Control of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in corn silage with or without various inoculants: Efficacy and mode of action
Open accessAbstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of 3 commercial bacterial inoculants at controlling Escherichia coli O157:H7 in corn silages during ensiling and feedout phases of silage production. A second objective was to determine whether the inoculants exhibited and transferred antibacterial activity against E. coli O157:H7 to the silages. Chopped corn forage was ensiled after treatment with the following: distilled water (control); 5 x 10(5) cfu/g of E. coli O157:H7 (EC); EC and 1 x 10(6) cfu/g of Pediococcus pentosaceus and Propionibacterium freudenreichii (EC+BII); EC and 1 x 10(6) cfu/g of Lactobacillus buchneri (EC+LB); and EC and 1 x 10(6) cfu/g of L. buchneri and P. pentosaceus (EC+B500). Each treatment was ensiled in triplicate in mini silos for 3, 7, 31, and 82 d and analyzed for pH and E. coli O157:H7 counts. Samples from d 82 were also analyzed for volatile fatty acids, lactate, and aerobic stability. Antibacterial activity of inoculants and silages was determined by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test. The pH of silages from all treatments decreased below 4 within 3 d of ensiling and remained low until d 82. Therefore, E. coli O157:H7 was not detected in silages after any of the ensiling durations. Applying inoculants containing L. buchneri resulted in less lactate, more acetate, and greater aerobic stability compared with the control. Applying EC+BII containing P. freudenreichii did not increase propionate or aerobic stability. Subsamples of d 82 silages were reinoculated with 1 x 10(5) cfu/g of E. coli O157:H7 either immediately after silo opening on d 82 or after 144h of aerobic exposure (d 88), and E. coli were enumerated 24h later. All silages reinoculated with the pathogen on d 82 had similar, low pH values (<4) and no E. coli were detected 24h later. Control, EC, and EC+BII silages reinoculated with the pathogen after 144h of aerobic exposure had relatively greater pH values (4.71, 5.67, and 6.03, respectively) and E. coli counts (2.87, 6.73, and 6.87 log cfu/g, respectively) 24h later, whereas those treated with L. buchneri had low pH values (<4) and undetectable (EC+B500) or 10-fold lower (1.97, cfu/g; EC+LB) E. coli counts. All pure cultures of commercial bacterial inoculants exhibited antibacterial activity independent of pH against E. coli O157:H7, but the pH-independent activity did not persist in the treated silages, suggesting that E. coli elimination from silages was mediated by pH reduction.
AI snapshot
Written from the paper’s full text.
TL;DR
In corn silage, E. coli O157:H7 was eliminated during ensiling once pH fell below 4 within 3 d, regardless of inoculant. Inoculants containing Lactobacillus buchneri improved aerobic stability and limited E. coli O157:H7 growth after aerobic exposure, while pH-independent antibacterial activity seen in pure inoculant cultures did not persist in the silages.
Key findings
- All silages dropped below pH 4 within 3 d and remained low through d 82; E. coli O157:H7 was not detected after any ensiling duration.
- L. buchneri-containing inoculants (EC+LB, EC+B500) reduced lactate, increased acetate, eliminated detectable yeasts and molds, and improved aerobic stability by at least 115% versus control; EC+BII did not increase propionate or aerobic stability.
- After 144 h aerobic exposure and reinoculation with E. coli O157:H7, control, EC, and EC+BII silages had pH values of 4.71, 5.67, and 6.03 and E. coli counts of 2.87, 6.73, and 6.87 log cfu/g, respectively; EC+LB had 1.97 cfu/g and EC+B500 had undetectable counts.
- Pure cultures of all commercial inoculants produced a 2.5-mm inhibition zone against E. coli O157:H7, but no inhibition zone was produced by cell-free supernatants from d 82 silage extracts.
Methods
- Chopped corn forage (50% milk line, 30% DM, 19-mm cut) was ensiled in triplicate mini silos at 20°C for 3, 7, 31, or 82 d after treatment with distilled water, E. coli O157:H7 alone (5 × 10⁵ cfu/g), or E. coli plus one of three commercial inoculants at 1 × 10⁶ cfu/g: P. pentosaceus + P. freudenreichii (EC+BII), L. buchneri (EC+LB), or L. buchneri + P. pentosaceus (EC+B500).
