December 18, 2023

US research initiatives awarded US$1.15 million to tackle liver abscesses in cattle

The International Consortium for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Agriculture (ICASA) has granted approximately US$1.15 million to four research initiatives in the United States focused on understanding the root causes of liver abscesses in beef and dairy cattle, and developing diagnostic tools for informed decision-making, Beef Magazine reported.

Liver abscesses occur when bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract enter the bloodstream and accumulate in the liver. While prevalent, affecting about 20% of US beef cattle and reaching up to 70% in specific groups, current control methods involve treating entire groups with antibiotics, leading to increased costs and potential antibiotic resistance.

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research's (FFAR) ICASA Consortium has allocated grants to researchers focusing on different aspects of liver abscess prevention.

Dr Raghavendra Amachawadi at Kansas State University (K-State) received a US$300,000 grant to evaluate associations between feeding and management practices of beef-on-dairy cattle. This system uses beef cattle semen for breeding dairy cattle, and understanding its epidemiology can identify opportunities to reduce antibiotic use.

Dr T G Nagaraja, also at K-State, received a US$248,641 grant to conduct comprehensive "biochemical fingerprinting" in blood plasma. This aims to detect unique biomolecules associated with liver abscesses, aiding in early detection, and exploring antibiotic alternatives for prevention.

Dr Kendall Samuelson at West Texas A&M University secured a US$300,000 grant to evaluate liver abscess development in feedlot cattle under conventional beef versus dairy management systems. The research aims to provide insights into liver abscess pathogenesis, identify biomarkers, and assess risk factors for development.

Dr Dale Woerner at Texas Tech University received a US$300,000 grant to create a model for genomic, blood, and microbiological markers for liver abscesses in beef cattle. This initiative aims to identify markers for informed breeding and management decisions, reducing susceptibility and reliance on antimicrobial treatments.

These initiatives contribute to targeted antibiotic use, enhance animal health and welfare, and increase transparency in food production practices. The private sector is matching FFAR's investment for a total US$15 million investment in antibiotic stewardship research.

-      Beef Magazine