Abstract: Compositions and methods for converting at least one polyphenol to protocatechuic acid (PCA) using Bacillus subtilis 1579, or active variants thereof, are provided. Conversion of polyphenols, such as quercetin, to PCA can decrease inflammation, decrease cortisol levels, and increase milk quality and milk production quantity in milk-producing agricultural animals. Accordingly, provided herein are compositions comprising B. subtilis 1579, or an active variant thereof, for administration to humans for decreasing inflammation or for administration to milk-producing agricultural animals for decreasing inflammation, decreasing cortisol levels, and increasing milk quality and milk production.

Abstract: A feed additive composition comprising a direct fed microbial in combination with a protease, a xylanase, an amylase and a phytase, and a method for improving the performance of a subject or for improving digestibility of a raw material in a feed (e.g. nutrient digestibility, such as amino acid digestibility), or for improving nitrogen retention, or for avoiding the negative effects of necrotic enteritis or for improving feed conversion ratio (FCR) or for improving weight gain in a subject or for improving feed efficiency in a subject or for modulating (e.g. improving) the immune response of the subject or for promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of a subject, which method comprising administering to a subject a direct fed microbial in combination with a protease, a xylanase, an amylase and a phytase.

Abstract: A feed additive composition comprising a direct fed microbial in combination with a protease, a xylanase, an amylase and a phytase, and a method for improving the performance of a subject or for improving digestibility of a raw material in a feed (e.g. nutrient digestibility, such as amino acid digestibility), or for improving nitrogen retention, or for avoiding the negative effects of necrotic enteritis or for improving feed conversion ratio (FCR) or for improving weight gain in a subject or for improving feed efficiency in a subject or for modulating (e.g. improving) the immune response of the subject or for promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of a subject, which method comprising administering to a subject a direct fed microbial in combination with a protease, a xylanase, an amylase and a phytase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition including Bacillus subtilis strains 3A-P4 ATCC Accession No. PTA-6506, 22C-P1 ATCC Accession No. PTA-6508, and LSSA01 NRRL Accession No. NRRL B-50104. The present invention also relates to a method of administering an effective amount of a composition comprising Bacillus subtilis strains 3A-P4 ATCC Accession No. PTA-6506, 22C-P1 ATCC Accession No. PTA-6508, and LSSA01 NRRL Accession No. NRRL B-50104 to a calf.

Abstract: Strains and compositions of bacterium of the genus Propionibacterium are provided that reduce methane production in a ruminant animal. Strains and compositions can be used as a feed supplement. Also provided are methods for reducing methane production in a ruminant animal comprising the step of administering to the ruminant animal an effective amount of at least one strain of bacterium of the genus Propionibacterium.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel strain of Megasphaera elsdenii and its uses. This invention further relates to preparations and methods incorporating such strain. This invention also relates to feedstuffs for ruminants and a preparation and method for the prevention and treatment of lactic acidosis in ruminants. This invention even further relates to a method of isolating a biologically pure culture of a superior ruminal microorganism in a relatively shorter time period than conventional methods. This invention yet further relates to a method of achieving any one or more of the following improvements in ruminants namely increased milk production; improved feedlot performance; improved growth rate; decrease in finishing time; lower digestive morbidity and mortality; lower incidence of lactic acidosis and related diseases; improved feed conversion efficiency; decrease in roughage content in feeds; and capability to feed on relatively higher concentrate diets.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel strain of Megasphaera elsdenii and its uses. This invention further relates to preparations and methods incorporating such strain. This invention also relates to feedstuffs for ruminants and a preparation and method for the prevention and treatment of lactic acidosis in ruminants. This invention even further relates to a method of isolating a biologically pure culture of a superior ruminal microorganism in a relatively shorter time period than conventional methods. This invention yet further relates to a method of achieving any one or more of the following improvements in ruminants namely increased milk production; improved feedlot performance; improved growth rate; decrease in finishing time; lower digestive morbidity and mortality; lower incidence of lactic acidosis and related diseases; improved feed conversion efficiency; decrease in roughage content in feeds; and capability to feed on relatively higher concentrate diets.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel strain of Megasphaera elsdenii and its uses. This invention further relates to preparations and methods incorporating such strain. This invention also relates to feedstuffs for ruminants and a preparation and method for the prevention and treatment of lactic acidosis in ruminants. This invention even further relates to a method of isolating a biologically pure culture of a superior ruminal microorganism in a relatively shorter time period than conventional methods. This invention yet further relates to a method of achieving any one or more of the following improvements in ruminants namely increased milk production; improved feedlot performance; improved growth rate; decrease in finishing time; lower digestive morbidity and mortality; lower incidence of lactic acidosis and related diseases; improved feed conversion efficiency; decrease in roughage content in feeds; and capability to feed on relatively higher concentrate diets.