- Samples were analyzed for pH, E. coli O157:H7 counts, VFA, lactate, aerobic stability, and yeast/mold counts; d 82 silages were reinoculated with E. coli O157:H7 immediately after opening or after 144 h aerobic exposure, with enumeration 24 h later.
- Antibacterial activity was assessed by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion using pH-corrected cell-free supernatants from pure inoculant cultures and d 82 silage extracts; data were analyzed by GLM with Tukey tests at P < 0.05.
Limitations
- The paper states that the E. coli strain used (ATCC 43894) has low acid tolerance, so acid-tolerant strains could conceivably survive the low pH achieved in silages; it also calls for future work on bacteriocins, microbial competition, and organic acids.
- Evident from the text: the study used lab-scale mini silos, a single corn forage source, and a single E. coli O157:H7 strain, which may limit generalizability to farm-scale silages and diverse pathogen strains.
- Evident from the text: antibacterial activity was tested only in pure cultures and d 82 silage extracts, so persistence or mode of action across other ensiling times or conditions was not established.
Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.
Integrity signals
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Cites
Statistics
Claims the paper makes
0 of 22 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged
- Findingreasoning
E. coli O157:H7 was not detected in any silage after any of the ensiling periods.
“Escherichia coli was not detected in silages after any of the ensiling durations.”
- Also stated in: § Abstract · plain
“Therefore, E. coli O157:H7 was not detected in silages after any of the ensiling durations.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Abstract · plain
- Findingown data
During the 24 hours after reinoculation at day 82, pH remained below 4 in all silages (mean 3.78 ± 0.13).
“probably because pH remained below 4 in all silages during that period (mean = 3.78 ± 0.13).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingreasoning
E. coli O157:H7 was not detected in silages that were reinoculated at final silo opening (day 82) and exposed to air for 24 hours.
“Escherichia coli O157:H7 was not detected in silages reinoculated with the pathogen at final silo opening (d 82) and exposed to the air for 24 h”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Propionate and butyrate concentrations were low or undetectable in all silages.
“Propionate and butyrate concentrations were low or undetectable in all silages.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Application of L. buchneri inoculants kept pH below 4 throughout the 144-hour aerobic exposure period.
“kept the pH below 4 for the duration of the 144-h aerobic exposure period.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The laboratory mini silo and aerobic exposure conditions are representative of farm-scale silage production and feedout.
- Findingown data
The pathogen was present in all silages reinoculated 144 hours after silo opening except the EC+B500 silage.
“However, the pathogen was present in all silages reinoculated 144 h after silo opening except in the silage treated with EC+B500 (Figure 3).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Silages treated with L. buchneri-containing inoculants (EC+LB and EC+B500) had lower lactate and higher acetate concentrations than the other treatments.
“Silages treated with inoculants containing L. buchneri (EC+LB and EC+B500) had lower lactate and greater acetate concentrations than other treatments (Table 1).”
- Also stated in: § Abstract · plain
“Applying inoculants containing L. buchneri resulted in less lactate, more acetate, and greater aerobic stability compared with the control.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Abstract · plain
- Findingreasoning
This study shows that E. coli O157:H7 was eliminated from forages contaminated with 5 log cfu/g when pH dropped to 4 within 3 days of ensiling.
“This study shows that E. coli O157:H7 was eliminated from forages contaminated with 5 log cfu/g of the pathogen when the pH dropped to 4 within 3 d of ensiling.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The laboratory mini silo and aerobic exposure conditions are representative of farm-scale silage production and feedout.
- Findingown data
At the final silo opening on day 82, pH was higher in silages that received commercial inoculants (3.72) than in control and EC silages (3.52).
“The pH at final silo opening (d 82) was greater (P < 0.05) in silages treated with commercial inoculants (3.72) than in control and EC silages (3.52).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
All pure cultures of the commercial bacterial inoculants showed pH-independent antibacterial activity against E. coli O157:H7.
