Application of a multi-strain biofilm-forming cocktail on polyethylene calf housing surfaces

This study evaluated the application of a beneficial biofilm-forming cocktail on polyethylene calf housing surfaces post-cleaning to determine 1) suitability of the application through bacterial growth, and 2) if application influenced the surface recolonization of enteric pathogens. The cocktail comprised of eight biofilm-forming strains of Bacillus spp (six) and Pediococcus spp (two). Suitability of application was determined through bacterial growth using culture-dependent approaches, and culture-independent approaches including qPCR quantification of select targets and 16S amplicon sequencing. Furthermore, determination of surface recolonization was achieved using culture-independent approaches. This study highlights the successful application of a beneficial biofilm-forming cocktail through bacterial growth on polyethylene surfaces, as well as modulation of the bacterial communities through increases in ASVs belonging to Pediococcus and Bacillus and reductions in ASVs belonging to undesirable bacteria as well as reductions in total bacterial diversity. Although further work is needed, this study supports the application of a microbial additive to improve the hygiene in calf-rearing environments.