Microorganisms for bacterial inhibition

Abstract

The present invention relates to direct feeding microorganisms for inhibiting Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Clostridium in an animal. More specifically, the present invention relates to isolated Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL number B-67706), CM857 (NRRL number B-67705), CM978 (NRRL number B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL number B-67708) and MDG1607 (NRRL number B-67666), as well as to the use of strains having all of the identifying characteristics of these strains, comprising the above use. The present invention also relates to isolated Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL number B-67706), CM857 (NRRL number B-67705), CM978 (NRRL number B-67703) and CM1004 (NRRL number B-67708) and the use of strains having all identifying characteristics of these strains in the treatment of plants suffering from a disease caused by E. coli, Salmonella and / or Clostridium.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 506,993, filed June 8, 2023, pursuant to 35 USC §119(e), the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] open field This invention relates to direct-feed microorganisms for inhibiting Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium in animals. More specifically, this invention relates to isolated Bacillus spp. (…). Bacillus The invention relates to the use of isolated Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and strains having all the identification characteristics of these strains, for use in the purposes including the above-described uses. The invention also relates to the use of isolated Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), and CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and strains having all the identification characteristics of these strains, in the treatment of plants suffering from diseases caused by Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium.

[0003] Background and Overview of the Invention This invention relates to direct-feed microbial (DFM) compositions and methods for inhibiting *Escherichia coli*, *Salmonella*, and / or *Clostridium* in animals. The gastrointestinal tract of animals is constantly challenged by a large number of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa in feed, bedding, and the environment. The gastrointestinal tract possesses a complex system of physical, chemical, and immune defenses against these potential pathogens. Beneficial bacteria are an important component of this system because they provide animals with bacteria that help establish (or rebuild) a normal bacterial spectrum, enhance the animal's immune system, and help fight diseases (e.g., diseases caused by *E. coli*, *Salmonella*, and / or *Clostridium* in animals). Due to the importance of the prevention and treatment of *E. coli*, *Salmonella*, and / or *Clostridium* diseases in animals to both agriculture and human food supply, there is a need for direct-feed microbial strains that inhibit *E. coli*, *Salmonella*, and / or *Clostridium* in animals, such as agricultural animals.

[0004] Applicants have developed direct fed microbial that results in the inhibition of E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia. The direct fed microbials and compositions comprising direct fed microbials described herein provide a commercial benefit by providing for the inhibition of E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia in an animal, such as an agricultural animal. Further, the direct fed microbial compositions described herein result in a reduction or elimination of antibiotic use, thereby reducing the overall cost of animal feed and reducing the development of antibiotic resistance. Further, these microbial strains, as well as strains having all of the identifying characteristics of these strains, can be used to treat a plant suffering from a disease caused by E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia.

[0005] Methods and compositions are provided that inhibit E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia in an animal. In various embodiments, the animal can be selected from the group consisting of an avian species, a porcine species, a caprine species, a bovine species, an ovine species, an equine species, and a companion animal. In embodiments where the animal is an avian species, the avian species can be selected from the group consisting of broiler, chicken, layer, breeder, turkey, turkey poults, gosling, duckling, guinea pig, pullet, hen, cockerel, and capon. In embodiments where the animal is a porcine species, the porcine species can be selected from the group consisting of grower-finisher, nursery pig, sow, and breeding pig.

[0006] In one embodiment, a method of feeding an animal is provided. The method includes the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strain results in the inhibition of E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia in the animal.

[0007] In another embodiment, a method of controlling the detrimental effects of E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia is provided. The method includes the step of administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, and controlling the detrimental effects of E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia in the animal.

[0008] In still another embodiment, a commercial package is provided comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof.

[0009] In still another embodiment, a feed additive for animal feed is provided, comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof.

[0010] In another illustrative embodiment, an additive for animal drinking water is provided, comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof.

[0011] In another aspect, an animal feed composition is provided comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof.

[0012] In still another embodiment, a method of feeding an animal is provided. The method includes the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof.

[0013] In another illustrative aspect, a method of treating a plant to inhibit a bacterial disease caused by E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium is provided. The method includes contacting the plant with a composition comprising an effective amount of an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, and inhibiting E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium in the plant.

[0014] The following clauses, and combinations thereof, provide various additional illustrative aspects of the application described herein. The various embodiments described in any other part of this patent application, including the section entitled "Detailed Description of Illustrative Embodiments" and the Examples, apply to any of the following embodiments of the application described in the following clauses.

[0015] 1. A method of feeding an animal, the method comprising the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strain causes E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium inhibition in the animal.

[0016] 2. The method of clause 1, wherein the animal has a disease caused by E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia.

[0017] 3. The method of clause 1, wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of a poultry species, a swine species, a goat species, a bovine species, a sheep species, an equine species, and a companion animal.

[0018] 4. The method of clause 3, wherein the poultry species is broiler chickens.

[0019] 5. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia inhibition prevents E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia disease in the animal.

[0020] 6. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia inhibition reduces E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia disease in the animal.

[0021] 7. The method of clause 3, wherein the animal is a swine species, and the swine species is selected from the group consisting of grow-finish pigs, nursery pigs, sows, and breeding stock.

[0022] 8. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the Bacillus strain produces an enzyme selected from the group consisting of a-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, xylanase, cellulase, and combinations thereof.

[0023] 9. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 8, further comprising the step of administering to the animal another bacterial strain selected from the group consisting of another Bacillus strain, a lactic acid bacterial strain, and combinations thereof.

[0024] 10. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the administered strain is Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706).

[0025] 11. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the administered strain is Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705).

[0026] 12. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the administered strain is Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703).

[0027] 13. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the administered strain is Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708).

[0028] 14. The method of any one of clauses 1-9, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

[0029] 15. The method of any one of clauses 1-9, wherein Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666) are all administered.

[0030] 16. The method of any one of clauses 1-15, wherein the Bacillus strain is administered in the feed composition at a dosage of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / gram of feed composition to about 5.0 x 10 12 CFU / gram of feed composition.

[0031] 17. The method of any one of clauses 1-15, wherein the Bacillus strain is administered in the feed composition at a dosage of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / gram of feed composition to about 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / gram of feed composition.

[0032] 18. The method of any one of clauses 1-15, wherein the Bacillus strain is administered in the feed composition at a dosage of greater than about 7.0 x 10 4 CFU / gram of feed composition.

[0033] 19. The method of any one of clauses 1-18, further comprising the step of administering an antibiotic to the animal.

[0034] 20. The method of any one of clauses 1-19, further comprising the step of administering to the animal an enzyme selected from the group consisting of galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, phytase, and combinations thereof.

[0035] 21. The method of clause 20, wherein the enzyme is NSPase or phytase.

[0036] 22. The method of clause 3, wherein the animal is a companion animal.

[0037] 23. The method of clause 22, wherein the animal is a canine species or a feline species.

[0038] 24. The method of clause 3, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during lactation.

[0039] 25. The method of clause 3, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during gestation.

[0040] 26. The method of any one of clauses 1-25, wherein the feed composition is administered to the animal daily.

[0041] 27. The method of clause 1, wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of a chicken, a pig, a horse, a pony, a cow, a turkey, a goat, a sheep, a quail, a pheasant, an ostrich, a duck, a fish, a crustacean, and combinations thereof.

[0042] 28. A method of controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia, the method comprising the step of administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, and controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia in the animal.

[0043] 29. The method of clause 28, wherein the animal has a disease caused by E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia.

[0044] 30. The method of clause 28, wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of a poultry species, a pig species, a goat species, a cow species, a sheep species, a horse species, and a companion animal.

[0045] 31. The method of clause 30, wherein the poultry species is a broiler chicken.

[0046] 32. The method of any one of clauses 28-31, wherein the E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia inhibition prevents E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia disease in the animal.

[0047] 33. The method of any one of clauses 28-31, wherein the E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia inhibition reduces E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia disease in the animal.

[0048] 34. The method of clause 30, wherein the animal is a swine species, and the swine species is selected from the group consisting of grow-finish pigs, nursery pigs, sows, and breeding stock.

[0049] 35. The method of any one of clauses 28-34, wherein the Bacillus strain produces an enzyme selected from the group consisting of a-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, xylanase, cellulase, and combinations thereof.

[0050] 36. The method of any one of clauses 28-35, further comprising the step of administering to the animal another bacterial strain selected from the group consisting of another Bacillus strain, a lactic acid bacterial strain, and combinations thereof.

[0051] 37. The method of any one of clauses 28-36, wherein the administered strain is Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706).

[0052] 38. The method of any one of clauses 28-36, wherein the administered strain is Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705).

