Source: Tom Johnston, MEATINGPLACE, 11/15/11

Scientists with USDA’s Agriculture Research Service have found orange peels an effective antimicrobial in cattle in a series of studies that explore non-antibiotic methods of reducing foodborne pathogens, the agency said.

Early studies showed citric products provide cows with good roughage and vitamins, and the essential oils in those products supply a natural antibiotic effect, according to the researchers.

Their data demonstrated the feasibility of using orange pulp as a feed source to promote anti-pathogenic activity in cattle.

Results from the 2011 study were published in Foodborne Pathogens and Disease.

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