EFFECT OF SHADE ON FECAL SHEDDING OF BACTERIA IN GRAZING CATTLE DURING SUMMER IN TEMPERATE CLIMATES

摘要

IntroductionClimatic conditions and heat stress during summer can predispose fecal shedding of pathogens by infected cattle increasing hide contamination. It is desirable that animals delivered to the slaughterhouse have low levels of fecal bacteria on hide to reduce carcass contamination. Our hypothesis is that the provision of shade to grazing animals will mitigate the effects of hot weather resulting in lower fecal shedding of bacteria which could result in safer meat and lower environmental contamination.