[0053] 39. The method of any one of clauses 28-36, wherein the administered strain is Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703).

[0054] 40. The method of any one of clauses 28-36, wherein the administered strain is Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708).

[0055] 41. The method of any one of clauses 28-36, wherein the administered strain is Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

[0056] 42. The method of any one of clauses 28-36, wherein Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666) are all administered.

[0057] 43. The method of any one of clauses 28-42, wherein the Bacillus strain is administered in the feed composition at a dosage of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / gram of feed composition to about 5.0 x 10 12 CFU / gram of feed composition.

[0058] 44. The method of any one of clauses 28-42, wherein the Bacillus strain is administered in the feed composition at a dosage of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / gram of feed composition to about 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / gram of feed composition.

[0059] 45. The method of any one of clauses 28-42, wherein the Bacillus strain is administered in the feed composition at a dosage of greater than about 7.0 x 10 4 CFU / gram of feed composition.

[0060] 46. The method of any one of clauses 28-45, further comprising the step of administering an antibiotic to the animal.

[0061] 47. The method of any one of clauses 28-46, further comprising the step of administering to the animal an enzyme selected from the group consisting of galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, phytase, and combinations thereof.

[0062] 48. The method of clause 47, wherein the enzyme is NSPase or phytase.

[0063] 49. The method of clause 30, wherein the animal is a companion animal.

[0064] 50. The method of clause 49, wherein the animal is a canine species or a feline species.

[0065] 51. The method of clause 30, wherein the animal is a sow, and the Bacillus strain is administered during lactation.

[0066] 52. The method of clause 30, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during gestation.

[0067] 53. The method of any one of clauses 28-50, wherein the feed composition is administered to the animal daily.

[0068] 54. The method of clause 28, wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of a chicken, a pig, a horse, a pony, a cow, a turkey, a goat, a sheep, a quail, a pheasant, an ostrich, a duck, a fish, a crustacean, and combinations thereof.

[0069] 55. A commercial package comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof.

[0070] 56. An animal feed additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof.

[0071] 57. An additive for animal drinking water comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705); a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof.

[0072] 58. An animal feed composition comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof.

[0073] 59. The commercial package, feed additive, feed composition, or additive for animal drinking water of any one of clauses 55-58, wherein the Bacillus strain results in an effect selected from the group consisting of preventing E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia disease, reducing E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia disease, maintaining animal microbial balance, and combinations thereof.

[0074] 60. The commercial package, feed additive, feed composition, or additive for animal drinking water of any one of clauses 55-59, wherein the Bacillus strain reduces E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia disease in an animal.

[0075] 61. The feed additive or additive for animal drinking water of clause 56 or 57 in the form of a concentrate.

[0076] 62. The feed additive or additive for animal drinking water of clause 56 or 57 in the form of a super concentrate.

[0077] 63. The feed additive, feed composition or additive for animal drinking water of any one of clauses 56 to 62 in dry form.

[0078] 64. The feed composition of clause 63 in granular form.

[0079] 65. The commercial package of clause 55, wherein the form of the strain is selected from the group consisting of a powder, a liquid and a granular form.

[0080] 66. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water or feed composition of any one of clauses 55 to 65, further comprising a carrier for the Bacillus strain.

[0081] 67. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water or feed composition of clause 66, wherein the carrier is selected from the group consisting of bran, rice hulls, salt, dextrin and combinations thereof.

[0082] 68. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water or feed composition of any one of clauses 55 to 67, packed in a bag.

[0083] 69. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water or feed composition of clause 68, wherein the bag is a plastic bag.

[0084] 70. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water or feed composition of any one of clauses 55 to 69, further comprising instructions for use of the one or more Bacillus strains.

[0085] 71. The commercial package, feed additive, feed composition or additive for animal drinking water of any one of clauses 68 to 70, packed in a 20 pound bag.

[0086] 72. The commercial package, feed additive, feed composition or additive for animal drinking water of any one of clauses 68 to 70, packed in a 50 pound bag.

[0087] 73. The feed additive or additive for animal drinking water of any one of clauses 56, 57, 59-63, or 66-72 in powder form.

[0088] 74. The feed additive or additive for animal drinking water of any one of clauses 56, 57, 59-60, or 68-70 in liquid form.

[0089] 75. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition of any one of clauses 55-74 in a container for commercial use.

[0090] 76. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition of clause 75, wherein the container comprises plastic.

[0091] 77. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition of clause 75, wherein the container comprises paper.

[0092] 78. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition of any one of clauses 55-77, further comprising a binder.

[0093] 79. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition of clause 78, wherein the binder is selected from the group consisting of clay, yeast cell wall components, aluminum silicate, and dextran, or combinations thereof.

[0094] 80. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition of any one of clauses 55-79, comprising isolated Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and together with one or more isolated Bacillus strains selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), and / or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708).

[0095] 81. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition of any one of clauses 55 to 79, comprising all of Bacillus isolated strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), and CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708).

[0096] 82. An animal feeding method, the method comprising the step of administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof.

[0097] 83. The method of clause 82, wherein the animal has a disease caused by E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia.

[0098] 84. The method of clause 82, wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of poultry species, swine species, goat species, bovine species, sheep species, equine species, and companion animals.

[0099] 85. The method of clause 84, wherein the poultry species is broiler chicken.

[0100] 86. The method of any one of clauses 82 to 85, wherein the E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia inhibits preventing E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia disease in the animal.

[0101] 87. The method of any one of clauses 82 to 85, wherein the E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia inhibits reducing E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia disease in the animal.

[0102] 88. The method of clause 84, wherein the animal is a swine species, and the swine species is selected from the group consisting of a growing-finishing pig, a nursery pig, a sow, and a breeding pig.

[0103] 89. The method of any one of clauses 82-88, wherein the Bacillus strain produces an enzyme selected from the group consisting of an alpha-galactosidase, a protease, a lipase, an amylase, a xylanase, a cellulase, and combinations thereof.

[0104] 90. The method of any one of clauses 82-89, further comprising the step of administering to the animal another bacterial strain selected from the group consisting of another Bacillus strain, a lactic acid bacterial strain, and combinations thereof.

[0105] 91. The method of any one of clauses 82-90, wherein the administered strain is Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706).

[0106] 92. The method of any one of clauses 82-90, wherein the administered strain is Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705).

[0107] 93. The method of any one of clauses 82-90, wherein the administered strain is Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703).

[0108] 94. The method of any one of clauses 82-90, wherein the administered strain is Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708).

[0109] 95. The method of any one of clauses 82-90, wherein the administered strain is Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

[0110] 96. The method of any one of clauses 82-90, wherein Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666) are all administered.

[0111] 97. The method of any one of clauses 82-96, wherein the Bacillus strain is administered in the feed composition at a dosage of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / gram of feed composition to about 5.0 x 10 12 CFU / gram of feed composition.

[0112] 98. The method of any one of clauses 82-96, wherein the Bacillus strain is administered in the feed composition at a dosage of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / gram of feed composition to about 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / gram of feed composition.

[0113] 99. The method of any one of clauses 82-96, wherein the Bacillus strain is administered in the feed composition at a dosage of greater than about 7.0 x 10 4 CFU / gram of feed composition.

[0114] 100. The method of any one of clauses 82-99, further comprising the step of administering an antibiotic to the animal.

[0115] 101. The method of any one of clauses 82-99, further comprising the step of administering an enzyme selected from the group consisting of galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, phytase, and combinations thereof, to the animal.

[0116] 102. The method of clause 101, wherein the enzyme is NSPase or phytase.

[0117] 103. The method of clause 84, wherein the animal is a companion animal.

[0118] 104. The method of clause 103, wherein the animal is a canine species or a feline species.

[0119] 105. The method of clause 84, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during lactation.

[0120] 106. The method of clause 84, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during gestation.

[0121] 107. The method of any one of clauses 82-104, wherein the feed composition is administered to the animal daily.

[0122] 108. The method of clause 82, wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of chicken, pig, horse, pony, cow, turkey, goat, sheep, quail, pheasant, ostrich, duck, fish, crustacean, and combinations thereof.

[0123] 109. A method of treating a plant to inhibit a bacterial disease caused by E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium, the method comprising contacting the plant with a composition comprising an effective amount of an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, and inhibiting E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium in the plant.

[0124] 110. The method of clause 109, wherein the plant has a disease caused by E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium.

[0125] 111. The method of clause 109 or 110, wherein the strain used is Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706).

[0126] 112. The method of clause 109 or 110, wherein the strain used is Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705).

[0127] 113. The method of clause 109 or 110, wherein the strain used is Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703).