“All pure cultures of commercial bacterial inoculants exhibited antibacterial activity independent of pH against E. coli O157:H7”
- Also stated in: § CONCLUSIONS · plain
“All pure cultures of commercial bacterial inoculants exhibited antibacterial activity independent of pH against E. coli O157:H7”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § CONCLUSIONS · plain
- Findingown data
Pure cultures of each commercial inoculant produced a 2.5-mm zone of inhibition against E. coli O157:H7 in pH-corrected cell-free supernatants.
“The pH-corrected cell-free supernatants from pure cultures of each commercial inoculant produced a 2.5mm zone of inhibition against E. coli O157:H7”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Inoculant treatment did not affect E. coli O157:H7 elimination during ensiling.
“Inoculant treatment did not affect E. coli O157:H7 elimination during ensiling”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The laboratory mini silo and aerobic exposure conditions are representative of farm-scale silage production and feedout.
- Findingown data
E. coli counts were at least 10-fold lower in silages treated with L. buchneri inoculants than in the other treatments.
“Counts of the pathogen were at least 10-fold less in silages treated with L. buchneri inoculants compared with other treatments.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
L. buchneri inoculants improved aerobic stability by at least 115% compared with the control.
“Treatment with L. buchneri inoculants improved aerobic stability by at least 115% compared with the control”
- Also stated in: § Abstract · plain
“Applying inoculants containing L. buchneri resulted in less lactate, more acetate, and greater aerobic stability compared with the control.”
- Also stated in: § DISCUSSION · plain
“In this study, inoculation with L. buchneri inoculants increased the aerobic stability of corn silage by at least 115%.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Abstract · plain
- Findingown data
No inhibition zone was produced by the control supernatant.
“whereas no zone was evident from that of the control.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The EC+LB silage had lower dry matter than the control, EC, and EC+BII silages.
“The EC+LB silage had less (P < 0.05) DM than control, EC, and EC+BII silages.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Cell-free supernatants from day-82 silage extracts treated with the inoculants produced no inhibition zone against the pathogen.
“In addition, no inhibition zone against the pathogen was produced by cell-free supernatants from extracts of d 82 silages treated with these inoculants.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
In this study, E. coli counts in samples reinoculated after 144 hours of aerobic exposure rose from 10^5 to more than 10^6 cfu/g when pH was above 5.
“Similarly, in this study, E. coli counts in samples reinoculated with the pathogen after 144 h of aerobic exposure increased from 10 5 to more than 10 6 cfu/g when the pH was above 5.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The EC+BII treatment did not increase aerobic stability.
“Applying EC+BII containing P. freudenreichii did not increase propionate or aerobic stability.”
- Also stated in: § Aerobic Phase · plain
“but treatment with EC or EC+BII did not affect aerobic stability (Figure 2).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § Aerobic Phase · plain
- Findingown data
The EC+BII inoculant containing propionic bacteria did not increase propionic acid concentration relative to other treatments.
“Applying the inoculant containing propionic bacteria (EC+BII) did not result in greater propionic acid concentration compared with other treatments.”
- Also stated in: § Abstract · plain
“Applying EC+BII containing P. freudenreichii did not increase propionate or aerobic stability.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Also stated in: § Abstract · plain
- Findingown data
The pH-independent antibacterial activity did not persist in the treated silages.
“but the pH-independent activity did not persist in the treated silages”
- Also stated in: § CONCLUSIONS · plain
“but the activity did not persist in the treated silages”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § CONCLUSIONS · plain
- Interpretationown data
Growth of E. coli in silages reinoculated after 144 hours of aerobic exposure depended on pH.
“Furthermore, growth of E. coli in silages reinoculated with the pathogen after 144 h of aerobic exposure depended on pH.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Many lactic acid and propionic acid bacteria produce antibacterial substances such as peroxides and bacteriocins.
“Many lactic acid and propionic acid bacteria produce substances with antibacterial activity such as peroxides and bacteriocins (Jack et al., 1995;Meile et al., 1999).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked - Premisecitation
Propionic acid is the most effective antimycotic among short-chain fatty acids at pH 5 or lower.
“Propionic acid is the most effective antimycotic agent among short-chain fatty acids at pH 5 or lower (Woolford, 1975);”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Woolford, 1975 source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationreasoning
E. coli elimination from the silages was mediated by pH reduction.
“suggesting that E. coli elimination from silages was mediated by pH reduction.”
