Abstract: Compositions and methods are disclosed for providing beneficial effects to animals, such as reducing harmful pathogens and increasing performance. In one embodiment, the composition is a gel that can be applied to a bird to increase performance and reduce pathogens. In yet another embodiment, the composition further comprises one or more direct fed microbial (“DFM”). In still another embodiment, methods are disclosed for treatment of and/or for the prevention of diseases of birds.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, and systems for producing cheese with S. thermophilus and a urease inhibitor, and for producing cottage cheese with S. thermophilus that is partially or completely deficient in its ability to release ammonia from urea. The present invention also provides methods, compositions, and systems for reducing the amount of open texture (e.g., slits, cracks, or fractures) in gassy cheeses, such as cheddar cheese.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for producing cheese with S. thermophilus and a urease inhibitor, and for producing hard or semi-hard cheese, such as cheddar, with S. thermophilus that is partially or completely deficient in its ability to release ammonia from urea are provided. Methods and compositions for reducing, the amount of open texture (e.g., slits, cracks, or fractures) in hard and semi-hard cheeses, as well as hard and semi-hard cheeses that comprise one or more S. thermophilus bacteria that are partially or completely deficient in their ability to release ammonia from urea, are also provided.