[0128] 114. The method of clause 109 or 110, wherein the strain used is Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708).

[0129] 115. The method of clause 109 or 110, wherein the strain used is Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

[0130] 116. The method of clause 109 or 110, wherein Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666) are all used to treat the plant.

[0131] 117. The method of clause 109 or 110, wherein isolated Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), is used in combination with one or more isolated Bacillus strains selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), and / or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708) to treat the plant. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0132] Figures 1A-1C Efficacy results for whole cell preparations of Bacillus strains CM256, CM857, CM978, CM1004, and MDG1607 against various bacterial isolates are shown. Figure 1A Efficacy results for whole cell preparations of Bacillus strains CM256, CM857, CM978, CM1004, and MDG1607 against various E. coli isolates are shown. Figure 1B Efficacy results for whole cell preparations of Bacillus strains CM256, CM857, CM978, CM1004, and MDG1607 against various Clostridium isolates are shown. Figure 1C Efficacy results for whole cell preparations of Bacillus strains CM256, CM857, CM978, CM1004, and MDG1607 against various Salmonella isolates are shown.

[0133] Figures 2A-2E RAPD test results for Bacillus strains of the disclosure are shown. Figure 2A RAPD test results for Bacillus strain CM256 are shown.Figure 2B RAPD test results for Bacillus strain CM978 are shown. Figure 2C RAPD test results for Bacillus strain CM978 are shown. Figure 2D RAPD test results for Bacillus strain CM978 are shown. Figure 2E RAPD test results for Bacillus strain MDG1607 are shown.

[0134] Figure 3 Results of whole cell preparation for lipase, amylase, protease, xylanase, and cellulase enzyme activity for Bacillus strains CM256, CM857, CM978, CM1004, and MDG1607 are shown.

[0135] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS Methods and compositions for inhibiting E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia in an animal are provided. In various embodiments, the animal can be selected from the group consisting of a poultry species, a swine species, a goat species, a bovine species, a sheep species, a horse species, and a companion animal. In embodiments where the animal is a poultry species, the poultry species can be selected from the group consisting of broiler, chicken, layer, breeder, turkey, turkey poults, gosling, duckling, guinea pig, pullet, hen, cockerel, and capon. In embodiments where the animal is a swine species, the swine species can be selected from the group consisting of growing-finishing swine, grower, sow, and boar.

[0136] In one embodiment, a method of feeding an animal is provided. The method includes the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strain can inhibit E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia in the animal.

[0137] In another embodiment, a method of controlling the detrimental effects of E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia is provided. The method includes the step of administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, and controlling the detrimental effects of E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia in the animal. In one embodiment, a method of controlling the detrimental effects of E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia is provided, wherein the method includes the step of administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), and CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), or any combination thereof.

[0138] In still another embodiment, a commercial package is provided comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof.

[0139] In still another embodiment, a feed additive for animal feed is provided, comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, a feed additive for animal feed is provided, comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), and CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), or any combination thereof.

[0140] In another illustrative embodiment, an additive for animal drinking water is provided comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, an additive for animal drinking water is provided comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), and CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), or any combination thereof.

[0141] In another aspect, an animal feed composition is provided comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, an animal feed composition is provided comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), and CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), or any combination thereof.

[0142] In still another embodiment, a method of feeding an animal is provided. The method includes the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof.

[0143] In another illustrative aspect, a method of treating a plant to inhibit a bacterial disease caused by E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium is provided. The method includes contacting the plant with a composition comprising an effective amount of an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, and inhibiting E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium in the plant.

[0144] The following clauses, and combinations thereof, provide various additional illustrative aspects of the application described herein. Various embodiments are described in this section entitled "Detailed Description of Illustrative Embodiments," and apply to any of the embodiments of the application described in the following numbered clauses.

[0145] 1. A method of feeding an animal, the method comprising the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strain causes E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium inhibition in the animal.

[0146] 2. The method of clause 1, wherein the animal has a disease caused by E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia.

[0147] 3. The method of clause 1, wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of poultry species, swine species, goat species, bovine species, sheep species, equine species, and companion animals.

[0148] 4. The method of clause 3, wherein the poultry species is broiler chickens.

[0149] 5. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia inhibition prevents E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia disease in the animal.

[0150] 6. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia inhibition reduces E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia disease in the animal.

[0151] 7. The method of clause 3, wherein the animal is a swine species, and the swine species is selected from the group consisting of growing-finishing swine, nursery swine, sows, and breeding swine.

[0152] 8. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 7, wherein the Bacillus strain produces an enzyme selected from the group consisting of a-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, xylanase, cellulase, and combinations thereof.

[0153] 9. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 8, further comprising the step of administering to the animal another bacterial strain selected from the group consisting of another Bacillus strain, a lactic acid bacterial strain, and combinations thereof.

[0154] 10. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the administered strain is Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706).

[0155] 11. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the administered strain is Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705).

[0156] 12. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the administered strain is Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703).

[0157] 13. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the administered strain is Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708).

[0158] 14. The method of any one of clauses 1-9, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

[0159] 15. The method of any one of clauses 1-9, wherein Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666) are all administered.

[0160] 16. The method of any one of clauses 1-15, wherein the Bacillus strain is administered in the feed composition at a dosage of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / gram of feed composition to about 5.0 x 10 12 CFU / gram of feed composition.

[0161] 17. The method of any one of clauses 1-15, wherein the Bacillus strain is administered in the feed composition at a dosage of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / gram of feed composition to about 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / gram of feed composition.

[0162] 18. The method of any one of clauses 1-15, wherein the Bacillus strain is administered in the feed composition at a dosage of greater than about 7.0 x 10 4 CFU / gram of feed composition.

[0163] 19. The method of any one of clauses 1-18, further comprising the step of administering an antibiotic to the animal.

[0164] 20. The method of any one of clauses 1-19, further comprising the step of administering to the animal an enzyme selected from the group consisting of galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, phytase, and combinations thereof.

[0165] 21. The method of clause 20, wherein the enzyme is NSPase or phytase.

[0166] 22. The method of clause 3, wherein the animal is a companion animal.

[0167] 23. The method of clause 22, wherein the animal is a canine species or a feline species.

[0168] 24. The method of clause 3, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during lactation.

[0169] 25. The method of clause 3, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during gestation.

[0170] 26. The method of any one of clauses 1-25, wherein the feed composition is administered to the animal daily.

[0171] 27. The method of clause 1, wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of a chicken, a pig, a horse, a pony, a cow, a turkey, a goat, a sheep, a quail, a pheasant, an ostrich, a duck, a fish, a crustacean, and combinations thereof.

[0172] 28. A method of controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia, the method comprising the step of administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, and controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia in the animal.

[0173] 29. The method of clause 28, wherein the animal has a disease caused by E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia.

[0174] 30. The method of clause 28, wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of a poultry species, a pig species, a goat species, a cow species, a sheep species, a horse species, and a companion animal.

[0175] 31. The method of clause 30, wherein the poultry species is a broiler chicken.

[0176] 32. The method of any one of clauses 28-31, wherein the E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia inhibition prevents E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia disease in the animal.

[0177] 33. The method of any one of clauses 28-31, wherein the E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia inhibition reduces E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia disease in the animal.

[0178] 34. The method of clause 30, wherein the animal is a swine species, and the swine species is selected from the group consisting of grow-finish pigs, nursery pigs, sows, and breeding stock.

[0179] 35. The method of any one of clauses 28-34, wherein the Bacillus strain produces an enzyme selected from the group consisting of a-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, xylanase, cellulase, and combinations thereof.

[0180] 36. The method of any one of clauses 28-35, further comprising the step of administering to the animal another bacterial strain selected from the group consisting of another Bacillus strain, a lactic acid bacterial strain, and combinations thereof.

[0181] 37. The method of any one of clauses 28-36, wherein the administered strain is Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706).

[0182] 38. The method of any one of clauses 28-36, wherein the administered strain is Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705).

[0183] 39. The method of any one of clauses 28-36, wherein the administered strain is Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703).

[0184] 40. The method of any one of clauses 28-36, wherein the administered strain is Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708).

[0185] 41. The method of any one of clauses 28-36, wherein the administered strain is Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

[0186] 42. The method of any one of clauses 28-36, wherein Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666) are all administered.

[0187] 43. The method of any one of clauses 28-42, wherein the Bacillus strain is administered in the feed composition at a dosage of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / gram of feed composition to about 5.0 x 10 12 CFU / gram of feed composition.

[0188] 44. The method of any one of clauses 28-42, wherein the Bacillus strain is administered in the feed composition at a dosage of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / gram of feed composition to about 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / gram of feed composition.

