Abstract: The present invention relates generally to therapeutic compositions for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of intestinal disease conditions in animals and birds caused or exacerbated by Lawsonia intracellularis or similar or otherwise related microorganism. In particular, the present invention provides a novel gene derived from Lawsonia intracellularis which encodes an immunogenic hemolysin peptide, polypeptide or protein that is particularly useful as an antigen in vaccine preparation for conferring humoral immunity against Lawsonia intracellularis and related pathogens in animal hosts. The present invention is also directed to methods for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of such intestinal disease conditions and to diagnostic agents and procedures for detecting Lawsonia intracellularis or similar or otherwise related microorganisms.

Abstract: An expression construct is disclosed which is useful for delivering mature somatotropin to a host. Mature somatotropin is operably linked to an insulin secretory signal. Host cells comprising the expression cassette are cultured under conditions enabling the expression and secretion of somatotropin.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a modified microorganism which produces an RTX toxin, wherein said RTX toxin is partially or fully inactivated. Also disclosed is a modified microorganism wherein an RTX toxin gene including an RTX structural gene and/or a post-translational activator of the organism is partially or full inactivated. As disclosed, the precursor of an RTX toxin has reduced toxic activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of producing animals that have higher than average carcass quality, higher than average feed conversion efficiency, higher than average growth rate, lower than average voluntary feed intake and/or higher than average reproductive capacity.