Abstract: Disclosed is a feed additive which increases the availability of butyric acid and a pre-biotic to the intestinal mucosa and to beneficial microflora in the gut, respectively. The feed composition contains tributyrin and lactitol, a non-digestible oligosaccharide.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a Bifidobacterium strain isolate that is incorporated into food, beverages, animal feeds, and/or dietary supplements. It can be used to provide a healthful bacteria to human adults and non-human mammals. The bacterium acts as a probiotic. For example, the bacterium assists newborns in producing protective acetic acid and lactic acid, as well as antimicrobials and vitamins. The bacterium can also be used to reseed bacteria levels caused by diarrhea, chemotherapy, advancing age, antibiotics, or other causes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a Bifidobacterium strain isolate. It can be used as an additive to infant food and beverage products, as well as to provide a healthful bacteria to human adults and non-human mammals. The bacterium acts as a probiotic. For example, the bacterium assists newborns in producing protective acetic acid and lactic acid, as well as antimicrobials and vitamins. The bacterium can also be used to reseed bacteria levels caused by diarrhea, chemotherapy, advancing age, antibiotics, or other causes.

Abstract: An assay for detecting virulent L. monocytogenes is provided. This assay includes the steps of: contacting the nucleic acids of L. monocytogenes with a probe under conditions permitting hybridization; and detecting any probe that hybridizes to the nucleic acids. The probe used in this method includes a DNA sequence selected from a group consisting of a 0.9 kb HindIII-EcoRI fragment of plasmid pLUCH52, or a part thereof; a 1.1 kb HindIII-EcoRI fragment of plasmid pLUCH51, or a part thereof; and a 1.8 kb HindIII-EcoRI fragment of plasmid pLUCH44, or a part thereof).