[0189] 45. The method of any one of clauses 28-42, wherein the Bacillus strain is administered in the feed composition at a dosage of greater than about 7.0 x 10 4 CFU / gram of feed composition.

[0190] 46. The method of any one of clauses 28-45, further comprising the step of administering an antibiotic to the animal.

[0191] 47. The method of any one of clauses 28-46, further comprising the step of administering to the animal an enzyme selected from the group consisting of galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, phytase, and combinations thereof.

[0192] 48. The method of clause 47, wherein the enzyme is NSPase or phytase.

[0193] 49. The method of clause 30, wherein the animal is a companion animal.

[0194] 50. The method of clause 49, wherein the animal is a canine species or a feline species.

[0195] 51. The method of clause 30, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during lactation.

[0196] 52. The method of clause 30, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during gestation.

[0197] 53. The method of any one of clauses 28-50, wherein the feed composition is administered to the animal every day.

[0198] 54. The method of clause 28, wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of a chicken, a pig, a horse, a pony, a cow, a turkey, a goat, a sheep, a quail, a pheasant, an ostrich, a duck, a fish, a crustacean, and combinations thereof.

[0199] 55. A commercial package comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof.

[0200] 56. An animal feed additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof.

[0201] 57. An additive for animal drinking water comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705); a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof.

[0202] 58. An animal feed composition comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof.

[0203] 59. The commercial package, feed additive, feed composition, or additive for animal drinking water of any one of clauses 55-58, wherein the Bacillus strain results in an effect selected from the group consisting of preventing E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia disease, reducing E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia disease, maintaining animal microbial balance, and combinations thereof.

[0204] 60. The commercial package, feed additive, feed composition, or additive for animal drinking water of any one of clauses 55-59, wherein the Bacillus strain reduces E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridia disease in an animal.

[0205] 61. Feed additives or additives for animal drinking water as described in Clause 56 or 57, in the form of a concentrate.

[0206] 62. Feed additives or additives for animal drinking water as described in Clause 56 or 57, in the form of ultra-concentrated products.

[0207] 63. The feed additive, feed composition or additive for animal drinking water according to any one of clauses 56 to 62, in dry form.

[0208] 64. The feed composition according to Clause 63, which is in pellet form.

[0209] 65. The commercial packaging as described in Clause 55, wherein the strain is selected from powder, liquid and granular forms.

[0210] 66. A commercially packaged, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water or feed composition according to any one of clauses 55 to 65, further comprising a carrier for the said Bacillus strain.

[0211] 67. The commercial packaging, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water or feed composition as described in Clause 66, wherein the carrier is selected from bran, rice husk, salt, dextrin and combinations thereof.

[0212] 68. Commercial packaging, feed additives, additives for animal drinking water, or feed compositions in accordance with any one of clauses 55 to 67, wherein the packaging is in a bag.

[0213] 69. Commercial packaging, feed additives, additives for animal drinking water, or feed compositions as described in Clause 68, wherein the bag is a plastic bag.

[0214] 70. Commercial packaging, feed additives, additives for animal drinking water or feed compositions according to any one of Clauses 55 to 69, further comprising instructions for use of one or more Bacillus strains.

[0215] 71. Commercially packaged feed additives, feed compositions or additives for animal drinking water, as described in any one of Clauses 68 to 70, in 20-pound bags.

[0216] 72. Commercially packaged feed additives, feed compositions or additives for animal drinking water, as described in any one of Clauses 68 to 70, in 50-pound bags.

[0217] 73. Feed additives or additives for animal drinking water in accordance with any one of clauses 56, 57, 59 to 63 or 66 to 72, in powder form.

[0218] 74. Feed additives or additives for animal drinking water in accordance with any one of clauses 56, 57, 59 to 60 or 68 to 70, in liquid form.

[0219] 75. Commercial packaging, feed additives, additives for animal drinking water or feed compositions according to any one of clauses 55 to 74, contained in containers intended for commercial use.

[0220] 76. The commercial packaging, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition described in Clause 75, wherein the container comprises plastic.

[0221] 77. The commercial packaging, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition as described in Clause 75, wherein the container comprises paper.

[0222] 78. The commercial packaging, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water or feed composition according to any one of clauses 55 to 77, further comprising an adhesive.

[0223] 79. The commercial packaging, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water or feed composition as described in Clause 78, wherein the binder is selected from clay, yeast cell wall components, aluminum silicate and dextran, or combinations thereof.

[0224] 80. A commercially packaged, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition according to any one of clauses 55 to 79, comprising an isolated Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), together with Bacillus strains selected from CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), C One or more isolated Bacillus strains of M1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), or strains having all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), or strains having all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains having all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), and / or strains having all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708).

[0225] 81. Commercially packaged, feed additives, additives for animal drinking water or feed compositions according to any one of Clauses 55 to 79, comprising all isolated Bacillus strains MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703) and CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708).

[0226] 82. A method of feeding an animal, the method comprising the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water containing an effective amount of an additive, said additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the following strains: Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and Bacillus strain CM256. Strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof.

[0227] 83. The method according to Clause 82, wherein the animal suffers from a disease caused by Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Clostridium.

[0228] 84. The method according to Clause 82, wherein the animal is selected from poultry species, pig species, goat species, cattle species, sheep species, horse species and companion animals.

[0229] 85. The method according to Clause 84, wherein the poultry species is a broiler chicken.

[0230] 86. The method according to any one of clauses 82 to 85, wherein the Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Clostridium inhibits and prevents Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Clostridium diseases in animals.

[0231] 87. The method according to any one of clauses 82 to 85, wherein the *Escherichia coli*, *Salmonella*, and / or *Clostridium* inhibit or reduce *Escherichia coli*, *Salmonella*, and / or *Clostridium* diseases in animals.

[0232] 88. The method according to Clause 84, wherein the animal is a pig species, and the pig species is selected from growing pigs, nursery pigs, sows and breeding pigs.

[0233] 89. The method according to any one of clauses 82 to 88, wherein the Bacillus strain produces an enzyme selected from α-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, xylanase, cellulase, and combinations thereof.

[0234] 90. The method according to any one of clauses 82 to 89, further comprising the step of administering to the animal another bacterial strain selected from another Bacillus strain, a lactic acid bacteria strain, and combinations thereof.

[0235] 91. The method according to any one of clauses 82 to 90, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706).

[0236] 92. The method according to any one of clauses 82 to 90, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705).

[0237] 93. The method according to any one of clauses 82 to 90, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703).

[0238] 94. The method according to any one of clauses 82 to 90, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708).

[0239] 95. The method according to any one of clauses 82 to 90, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

[0240] 96. The method according to any one of clauses 82 to 90, wherein all of the Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708) and MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666) are applied.

[0241] 97. The method according to any one of clauses 82 to 96, wherein the feed composition contains about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition to approximately 5.0 x 10 12 The Bacillus strain is administered at a dosage of CFU / gram of feed composition.

[0242] 98. The method according to any one of clauses 82 to 96, wherein the feed composition contains about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition to approximately 1.0 x 10 7 The Bacillus strain is administered at a dosage of CFU / gram of feed composition.

[0243] 99. The method according to any one of clauses 82 to 96, wherein the feed composition contains a concentration greater than about 7.0 x 10 4 The Bacillus strain is administered at a dosage of CFU / gram of feed composition.

[0244] 100. The method according to any one of clauses 82 to 99, further comprising the step of administering antibiotics to the animal.

[0245] 101. The method according to any one of clauses 82 to 99, further comprising the step of administering to the animal an enzyme selected from galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, phytase, and combinations thereof.

[0246] 102. The method according to Clause 101, wherein the enzyme is NSPase or phytase.

[0247] 103. The method described in Article 84, wherein the animal is a companion animal.

[0248] 104. The method described in accordance with Clause 103, wherein the animal is a canine species or a cat species.

[0249] 105. The method according to Clause 84, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during lactation.

[0250] 106. The method according to Clause 84, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during pregnancy.

[0251] 107. The method according to any one of clauses 82 to 104, wherein the feed composition is administered to the animal daily.

[0252] 108. The method according to Clause 82, wherein the animal is selected from chickens, pigs, horses, ponies, cattle, turkeys, goats, sheep, quails, pheasants, ostriches, ducks, fish, crustaceans, and combinations thereof.