- Also stated in: § CONCLUSIONS · hedged
“suggesting that E. coli O157:H7 elimination from the silages was mediated by pH reduction.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § CONCLUSIONS · hedged
- Interpretationreasoning
The maintenance of low pH for 144 hours after silo opening by L. buchneri inoculants is probably due to acetate from L. buchneri inhibiting yeasts that metabolize lactate and raise pH in aerobically exposed silages.
“Maintenance of the low pH achieved at silo opening for 144 h by inoculants containing L. buchneri is probably attributable to the inhibitory effect of the acetate produced by L. buchneri on yeasts that metabolize lactate and thereby increase the pH in aerobically exposed silages.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Acetic acid levels above 5.6 g/L of culture medium control yeasts.
“Yeasts are controlled by acetic acid levels above 5.6 g/L of culture medium (Woolford, 1975).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Woolford, 1975 source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationown data
The absence of E. coli O157:H7 in silages during the anaerobic phase is most likely due to the inhibitory low pH produced by fermentation acid formation during ensilage.
“The fact that E. coli O157:H7 was undetected in silages during the anaerobic phase is most probably attributable to the inhibitory low pH resulting from formation of fermentation acids during ensilage.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
E. coli O157:H7 was eliminated from ensiled, contaminated wheat and corn forage when pH fell below 5.0.
“Escherichia coli O157:H7 was eliminated from ensiled, contaminated wheat and corn forage when the pH decreased below 5.0 (Chen et al., 2005).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Chen et al., 2005 source
Not checked in the free run.
- Interpretationown data
Preventing aerobic deterioration and the associated pH increase can prevent or minimize E. coli O157:H7 growth in silages contaminated during the feedout phase.
“These results indicate that preventing aerobic deterioration and the attendant pH increase can prevent or minimize the growth of E. coli O157:H7 in silages contaminated with the pathogen during the feedout phase.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: The laboratory mini silo and aerobic exposure conditions are representative of farm-scale silage production and feedout.
- Premisecitation
E. coli O157:H7 numbers in poorly fermented, artificially inoculated silages increased from 10^3 to 10^6 log cfu/g during the first 7 days of ensilage when pH remained above 5.
“Fenlon and Wilson (2000) reported that E. coli O157:H7 numbers in poorly fermented, artificially inoculated silages grew from 10 3 to 10 6 log cfu/g during the first 7 d of ensilage when the pH stayed above 5.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Fenlon and Wilson, 2000
Not checked in the free run.
- Premisecitation
All studies reviewed indicate that ensiling in well-managed silages efficiently eliminates E. coli O157:H7.
“Nevertheless, all studies we reviewed on the subject indicate that the ensiling process in well-managed silages is efficient at eliminating E. coli O157:H7 (Bach et al., 2002;Byrne et al., 2002;Chen et al., 2005).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked - Premisecitation
The E. coli strain used in this experiment (ATCC 43894) has low acid tolerance.
“The E. coli strain used in this experiment (ATCC 43894) was reported to have low acid tolerance (Benjamin and Datta, 1995), indicating its susceptibility to inhibition during acidic silage fermentation.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Benjamin and Datta, 1995
Not checked in the free run.
- May combine two claims. 11
- Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 5
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataOne day after reinoculation at 144 hours after opening, L. buchneri-treated silages had pH below 4 and either undetectable (EC+B500) or low (1.97 cfu/g; EC+LB) E. coli counts.
“whereas those treated with L. buchneri inoculants had low pH values (<4) and undetectable (EC+B500) or low (1.97, cfu/g; EC+LB) E. coli counts.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataIn all treatments, silage pH fell below 4 within 3 days of ensiling and stayed low through the subsequent ensiling durations.
“The pH of all silages decreased to values below 4 within 3 d of ensiling and remained low at all subsequent ensiling durations (Figure 1).”
- Also stated in: § Abstract · plain
“The pH of silages from all treatments decreased below 4 within 3 d of ensiling and remained low until d 82.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Also stated in: § Abstract · plain
May combine two claims.
