Abstract: An encapsulated bacteriophage formulation and a method for preparing encapsulated bacteriophage formulation is provided. The method for producing the encapsulated bacteriophage composition involves injection of a molten coating substance comprising stearic acid and palmitic acid present at a ratio of 50:50, into a granulator chamber containing immobilized bacterio-phages. The immobilized bacteriophage are agitated by rotation of a base of the chamber and swept by a flow of air at a temperature of between 10° C. and 50° C.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method for reducing a population of a target pathogen in an animal or within a feedlot. The method involves administering one or more than one controlled release bacteriophage strain or phage component, or both, to the animal, so that the one, or more than one bacteriophage strain is released in vivo and adsorbs to the one or more than one target pathogen, thereby reducing the one, or more than one pathogen from the animal. The controlled release bacteriophage strain or phage component may be administered as a treatment dose prior to further processing of the animal, a treatment dose followed by a maintenance dose, or a maintenance dose, to manage feedlot target pathogens.