[0253] 109. A method of treating plants to inhibit bacterial diseases caused by *Escherichia coli*, *Salmonella*, and / or *Clostridium*, the method comprising contacting the plants with a composition comprising an effective amount of an isolated *Bacillus* strain selected from *Bacillus* strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains having all the identifying characteristics of *Bacillus* strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains having all the identifying characteristics of *Bacillus* strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains having all the identifying characteristics of *Bacillus* strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains having all the identifying characteristics of *Bacillus* strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains having all the identifying characteristics of *Bacillus* strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67706 ... Strains with all the identification characteristics of NRRL No. B-67703, strains with all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains with all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, and inhibiting Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Clostridium in plants.

[0254] 110. The method according to Clause 109, wherein the plant has a disease caused by Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Clostridium.

[0255] 111. The method of claim 109 or 110, wherein the strain used is Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706).

[0256] 112. The method of claim 109 or 110, wherein the strain used is Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705).

[0257] 113. The method of procedure according to clauses 109 or 110, wherein the strain used is Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL number B-67703).

[0258] 114. The method of claim 109 or 110, wherein the strain used is Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708).

[0259] 115. The method of claim 109 or 110, wherein the strain used is Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

[0260] 116. The method according to Clause 109 or 110, wherein all of the Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708) and MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666) are used to treat the plant.

[0261] 117. The method according to Clause 109 or 110, wherein an isolated Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), is used in combination with one or more isolated Bacillus strains selected from: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), a strain having Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), is used to treat the plant. The strains that possess all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), and / or the strains that possess all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708).

[0262] In various embodiments, the animals to which the feed additives, feed compositions, or drinking water as described herein are administered may be selected from poultry species, pig species, goat species, cattle species, sheep species, horse species, and companion animals. In embodiments where the animal is a companion animal, the companion animal may be, for example, a dog species or a cat species. In embodiments where the animal is a pig species, the pig species may be selected from growing pigs, nursery pigs, sows, and breeding pigs. In various exemplary embodiments, the animals may be selected from chickens (e.g., broilers or laying hens), pigs, horses, ponies, cattle, turkeys, goats, sheep, quails, pheasants, ostriches, ducks, fish (e.g., tilapia, catfish, halibut, or salmon), crustaceans (e.g., shrimp or crab), and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the feed additives, feed compositions, or drinking water as described herein may be administered to humans.

[0263] In another embodiment, the isolated Bacillus strains are selected from CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), and strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705). Strains with specific characteristics, strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, can reduce contamination of animal meat products with Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium, or can be used in food processing to reduce the harmful effects of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium in food.

[0264] In various embodiments of the methods described herein, commercial packaging, feed additives, feed compositions, or additives for drinking water, Bacillus strains can cause effects selected from: maintaining the balance of animal gut microbiota, preventing or reducing Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium diseases in animals, improving animal production performance or health, maintaining animal gut health, reducing harmful pathogens in the animal gut, reducing odor, reducing harmful pathogens in animal urine or feces, and maintaining the growth of beneficial bacteria in the animal gut.

[0265] In any of the embodiments described herein, the Bacillus strain may be a Bacillus subtilis strain (e.g., strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), and CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708)) or a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain (e.g., strain MDG1607).

[0266] In any of the embodiments described herein, Bacillus strains may be applied alone or in any combination, or may be in the form of any composition described herein, such that the strain is present alone or in any combination in the composition described herein. The Bacillus strains described herein may also be used with other microbial strains (including other Bacillus strains or Lactobacillus strains). LactobacillusThe strains may be used in combination. Exemplary combinations include all strains used in combination: CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666). Another exemplary combination includes Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666) with one or more of the following Bacillus strains: CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), and / or CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708). Another implementation is any combination of one or more of the following Bacillus strains: CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

[0267] In one embodiment, a method of feeding an animal is provided. The method includes the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water containing an effective amount of an additive, the additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the following strains: Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and Bacillus strain CM256 (NR... Strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL B-67705), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL B-67703), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL B-67708), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL B-67666), and combinations thereof.

[0268] In another embodiment, a method of feeding animals is provided. The method includes the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water containing an effective amount of an additive, the additive comprising isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following strains: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), ... Strains and combinations thereof possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), wherein the Bacillus strain inhibits Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Clostridium in animals.

[0269] In one embodiment of the invention, an effective amount of Bacillus strains may be applied to inhibit Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium in animals. As used herein, "inhibition of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium" may refer to reducing Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium diseases, preventing Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium diseases, maintaining normal microbial balance in animals, reducing the number of harmful Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium in animals, reducing the activity of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium in animals, or alleviating the symptoms of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium diseases in animals, or a combination thereof. "Effective amount" refers to an amount of Bacillus strains (e.g., CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and / or MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666)) capable of inhibiting Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium, or capable of controlling the harmful effects of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium through any mechanism) as described below. In one illustrative embodiment, the animal suffers from a disease caused by Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium.

[0270] In yet another embodiment, a method for controlling the harmful effects of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium is provided. The method includes the step of administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water containing an effective amount of an additive, the additive comprising isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following strains: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), and strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708). Strains and combinations thereof possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666) and controlling the harmful effects of Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Clostridium in animals.

[0271] In the embodiments described herein, the compositions of the present invention comprise isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following strains: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and strains possessing Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666). The strains and combinations thereof with all the identified characteristics are administered to animals, preferably orally in the form of feed compositions or drinking water, but any other effective administration method known to those skilled in the art may also be used, such as pastes, liquid oral solutions, surface feeds, or capsules. In one illustrative embodiment, the isolated Bacillus strains are selected from Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains having all the identified characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains having Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67706), and strains having all the identified characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), and strains having all the identified characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67706), etc. 5) Strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, provided as additives for addition to animal drinking water. In another embodiment, the strains may be used as bedding treatment agents to control the harmful effects of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium.

[0272] In another illustrative embodiment, the isolated Bacillus strain is selected from Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), and strains possessing Bacillus spores. Strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, are provided as feed additives for addition to feed compositions. The feed composition may contain isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following strains: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), and strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705). Strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, mixed with animal feed blends, including any recognized animal feed blends or any animal feed blends described herein.As used herein, “feed composition” or “animal feed composition” refers to a feed composition containing isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following strains: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), and strains possessing Bacillus strain CM857. Strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, are mixed with animal feed blends and may optionally be mixed with any other component that may be used in the feed composition, including other bacterial strains, such as other Bacillus strains or Lactobacillus strains. In one embodiment, the feed composition may be in powder form.

[0273] Any animal feed blend, including those known in the art and those described herein, may be used according to the methods and compositions described in this patent application, such as rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, soybean meal, corn flour, barley, wheat, silage, and hay silage. In one embodiment, the animal feed blend may be supplemented with isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following strains: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), and strains having Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705). 7. Strains with all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains with all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains with all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, but other components, including other bacterial strains such as other Bacillus strains or Lactobacillus strains, may be optionally added to animal feed blends.

[0274] In various illustrative embodiments, optional components of the animal feed blend include sugars and complex carbohydrates, such as water-soluble and water-insoluble monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Other optional components include dried distillers grains solubles, fats (e.g., crude fat), phosphorus, sodium bicarbonate, limestone, salts, phytates, calcium, sodium, sulfur, magnesium, potassium, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, ash, fish oil, oil derived from fishmeal, raw seeds (e.g., flaxseed), antioxidants, and starch. In another embodiment, minerals may be added in the form of a mineral premix.

[0275] Optional amino acid components that can be added to animal feed blends include arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, cysteine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, tyrosine ethyl ester HCl, alanine, aspartic acid, monosodium glutamate, glycine, proline, serine, cysteine ​​ethyl ester HCl, and their analogues and salts. Optional vitamins that can be added include thiamine HCl, riboflavin, pyridoxine HCl, niacin, nicotinamide, inositol, choline chloride, calcium pantothenate, biotin, folic acid, ascorbic acid, and vitamins A, B, K, D, and E. In another embodiment, vitamins may be added in the form of a vitamin premix. In yet another embodiment, protein components may be added to the animal feed blends, and said protein components include proteins obtained from meat meal, bone meal, or fish meal, liquid or powdered egg, fish solubles, crude protein, etc.

[0276] In another illustrative aspect, any pharmaceutical ingredient known in the art may be added to animal feed blends or to additives for animal drinking water, such as antibiotics. In various embodiments, the antibiotic is selected from ampicillin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, tetracycline, chlortetracycline, Denagard™ (tiamulin), BMD™ (bacitracin methylenedisalicylate), Carbadox™ (carbadox), Stafac™ (virginiamycin), erythromycin, levofloxacin, trimethoprim / sulfamethoxazole. Sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, daptomycin, rifampicin, Tylan™ (tylosin), Pulmotil™ (tilmicosin), vancomycin, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the animal feed blend, feed composition, feed additive, or additive for animal drinking water may be antibiotic-free.

