Abstract: The disclosure relates to a novel microbial genus Chordicoccus—and a type strain of the genus, Chordicoccus furentiruminis—along with compositions comprising the same. Furthermore, the disclosure teaches methods of utilizing the described microorganism, in methods for modulating the agricultural production of ruminants. In particular aspects, the disclosure provides methods of increasing feed efficiency and methods of decreasing acidosis.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to isolated microorganisms—including novel strains of the microorganisms such as Ruminococcus bovis sp. nov.—microbial ensembles, and compositions comprising the same. Furthermore, the disclosure teaches methods of utilizing the described microorganisms, microbial ensembles, and compositions comprising the same, in methods for modulating the production and yield of milk and milk components in ruminants. In particular aspects, the disclosure provides methods of increasing desirable components of milk in ruminants. Furthermore, the disclosure provides for methods of modulating the rumen microbiome.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of stabilization of microbial compositions comprising combining a population of pre-served microbial cells with at least one water activity scavenger (WAS) to a desired homogeneity level; and packaging and sealing the mixture of preserved microbial cells and the WAS. The present disclosure further relates to the stabilized microbial compositions and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of improving microbe viability after preservation comprising subjecting a population of target microbial cells to one or more preservation challenges and preparing a product using the population of preserved viability-enhanced microbial cells produced from said methods. The present disclosure further provides products comprising preserved viability-enhanced microbial cells produced by the methods described herein.

Abstract: A signal indicative of a distance from a first element to a second element, such as the end face of a piston from the end wall of its cylinder, is generated by providing an optical imager carried on a housing that is fixed on the end wall with the optical imager pointed to the end face. An image processor is arranged to identify image components, such as the end nut on the piston, from the acquired images of the first element. From the location of the nut the processor can identify the location of the outer edge of the circular end face and can determine the area of the end face in the image by counting pixels within the area. From the measured area as it appears in the image the distance can be calculated. The end face is illuminated by a light source shining through a light pipe passing through a drilled hole in the end wall. Characteristic markings can be applied on the end face for measuring distance when the nut is too close to be visible.