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

This research evaluated the addition of sodium caprylate, a natural eight-carbon fatty acid, to cattle drinking water in order to inactivate E. coli O157:H7. The addition of sodium caprylate proved to significantly reduce the presence of E. coli O157:H7 in water for a sustained period of time even in the presence of fecal matter or residual feed.

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Objectives

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.

Conclusions

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 10^oC) 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.

Deliverable

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.