The study found that cattle fed dried distillers grain had a higher prevalence of E. coli. Some strains of E. coli can cause food poisoning in humans.

Researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL), who have been researching ways to reduce E. coli, are suprised by the KSU results.

Similar testing they have performed found no increase in E. coli from feeding dried distillers grains.

UNL animal science professor, Terry Klopfenstein, says while they respect KSU's research, it is puzzling.

KSU's findings shouldn't affect cattle feeders use of dried distiller's grains according to T.G. Nagaraja, a professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology at Kansas State's College of Veterinary Medicine.

E. coli is present in all cattle, and he says research should focus on finding the reasons for the increase in E. coli with dried distiller's grain and work to find a way to change it.

* From Farm Progress, Fairfax Media's farm publishing arm in the US.