Findingown dataThe EC and EC+BII treatments did not affect aerobic stability.
“but treatment with EC or EC+BII did not affect aerobic stability (Figure 2).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataYeasts and molds were absent from silages treated with L. buchneri inoculants but present in the other silages.
“Yeasts and molds were not detected in silages treated with L. buchneri inoculants but they were present in other silages.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Findingown dataOne day after reinoculation at 144 hours after opening, control, EC, and EC+BII silages had pH values of 4.71, 5.67, and 6.03, respectively, and E. coli counts of 2.87, 6.73, and 6.87 log cfu/g, respectively.
“One day after reinoculation, control, EC, and EC+BII silages had relatively high pH values (4.71, 5.67, and 6.03, respectively) and E. coli counts (2.87, 6.73, and 6.87 log cfu/g, respectively; P < 0.05)”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
InterpretationreasoningL. buchneri inoculants can be used to maintain pH below 4 during the feedout phase and thereby limit growth of E. coli O157:H7 from extraneous contamination.
“Our data suggest that L. buchneri inoculants can be used to maintain low pH (<4) in silages during the feedout phase and thereby curtail the growth of E. coli O157:H7 from extraneous sources that might contaminate the forage.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: No prior studies had examined whether bacterial inoculants that increase aerobic stability and maintain low pH after aerobic exposure, such as L. buchneri, can prevent E. coli growth on aerobically exposed silages.
- Rests on an assumption: The laboratory mini silo and aerobic exposure conditions are representative of farm-scale silage production and feedout.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationInoculants containing L. buchneri have improved aerobic stability in different silages.
“Inoculants containing L. buchneri have improved the aerobic stability of different silages (Driehuis et al., 2001;Weinberg et al., 2002;Kleinschmit et al., 2005).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checkedProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.
PremisecitationInoculation with P. freudenreichii (1 × 10^4 cfu/g), with or without homolactic bacteria, did not affect propionic acid concentration, yeast and mold counts, or aerobic stability of maize and barley silages.
“Previous studies showed that inoculation with P. freudenreichii (1 × 10 4 cfu/g) with or without homolac-tic bacteria did not affect propionic acid concentration, yeast and mold counts, or aerobic stability of maize and barley silages (Ranjit et al., 2002;Taylor et al., 2002).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checkedProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).
PremisecitationInoculation with L. buchneri typically yields acetate concentrations of 36 to 50 g/kg of DM.
“As in this study, inoculation with L. buchneri typically results in acetate concentrations ranging from 36 to 50 g/kg of DM (Driehuis et al., 2001;Taylor et al., 2002).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checkedMay combine two claims.
PremisecitationPropionic acid bacteria have not consistently inhibited yeasts and molds or improved aerobic stability because they grow poorly when ensiling conditions favor a rapid pH drop.
“Merry and Davies (1999) indicated that such bacteria have not consistently inhibited the growth of yeasts and molds or improved aerobic stability because they do not grow well when ensiling conditions are conducive to a rapid decrease in pH.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Merry and Davies, 1999
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationAlthough low pH during ensilage eliminates E. coli from contaminated forages, the pathogen can be found in decaying parts of commercial silages with high pH.
“Weinberg et al. (2004) showed that though low pH achieved during ensilage eliminates E. coli from contaminated forages, the pathogen can be found in decaying parts of commercial silages with high pH.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Weinberg et al., 2004 source
Not checked in the free run.
Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.
PremisecitationpH-independent antibacterial activity was present in many lactic acid bacteria inoculants, but it was not transferred to some silages treated with those bacteria.
“Gollop et al. (2005) reported that antibacterial activity independent of pH was present in many lactic acid bacteria inoculants but that the antibacterial activity was not imparted to some of the silages treated with the bacteria.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Gollop et al., 2005 source
Not checked in the free run.
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
PremisecitationTreatment with a bacterial inoculant that accelerated the pH decrease hastened elimination of the pathogen.
“Elimination of the pathogen has been hastened by treatment with a bacterial inoculant that accelerated the pH decrease (Bach et al., 2002).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Bach et al., 2002 source
Not checked in the free run.
May combine two claims.