[0277] In another illustrative embodiment, one or more enzymes may be added to the animal feed blend. In various embodiments, the enzymes that may be added include galactosidase, phytase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSP enzyme, combinations thereof, and any other enzymes that enhance the feed composition for E. coli production. 、 Clostridium and / or Salmonella inhibit or control Escherichia coli 、 Enzymes effective against the harmful effects of Clostridium and / or Salmonella. In yet another embodiment, yeast, fungi (e.g., Aspergillus spp.) may be used. Aspergillus ) or Trichoderma ( Trichoderma () or micronutrients may be added to animal feed. Any of the above-mentioned ingredients suitable for addition to animal drinking water additives may be added as additive components for animal drinking water as described herein.

[0278] In various illustrative embodiments, the isolated Bacillus strains are selected from Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), and strains possessing... Strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, may be added to feed compositions at approximately 1.0 x 10⁻⁶. 3 CFU / g feed composition to approximately 1.0 x 10 7 The dosage of CFU / g feed composition is administered. In other embodiments, Bacillus strains are administered at a concentration greater than about 1.0 x 10⁻⁶.3 The dosage of CFU / gram feed composition is greater than about 1.1 x 10⁻⁶. 3 The dosage of CFU / gram feed composition is greater than about 1.25 x 10⁻⁶. 3 The dosage of CFU / gram feed composition is greater than about 1.5 x 10⁻⁶. 3 The dosage of CFU / g feed composition is greater than about 1.75 x 10⁻⁶. 3 The dosage of CFU / g feed composition is greater than about 1.0 x 10⁻⁶. 4 The dosage of CFU / gram feed composition is greater than about 2.0 x 10⁻⁶. 4 The dosage of CFU / g feed composition is greater than about 3.0 x 10 4 The dosage of CFU / g feed composition is greater than about 4.0 x 10 4 The dosage of CFU / gram feed composition is greater than about 5.0 x 10⁻⁶. 4 The dosage of CFU / g feed composition is greater than about 6.0 x 10⁻⁶. 4 The dosage of CFU / g feed composition is greater than about 7.0 x 10 4 The dosage of CFU / g feed composition is greater than about 8.0 x 10 4 The dosage of CFU / g feed composition is greater than about 1.0 x 10⁻⁶. 5 The dosage of CFU / g feed composition is greater than about 1.0 x 10⁻⁶. 6 The dosage of CFU / g feed composition is greater than about 1.0 x 10⁻⁶. 7 The dosage of CFU / g feed composition is greater than about 1.0 x 10⁻⁶. 8 The dosage of CFU / g feed composition is greater than about 1.0 x 10⁻⁶. 9 The dosage of CFU / g feed composition is greater than about 1.0 x 10⁻⁶. 10 The dosage of CFU / g feed composition is greater than about 1.0 x 10⁻⁶. 11 The dosage of CFU / gram feed composition or at a rate greater than about 1.0 x 10 12 The dosage of CFU / g of feed composition is administered into the feed composition. In yet another embodiment, the Bacillus strain is administered at approximately 7.3 x 10⁻⁶. 4The dosage of CFU / g of feed composition is administered in the feed composition. In another embodiment, the isolated Bacillus strain is selected from Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), and strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705). Strains with identifying characteristics, strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, or any other bacterial strain added besides these Bacillus strains, can be approximately 1.0 x 10 2 CFU / g feed composition to approximately 5.0 x 10 12 The dosage of CFU / gram feed composition or approximately 1.0 x 10 2 CFU / g feed composition to approximately 1.0 x 10 7 The dosage of CFU / gram feed composition, or at a concentration greater than about 1.0 x 10⁻⁶. 2 The dosage of CFU / g of feed composition is administered in the feed composition. In another embodiment, in which the strain is administered in animal drinking water, any dosage described herein may be in the form of CFU / ml drinking water.

[0279] In various implementation schemes, the isolated Bacillus strains described herein are selected from the following strains: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), and strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705). 、Strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof. Bacillus strains CM256, CM857, CM978, and CM1004 were deposited on November 29, 2018, at the Agricultural Research Service Culture Collection (NRRL), National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, Illinois 61604-3999, and were granted accession numbers B-67706, B-67705, B-67703, and B-67708, respectively. The deposit was made in accordance with the provisions of the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure. The NRRL strains are named B-67706, B-67705, B-67703, and B-67708, which correspond to the Bacillus strains CM256, CM857, CM978, and CM1004 mentioned in the application, respectively. 。Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666) was deposited on August 14, 2018, at the Agricultural Research Institute Culture Collection (NRRL), International Depository Authority, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, Illinois 61604, with accession number B-67666. The deposit was made in accordance with the provisions of the Budapest Treaty on the Preservation of Microorganisms, which is internationally recognized for use in patent proceedings. The NRRL strain name MDG1607 is equivalent to the Bacillus strain MDG1607 or strain 1607 mentioned in the application. Any of these strains may be administered alone or in combination in the form of feed compositions (e.g., complete feed containing animal feed blends) or drinking water for animals. In one embodiment, multiple strains are administered in combination as a single composition. In another embodiment, multiple strains are administered in combination as separate compositions.

[0280] In another embodiment, the one or more Bacillus strains described in the preceding paragraphs include isolated Bacillus strains selected from: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), and strains having Strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, may be administered to animals together with another bacterial strain selected from another Bacillus strain, lactic acid bacteria strain, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, one or more isolated Bacillus strains are selected from the following strains: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), and strains possessing the characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705). Strains possessing all the identification characteristics of NRRL No. B-67705, strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, may be administered to animals together with any other bacterial strains that can effectively inhibit or control the harmful effects of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium in animals.

[0281] As used in this article, "containing Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), or MDG1607" "A strain with all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL B-67706), CM857 (NRRL B-67705), CM978 (NRRL B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL B-67708), or MDG1607 (NRRL B-67666)" can be a mutant strain with all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL B-67706), CM857 (NRRL B-67705), CM978 (NRRL B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL B-67708), or MDG1607 (NRRL B-67707). (For example, a DNA fingerprint based on DNA analysis corresponding to Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL B-67706), CM857 (NRRL B-67705), CM978 (NRRL B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL B-67708), or MDG1607.) The DNA fingerprint of strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), or MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666) shows enzyme activity corresponding to these strains. The antibacterial activity corresponds to these strains as well. (NRRL No. B-67666) and antibiotic sensitivity and tolerance corresponding to Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), or MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), or combinations of these identifying characteristics. In other embodiments, the mutation can be a natural mutation or a genetically engineered mutation. In another embodiment, “a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), or MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666)” can be mutated, for example by means of Bacillus strains CM256(NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), or MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666) produce a strain, such as other Bacillus strains, provided that one or more plasmids contain DNA (e.g., DNA based analysis) capable of providing the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), or MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666). The fingerprint pattern corresponds to the DNA fingerprint pattern of Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), or MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

[0282] The feed composition or drinking water contains isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following strains: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), and CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708). MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, may be administered to animals for any period of time during which they effectively inhibit or control the harmful effects of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium, and combinations thereof. For example, in one embodiment, the feed composition or drinking water may be provided to the animals daily. In another embodiment, the feed composition or drinking water may be provided to the animal during lactation and / or pregnancy. The time periods for administering the feed composition or drinking water described above are merely examples and not limiting examples. It should be understood that any time period or administration regimen determined to be effective in inhibiting Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium or controlling the harmful effects of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium, and combinations thereof, may be used.

[0283] In these implementations, "controlling the harmful effects of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium" can refer to reducing E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium diseases, preventing E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium diseases, maintaining normal microbial balance in animals, reducing the number of harmful E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium in animals, reducing the activity of E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium in animals, or alleviating the symptoms of E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium diseases in animals, or a combination thereof. "Effective amount" refers to the amount of Bacillus strains capable of controlling the harmful effects of E. coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium through any mechanism, as described above.

[0284] In other embodiments of the invention, a composition is provided comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the following strains: Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-677). 06) All identifying characteristics of strains, strains with all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains with all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains with all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains with all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof.

[0285] In one embodiment, a commercial package is provided comprising isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following strains: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof.

[0286] In another embodiment, an animal feed additive is provided comprising isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following strains: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67708). Strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof.

[0287] In yet another embodiment, an additive for animal drinking water is provided, comprising isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following strains: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67708). Strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain B-67666, strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof.

[0288] In another illustrative aspect of the invention, an animal feed composition is provided comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the following strains: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666). Strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof.

