Abstract: An isolated microorganism comprising a Propionibacteria strain. When the microorganism is fed to a ruminant, protein and fat levels in milk produced by the ruminant are increased, while body condition and milk production levels are maintained. When fed to the ruminant, the microorganism also has positive effects on various metabolic hormones and metabolites, e.g, an increase in energy balance, plasma non-esterified fatty acids levels, and plasma leptin level. Supplementation with propionibacteria reduced dry matter intake but did not affect milk production in the cows. Therefore, the propionibacteria of the invention made the cows more energy efficient as cows produced the same amount of milk, yet consumed less dry matter.

Abstract: Waste such as livestock waste is treated with a combination of protease-producing bacteria and denitrifying bacteria that synergistically reduce nitrogen concentration, and further reduce noxious odors associated with anaerobic decomposition. The protease-producing bacteria break down complex proteins in the waste which enables ammonification by other naturally occurring microorganisms already present in the waste. The denitrifying bacteria then convert products of ammonification such as nitrates and nitrites to nitrogen gas which is released into the atmosphere. The protease-producing bacteria produce neutral and alkaline proteases, and are preferably from the genus Bacillus and include Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens provided at a level of at least approximately 4.5×104 CFU/ml.

Abstract: The present invention is a biological waste treatment product that utilizes the activity of scientifically selected bacteria to control the decomposition of poultry litter thereby improving litter quality. The end result is improved health and performance of the birds while also reducing the incidence of foot scabs and other lesions caused by poor litter conditions. Application of the unique combination of bacteria of the present invention results in several biochemical effects proving to be beneficial to the quality of the litter and thus the health and performance of the birds. Specially, bacteria of the present invention produce broad spectrum antimicrobial proteins active against gram (-) bacteria. The reduction of gram (-) bacteria reduces the level of microbial pathogens in the litter as well as reduces the population of gram (-) bacteria that break down uric acid into ammonia.