PremisecitationEnsiling effectively eliminates E. coli spp. from contaminated forages, but these bacteria can develop in spoiled silages that often have high pH.
“Weinberg et al. (2004) also confirmed that ensiling is effective in eliminating E. coli spp. in contaminated forages but noted that these bacteria may develop in spoiled silages, which often have high pH levels.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Weinberg et al., 2004 source
Not checked in the free run.
The paper relies on this without support.
No prior studies had examined whether bacterial inoculants that increase aerobic stability and maintain low pH after aerobic exposure, such as L. buchneri, can prevent E. coli growth on aerobically exposed silages.
“To date, no studies have examined whether bacterial inoculants that increase aerobic stability and maintain low pH after aerobic exposure such as Lactobacillus buchneri (Filya, 2003;Adesogan et al., 2003Adesogan et al., , 2004;;Huisden et al., 2009) can also prevent the growth of E. coli on aerobically exposed silages.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The laboratory mini silo and aerobic exposure conditions are representative of farm-scale silage production and feedout.
“Our data suggest that L. buchneri inoculants can be used to maintain low pH (<4) in silages during the feedout phase and thereby curtail the growth of E. coli O157:H7 from extraneous sources that might contaminate the forage.”
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
Lactic acid, but not acetic acid, plays the major role in the growth inhibition of enterobacteria.
“In consideration of lactic acid, but not acetic acid, played the major role in the growth inhibition of enterobacteria32,35”
Enterobacteria are rapidly eliminated during ensiling of corn, with or without inoculation, along with a rapid drop in pH.
“Previous studies have shown that enterobacteria was rapidly eliminated during ensiling of corn, with or without inoculation along with a rapid drop in pH32.”
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.
Figure 3 gives a tenfold higher reinoculation dose
MajorThe methods state that silages were reinoculated with 1 × 10 5 cfu/g, but the Figure 3 caption describes the same reinoculation as 1 × 10 6 cfu/g.
“Figure 3.Effect of reinoculation of corn silages with 1 × 10 6 cfu/g of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EC) 144 h after silo opening (d 82)”
“Approximately 1 kg of silages sampled at silo opening and those aerated for 144 h in the aerobic stability assay were transferred into separate plastic bags and reinoculated with 1 × 10 5 cfu/g of E. coli O157:H7.”
Figure 1 labels the inoculation dose as log cfu/g
MinorFigure 1 gives the dose as 5 × 10 5 log cfu/g, whereas the methods give it as 5 × 10 5 cfu/g. The units describe different quantities.
“Figure 1.Changes in pH in corn forage inoculated with 5 × 10 5 log cfu/g of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (EC)”
“Suspensions of the pathogen were diluted in distilled water and applied to achieve 5 × 10 5 cfu/g at ensiling.”
Discussion reverses the pH reported for L. buchneri silages
MinorThe results say these silages had pH below 4 after reinoculation, whereas the discussion says they had pH greater than 4. The distinction underpins the paper's explanation of pathogen control.
“whereas they were at least about 10-fold lower in silages treated with L. buchneri inoculants, which had pH greater than 4.”
“whereas those treated with L. buchneri inoculants had low pH values (<4) and undetectable (EC+B500) or low (1.97, cfu/g; EC+LB) E. coli counts.”
Cites
Bacteriocins of gram-positive bacteria
Jack, R. W., Tagg, J. R., & Ray, B. (1995) · Microbiological Reviews · doi:10.1128/mr.59.2.171-200.1995 · Cited by 2,711 · see citing works
Hemorrhagic Colitis Associated with a Rare Escherichia coli Serotype
Riley, L. W., Remis, R. S., Helgerson, S. D., McGee, H. B., Wells, J. G., DAVIS, B. R., Hebert, R. J., Olcott, E. S., Johnson, L., Hargrett, N. T., et al. (1983) · New England Journal of Medicine · doi:10.1056/nejm198303243081203 · Cited by 2,669 · see citing works
A 1-year study of Escherichia coli O157 in cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry
CHAPMAN, P. A., Siddons, C. A., MALO, A. T. C., & HARKIN, M. A. (1997) · Epidemiology and Infection · doi:10.1017/s0950268897007826 · Cited by 444 · see citing works
Acid tolerance of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli
Benjamin, M. M., & Datta, A. R. (1995) · Applied and Environmental Microbiology · doi:10.1128/aem.61.4.1669-1672.1995 · Cited by 346 · see citing works
Driehuis, F., Oude Elferink, S. J. W. H., & Van Wikselaar, P. G. (2001) · Grass and Forage Science · doi:10.1046/j.1365-2494.2001.00282.x · Cited by 314 · see citing works
Filya, I. (2003) · Journal of Dairy Science · doi:10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(03)73963-0 · Cited by 287 · cited 2× · see citing works
“…no studies have examined whether bacterial inoculants that increase aerobic stability and maintain low pH after aerobic exposure such as Lactobacillus buchneri (Filya, 2003; Adesogan et al., 2003, 2004; Huisden et al., 2009) can also prevent the growth of E. coli on aerobically exposed silages.”
