http://www.farmanddairy.com/news/feeding-citrus-could-reduce-salmonella-in-livestock/14390.html

Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Feeding citrus could reduce salmonella in livestock
by Other News

DALLAS — The essential oils in orange peel and pulp kill E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella, according to research presented at the 2010 Beef Industry Safety Summit.

Lead researcher Todd Callaway with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service found that dietary orange peel and pulp reduced Salmonella populations in the intestinal tract of sheep.

Callaway expects the next phase of the study to yield similar results for reducing E. coli O157:H7.

Farmer-funded

This ongoing study is looking at these natural byproducts, created by making juice, as a potential feed ingredient for cattle. The citrus research is one of 13 safety studies funded by cattle farmers and ranchers in 2009.

Safety focus

More than 200 experts from every sector of the beef industry met in Dallas recently to share research and identify farm-to-fork solutions for improving beef safety.

Developing on-farm safety solutions is one area of focus at the eighth annual Safety Summit, hosted by the Beef Industry Food Safety Council.

“Research continues to find new ways beef producers can make the food chain even safer and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses,” said James O. Reagan, chairman of the council and senior vice president of research, education and innovation for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

“This is important work, and it’s why leaders from all segments of beef production gather at this summit each year to discuss the latest research, share their best practices and set goals for the future.”