[0289] In one embodiment, the feed additive for addition to an animal feed blend to prepare a complete feed composition may be mixed with the animal feed blend, for example, by an automated micronutrient delivery system, or by manual weighing and addition, to achieve any dose of an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the following strains: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains having all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains having all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), and strains having all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706). The Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof described herein are intended for feeding animals in the form of a complete feed composition. Mixing may also be performed using any other suitable method known in the art to combine the directly fed microorganisms with the animal feed blend to obtain a homogeneous mixture. In various embodiments, mixing may be carried out at any suitable time interval (e.g., from about 1 to about 4 minutes).In this embodiment, the isolated Bacillus strains are selected from Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), and strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978. Strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof, are used as additives in animal drinking water. The isolated Bacillus strains are selected from Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof. Strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of strain 607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof, may be in form, for example, powder, liquid, or granules, and may be mixed with drinking water using any suitable method known in the art to achieve any dose of the Bacillus strains described herein for administration to animals via drinking water.

[0290] The isolated Bacillus strains were selected from Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and strains possessing the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706). Strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof, may also be administered orally to animals in powder, liquid, or granule form (e.g., via oral insertion).

[0291] In one illustrative aspect, feed additives, additives for animal drinking water, or feed compositions may be in commercially packaged form. In another illustrative embodiment, the feed additive or additive for animal drinking water may be a Bacillus isolate selected from the following strains: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666). Strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof, are available in commercial packaging as concentrates (e.g., approximately 1 x 10⁻⁶). 8 To approximately 5 x 10 9 (CFU / g) or ultra-concentrated (e.g., about 1 x 10⁻⁶ CFU / g) 10 To approximately 5 x 10 12In another embodiment, the feed additive, feed composition, or additive for animal drinking water is a Bacillus isolate selected from the following strains: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and strains possessing Bacillus strains. Strains possessing all the identification characteristics of strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof, are available in commercially packaged compositional form, which may be in dry form (e.g., powder), granular form, liquid form, surface coating form, gel form, or any other suitable form.

[0292] In yet another embodiment, the strain in commercial packaging can be in dry form (e.g., powder or freeze-dried form), granular form, or liquid form.

[0293] In another illustrative embodiment, the commercial packaging, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition may further comprise a carrier for storing isolated Bacillus strains selected from: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and strains possessing Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-677). Strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof. The carrier may be selected from wheat bran, rice husk, salt, mineral oil, dextrin (e.g., maltodextrin), whey, sugar, sucrose, limestone, yeast culture, dry starch, sodium aluminosilicate, silica, polypropylene glycol, polysorbate 80, vegetable oil, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the carrier can be any carrier known in the art suitable for direct feeding of microorganisms. In another embodiment, the commercial packaging, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition may further comprise a binder, such as clay, yeast cell wall components, aluminum silicate, dextran, or other known binders. In another embodiment, the commercial packaging, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition may further comprise inorganic / organic binders, essential oils, and / or organic acids.

[0294] In other embodiments, the commercial packaging, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition comprises isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following strains: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666). The strains containing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains containing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains containing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains containing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof, are packaged in containers for commercial use. In various embodiments, the container may be, for example, a bag (e.g., a 20-pound bag, a 50-pound bag, a 2-ounce bag, a 1-pound bag, or a 1-kilogram bag), a pouch, a drum, a bottle, or a box. In an exemplary aspect, commercial packaging containers, feed additives, additives for animal drinking water, or feed compositions comprise isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following strains: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), and strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703). Strains and combinations thereof possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), packaged in materials that may be plastic, metal, aluminum foil, paper, fiber, or cardboard (e.g., plastic drums, paper bags, aluminum foil bags, fiber drums, etc.). Commercial packaging, feed additives, additives for animal drinking water, or feed compositions may further include instructions for use for one or more Bacillus strains.

[0295] In all the compositional embodiments described herein, the isolated Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666) may be used in combination with one or more isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), and CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703). The following strains are included: CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), and / or strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708).

[0296] In other embodiments, a method is provided for treating plants to inhibit bacterial diseases caused by *Escherichia coli*, *Salmonella*, and / or *Clostridium*. The method includes contacting the plant with a composition comprising an effective amount of an isolated *Bacillus* strain selected from the following strains: *Bacillus* strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and all identified strains of *Bacillus* strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706). Characteristic strains, strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, inhibiting Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium in plants.

[0297] In this embodiment, plants may be treated with all of the following Bacillus strains: CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), or any combination of the following Bacillus strains: CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and / or MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

[0298] In yet another embodiment, the isolated Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666) or a strain possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666) may be used in combination with one or more isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following for treating plants: Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and strains possessing all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), for treating plants. The strains that possess all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), the strains that possess all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), and / or the strains that possess all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708).

[0299] In another illustrative embodiment, the supernatant from a culture of any isolated Bacillus strain described herein, wherein the Bacillus strain is selected from Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof, can be used for the same methods and compositions and for the same purposes as the whole-cell preparation of the strains described herein.

[0300] The following examples are for illustrative purposes only. These examples are non-limiting and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

[0301] Example 1 In vitro efficacy studies of CM256, CM857, CM978, CM1004, and MDG1607 whole cells against animal pathogens The specific efficacy of the strains was tested using the agar streak method for antimicrobial susceptibility testing, as known in the art, as described below. Briefly, CM256, CM857, CM978, CM1004, and MDG 1607 were inoculated from frozen glycerol stock solution and streaked 1 cm wide along the center of a BHI+ agar plate. The plates with the Bacillus streaks were incubated aerobically at 37°C for 16 hours, or until the colonies were fully confluent. Figure 1A The results of antibacterial screening of various Escherichia coli isolates using the agar streak method are shown. Figure 1B The results of antimicrobial screening of various Clostridium isolates using the agar streak method are shown. Figure 1C The results of antimicrobial screening of various Salmonella isolates using the agar streak method are shown.

[0302] Example 2 Strain identification and uniqueness Genetic variations in each strain were identified using random amplified polymorphic DNA PCR (RAPD-PCR). DNA for RAPD-PCR was prepared using the QIAGEN® Tissue and Blood Single Column Kit (QIAGEN®, Venlo, The Netherlands). DNA extraction was performed as follows: overnight culture was prepared, streaked for purification, centrifuged to precipitate the precipitate, and then DNA was extracted according to the manufacturer's instructions. RAPD-PCR was conducted in a PCR instrument under the following conditions: 95°C for 5 minutes, followed by 45 cycles (95°C for 1 minute, 36°C for 1 minute, 72°C for 2 minutes), a final extension at 72°C for 7 minutes, and indefinite storage at 4°C to preserve the products. RAPD-PCR products were analyzed by gel electrophoresis.

[0303] Figure 2A The RAPD-PCR results of CM256 are shown, with primer 1 (P1) in the first lane, followed by primer 2 (P2), molecular weight standard (MW), primer 3 (P3), primer 4 (P4), primer 5 (P5) and primer 6 (P6). Figure 2BFigure 2C shows the RAPD-PCR results for CM857, with the first lane containing primer 1 (P1), followed by primers 2 (P2), 3 (P3), 4 (P4), 5 (P5), and 6 (P6), and the last lane containing the molecular weight standard (MW). Figure 2D shows the RAPD-PCR results for CM1004, with the first lane containing primer 1 (P1), followed by primers 2 (P2), the molecular weight standard (MW), 3 (P3), 4 (P4), 5 (P5), and 6 (P6). Figure 2E shows the RAPD-PCR results of MDG1607, where the first lane is the molecular weight standard (MW), and the subsequent lanes are the band patterns of primer 1 (P1), primer 2 (P2), primer 3 (P3), primer 4 (P4), primer 5 (P5) and primer 6 (P6) in the last lane.

[0304] Example 3 Enzymatic activity The specific enzymatic activities of the strains against lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, xylan plant fibers, and cellulose were tested using agar culture methods known in the art (specific methods are described below). Briefly, strains CM256, CM857, CM978, CM1004, and MDG1607 were taken from frozen cultures and cultured. The bacterial culture was then streaked onto tryptone soy agar medium using a sterile inoculating loop and incubated overnight at 37°C. After colonies appeared the following day, morphological examination was performed to determine purity, and a single colony was picked using a sterile inoculating loop. This single colony was inoculated into tryptone soy broth and incubated overnight at 37°C and 230 rpm to increase colony density.

