was designed to determine whether feeding broiler litter increases the prevalence of Salmonella shedding in backgrounded beef calves.