Citrus essential oils provide a natural antibiotic effect to cows

Experts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have performed various studies into the non-antibiotic processes to lessen harmful food-borne bacteria (pathogens) which are present in an animal’s gut.

The group of scientists include microbiologist Todd Callaway and animal scientist Jeffery Carroll (team leader) from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) as well as John Arthington from the University of Florida.

The Agricultural Research Service is the USDA's primary in-house scientific investigation agency who aims to conduct studies which support the Department’s goals of endorsing food security as well as guaranteeing food safety at an international scale.

Early research has revealed that citrus produce are beneficial to cows as they provide ideal roughage and natural vitamins as well as providing a chemical-free antibiotic supply which is featured in the essential oil structure of such products.

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