Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include polypeptides having ferulate esterase activity and the nucleic acid sequences that encode them. Methods of the embodiments utilize these ferulate esterase polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences to enhance the digestibility of plant cell walls and the accessibility of carbohydrates in plants. The invention provides for transgenic plants and bacteria transformed with expression vectors containing a DNA sequence encoding ferulate esterase from Lactobacillus buchneri. Methods of using same to enhance plant fiber digestion in animals, are disclosed. Uses of this invention include, but are not limited to, forage and silage with improved digestibility for livestock, and enhanced biomass conversion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include polypeptides having ferulate esterase activity and the nucleic acid sequences that encode them. Methods of the embodiments utilize these ferulate esterase polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences to enhance the digestibility of plant cell walls and the accessibility of carbohydrates in plants. The invention provides for transgenic plants transformed with expression vectors containing a DNA sequence encoding ferulate esterase from Lactobacillus buchneri. Methods of using same to enhance plant fiber digestion in animals, are disclosed. Uses of this invention include, but are not limited to, forage and silage with improved digestibility for livestock, and enhanced biomass conversion.

Abstract: Electroporation methods for transferring a nucleic acid of interest, including ferulic acid esterase nucleic acid, into bacterial host cells, such as Lactobacillus spp. are disclosed. Compositions of transformed bacterial host cells, such as transformed Lactobacillus buchneri, and use assays are provided.

Abstract: A method for treating silage to enhance aerobic stability by inhibiting growth of microorganisms selected from yeasts, molds and spore-forming bacteria is disclosed. The method comprises treating silage or feed with a composition comprising Lactobacillus buchneri, LN 1326, or the antimicrobial components produced thereby. The strain of Lactobacillus buchneri disclosed in the invention has been purified and isolated and has been found to be nontoxic, safe and able to improve aerobic stability of silage.

Abstract: A method for treating silage to enhance aerobic stability by inhibiting growth of microorganisms selected from yeasts, molds and spore-forming bacteria is disclosed. The method comprises treating silage or feed with a composition comprising Lactobacillus buchneri, LN1286, or the antimicrobial components produced thereby. The strain of Lactobacillus buchneri disclosed in the invention has been purified and isolated and has been found to be nontoxic, safe and able to improve aerobic stability of silage.

Abstract: A method for treating silage to enhance aerobic stability by inhibiting growth of microorganisms selected from yeasts, molds and spore-forming bacteria is disclosed. The method comprises treating silage or feed with a composition comprising Lactobacillus buchneri, LN1284, or the antimicrobial components produced thereby. The strain of Lactobacillus buchneri disclosed in the invention has been purified and isolated and has been found to be nontoxic, safe and able to improve aerobic stability of silage.

Abstract: A method for treating silage to enhance aerobic stability by inhibiting growth of microorganisms selected from yeasts, molds and spore-forming bacteria is disclosed. The method comprises treating silage or feed with a composition comprising Lactobacillus buchneri, LN1297, or the antimicrobial components produced thereby. The strain of Lactobacillus buchneri disclosed in the invention has been purified and isolated and has been found to be nontoxic, safe and able to improve aerobic stability of silage.

Abstract: A method for treating silage to enhance aerobic stability by inhibiting growth of microorganisms selected from yeasts, molds and spore-forming bacteria is disclosed. The method comprises treating silage or feed with a composition comprising Lactobacillus buchneri, LN5665, or the antimicrobial components produced thereby. The strain of Lactobacillus buchneri disclosed in the invention has been purified and isolated and has been found to be nontoxic, safe and able to improve aerobic stability of silage.

Abstract: A method for treating silage to enhance aerobic stability by inhibiting growth of microorganisms selected from yeasts, molds and spore-forming bacteria is disclosed. The method comprises treating silage or feed with a composition comprising Lactobacillus buchneri, LN5689, or the antimicrobial components produced thereby. The strain of Lactobacillus buchneri disclosed in the invention has been purified and isolated and has been found to be nontoxic, safe and able to improve aerobic stability of silage.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include polypeptides having ferulate esterase activity and the nucleic acid sequences that encode them. Methods of the embodiments utilize these ferulate esterase polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences to enhance the digestibility of plant cell walls and the accessibility of carbohydrates in plants. The invention provides for transgenic plants transformed with expression vectors containing a DNA sequence encoding ferulate esterase from Lactobacillus buchneri. Methods of using same to enhance plant fiber digestion in animals, are disclosed. Uses of this invention include, but are not limited to, forage and silage with improved digestibility for livestock, and enhanced biomass conversion.