BackgroundA fifteen month study of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in a dairy herd
MECHIE, S. C., Chapman, P. A., & Siddons, C. A. (1997) · Epidemiology and Infection · doi:10.1017/s0950268896007194 · Cited by 246 · see citing works
The effects of various antifungal additives on the fermentation and aerobic stability of corn silage
Kleinschmit, D. H., Schmidt, R. J., & Kung, L. (2005) · Journal of Dairy Science · doi:10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(05)72889-7 · Cited by 233 · see citing works
Storage temperature effects on proteolysis in alfalfa silage
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Self-citationGollop, N., Zakin, V., & Weinberg, Z. G. (2005) · Journal of Applied Microbiology · doi:10.1111/j.1365-2672.2004.02504.x · Cited by 102 · see citing works
Huisden, C. M., Adesogan, A. T., Kim, S. C., & Ososanya, T. (2009) · Journal of Dairy Science · doi:10.3168/jds.2008-1546 · Cited by 100 · see citing works
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The Occurrence and Replication of Escherichia coli in Cattle Feeds
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Propionibacteria and their role in the biological control of aerobic spoilage in silage
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Persistence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in barley silage: Effect of a bacterial inoculant
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Silage processing and strategies to prevent persistence of undesirable microorganisms.
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Silage review: Foodborne pathogens in silage and their mitigation by silage additives
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Self-citationSilage and the safety and quality of dairy foods: A review
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Control of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in contaminated alfalfa silage: Effects of silage additives.
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Self-citationNyambe, S., Burgess, C., Whyte, P., O'Kiely, P., & Bolton, D. (2017) · Journal of Applied Microbiology · doi:10.1111/jam.13431 · Cited by 7 · see citing works
- Authors
- Pedroso, A. F., Adesogan, A. T., Queiroz, O. C. M., & Williams, S. K.
- Affiliations
- University of Florida (US)
- Corresponding author
- Adesogan, A.T.
- Venue
- Journal of Dairy Science
- Publisher
- American Dairy Science Association
- Published
- 2010-03
- Volume
- 93
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 1098-1104
- ISSN
- 0022-0302 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2076234485
- Semantic Scholar
- e0850ebb401548f029cbedf44fac82048bddc23e
- Cited by
- 43
- References
- 25
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 3 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 5 · 2018: 2 · 2017: 3 · 2016: 4 · 2015: 1 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 3
- FWCI
- 8.14
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- bronze
- doi.org
- Licence
- Locations
- Journal of Dairy Science (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Lallemand Animal Nutrition
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Agronomy and Crop Science › Ruminant Nutrition and Digestive Physiology
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Endocrinology › Escherichia coli research studies
- Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Food Science › Probiotics and Fermented Foods
- Keywords
- Escherichia coli O157:H7, corn silage, silage inoculants, Lactobacillus buchneri, Pediococcus pentosaceus, Propionibacterium freudenreichii, antibacterial activity, silage pH, volatile fatty acids, aerobic stability, lactate, silage spoilage, pathogen control
- MeSH terms
- Aerobiosis, Anaerobiosis, Anti-Bacterial Agents, Zea mays, Dairying, Silage, Time Factors, Bacterial Physiological Phenomena, Escherichia coli O157
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-09.
Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-09.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
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