Coliform contaminated bedding and new infections.

Ten Holstein cows were bedded on fresh, uncured sawdust seeded with coliform broth culture. Escherichia coli concentrations were maintained at 10(6) colony-forming units/g for the 4-wk experimental period. Ten control cows were bedded with dry shavings. The elevated bacterial contamination caused an increase in contamination of teat ends; however, no new coliform infections occurred.