The Combination of Zinc Compounds and Acidic pH Limits Aerobic Growth of a Salmonella typhimurium Poultry Marker Strain in Rich and Minimal Media

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to examine the combined effects of zinc compounds with different acidic pH levels on the aerobic growth of a S. typhimurium poultry isolate in either rich or minimal media. When overall main effects of pH levels of medium or concentrations of Zn compounds were compared, growth rates of the S. typhimurium poultry isolate were significantly ( p < 0.05) decreased by stepwise increase of pH levels of medium (pH 4, 5, 6, and 7) or concentrations (0.67, 3.35, and 6.03%) of Zn compounds (Zn acetate and Zn sulfate). In general growth rates of S. typhimurium poultry isolate appeared to be more reduced by Zn acetate than by Zn sulfate and more reduced in minimal media compared to rich media.

Keywords:

• Salmonella typhimurium
• Poultry isolate
• Zinc
• Growth rate
• Acidic pH

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by Kemin Americas, Inc., Des Moines, IA, TAES project G-8815, and Hatch grant H8311 administered by the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station and USDA-NRI grant number 2001-02614. S. Y. Park was supported by a Pilgrim's Pride (Pittsburg, TX) endowed graduate fellowship.