[0305] The agar plates for lipase, amylase, protease, xylanase, and cellulase were prepared as follows. Lipid assays used tryptone-soy agar containing 5% Tween 80 and 0.25% Solvent Blue (Solvate Blue 38, a metal phthalocyanine complex). Carbohydrate assays used tryptone-soy agar containing 1% corn starch. Protein assays used tryptone-soy agar containing 1% casein. Xylan plant fiber assays used tryptone-soy agar containing 1% xylan. Cellulose assays used tryptone-soy agar containing 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose. All components were dissolved in TSA medium on a heated stirrer and then autoclaved at 121 °C for 30 minutes. After autoclaving, the agar was poured into sterile petri dishes and dried in a biosafety cabinet. The next day, the growth culture was normalized to OD using 0.1% peptone as a diluent. 600nm A cell density of 0.8 was maintained. Three agar plates corresponding to each formulation were inoculated with 10 µL of bacterial culture, dried, and incubated overnight at 37°C. The next day, the results were analyzed by observing the clear zone around the colonies: a positive clear zone indicated enzyme activity, while the absence of a clear zone indicated negative enzyme activity.

Claims

1. A method of feeding an animal, the method comprising the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water containing an effective amount of an additive, said additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the following strains: Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and Bacillus strain CM256. Strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strains cause inhibition of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium in the animals.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the animal suffers from a disease caused by Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the animal is selected from poultry species, pig species, goat species, cattle species, sheep species, horse species, and companion animals.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the poultry species is a broiler chicken.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the additive comprises isolated Bacillus strains selected from Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and any combination thereof.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Clostridium inhibits and prevents Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Clostridium diseases in animals.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Clostridium inhibits or reduces Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Clostridium diseases in animals.

8. The method of claim 3, wherein the animal is a pig species, and the pig species is selected from growing pigs, nursery pigs, sows, and breeding pigs.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the Bacillus strain produces an enzyme selected from α-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, xylanase, cellulase, and combinations thereof.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising the step of administering to an animal another bacterial strain selected from another Bacillus strain, a lactic acid bacteria strain, and combinations thereof.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706).

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705).

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703).

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708).

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein all of the Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708) and MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666) are applied.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the feed composition contains about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition to approximately 5.0 x 10 12 The Bacillus strain is administered at a dosage of CFU / gram of feed composition.

18. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the feed composition contains about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition to approximately 1.0 x 10 7 The Bacillus strain is administered at a dosage of CFU / gram of feed composition.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the feed composition contains a concentration greater than about 7.0 x 10⁻⁶. 4 The Bacillus strain is administered at a dosage of CFU / gram of feed composition.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising the step of administering antibiotics to the animal.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising the step of administering to the animal an enzyme selected from galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, phytase, and combinations thereof.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the enzyme is NSPase or phytase.

23. The method of claim 3, wherein the animal is a companion animal.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the animal is a canine or a cat species.

25. The method of claim 3, wherein the animal is a sow, and the Bacillus strain is administered during lactation.

26. The method of claim 3, wherein the animal is a sow, and the Bacillus strain is administered during pregnancy.

27. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the feed composition is administered to the animal daily.

28. The method according to claim 1, wherein the animal is selected from chickens, pigs, horses, ponies, cattle, turkeys, goats, sheep, quails, pheasants, ostriches, ducks, fish, crustaceans, and combinations thereof.

29. A method for controlling the harmful effects of *Escherichia coli*, *Salmonella*, and / or *Clostridium*, the method comprising the step of administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water containing an effective amount of an additive, said additive comprising an isolated *Bacillus* strain selected from the following strains: *Bacillus* strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and *Bacillus* strain CM25...

6. Strains with all identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains with all identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains with all identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains with all identification characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, and to control the harmful effects of Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Clostridium in animals.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the animal suffers from a disease caused by Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein the animal is selected from poultry species, pig species, goat species, cattle species, sheep species, horse species, and companion animals.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the poultry species is a broiler chicken.

33. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Clostridium inhibits and prevents Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Clostridium diseases in animals.

34. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the *Escherichia coli*, *Salmonella*, and / or *Clostridium* inhibit or reduce *Escherichia coli*, *Salmonella*, and / or *Clostridium* diseases in animals.

35. The method of claim 31, wherein the animal is a pig species, and the pig species is selected from growing pigs, nursery pigs, sows, and breeding pigs.

36. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 35, wherein the Bacillus strain produces an enzyme selected from α-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, xylanase, cellulase, and combinations thereof.

37. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 36, further comprising the step of administering to an animal another bacterial strain selected from another Bacillus strain, a lactic acid bacteria strain, and combinations thereof.

38. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 37, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706).

39. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 37, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705).

40. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 37, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703).

41. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 37, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708).

42. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 37, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

43. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 37, wherein all of the Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708) and MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666) are applied.

44. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 43, wherein the feed composition contains about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition to approximately 5.0 x 10 12 The Bacillus strain is administered at a dosage of CFU / gram of feed composition.

45. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 43, wherein the feed composition contains about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition to approximately 1.0 x 10 7 The Bacillus strain is administered at a dosage of CFU / gram of feed composition.

46. ​​The method according to any one of claims 29 to 43, wherein the feed composition contains a concentration greater than about 7.0 x 10⁻⁶. 4 The Bacillus strain is administered at a dosage of CFU / gram of feed composition.

47. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 46, further comprising the step of administering antibiotics to the animal.

48. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 47, further comprising the step of administering to the animal an enzyme selected from galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, phytase, and combinations thereof.

49. The method of claim 48, wherein the enzyme is NSPase or phytase.

50. The method of claim 31, wherein the animal is a companion animal.

51. The method of claim 50, wherein the animal is a canine or cat species.

52. The method of claim 31, wherein the animal is a sow, and the Bacillus strain is administered during lactation.

53. The method of claim 31, wherein the animal is a sow, and the Bacillus strain is administered during pregnancy.

54. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 51, wherein the feed composition is administered to the animal daily.

55. The method of claim 29, wherein the animal is selected from chickens, pigs, horses, ponies, cattle, turkeys, goats, sheep, quails, pheasants, ostriches, ducks, fish, crustaceans, and combinations thereof.

56. A commercial package comprising isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following strains: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof.

57. An animal feed additive comprising isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following strains: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-6766). 6) Strains with all identification characteristics, strains with all identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains with all identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains with all identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains with all identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof.

58. An additive for animal drinking water comprising isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following strains: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666). Strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof.

59. An animal feed composition comprising isolated Bacillus strains selected from the following strains: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666). Strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), and combinations thereof.

60. The commercial packaging, feed additive, feed composition, or additive for animal drinking water according to any one of claims 56 to 59, wherein the Bacillus strain results in an effect selected from the prevention of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium diseases, reduction of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium diseases, maintenance of animal microbial balance, and combinations thereof.

61. The commercial packaging, feed additive, feed composition, or additive for animal drinking water according to any one of claims 56 to 60, wherein the Bacillus strain reduces Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium diseases in animals.

62. The feed additive or additive for animal drinking water according to claim 57 or 58, in the form of a concentrate.

63. The feed additive or additive for animal drinking water according to claim 57 or 58, in the form of an ultra-concentrated product.

64. The feed additive, feed composition, or additive for animal drinking water according to any one of claims 57 to 63, in a dry form.

65. The feed composition according to claim 64, wherein it is in granular form.

66. The commercial packaging of claim 56, wherein the strain is selected from powder, liquid and granular forms.

67. The commercial packaging, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition according to any one of claims 56 to 66, further comprising a carrier for the said Bacillus strain.

68. The commercial packaging, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition according to claim 67, wherein the carrier is selected from wheat bran, rice husk, salt, dextrin, and combinations thereof.

69. The commercial packaging, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition according to any one of claims 56 to 68, wherein the packaging is in a bag.

70. The commercial packaging, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition according to claim 69, wherein the bag is a plastic bag.

71. The commercial packaging, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition according to any one of claims 56 to 70, further comprising instructions for use of one or more Bacillus strains.

72. The commercial packaging, feed additive, feed composition or additive for animal drinking water according to any one of claims 69 to 71, wherein it is packaged in a 20-pound bag.

73. The commercial packaging, feed additive, feed composition or additive for animal drinking water according to any one of claims 69 to 71, wherein it is packaged in a 50-pound bag.

74. The feed additive or additive for animal drinking water according to any one of claims 57, 58, 60 to 64 or 67 to 73, in powder form.

75. The feed additive or additive for animal drinking water according to any one of claims 57, 58, 60 to 61 or 69 to 71, wherein it is in liquid form.

76. The commercial packaging, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition according to any one of claims 56 to 75, wherein it is contained in a container for commercial use.

77. The commercial packaging, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition of claim 76, wherein the container comprises plastic.

78. The commercial packaging, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition of claim 76, wherein the container comprises paper.

79. The commercial packaging, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition according to any one of claims 56 to 78, further comprising an adhesive.

80. The commercial packaging, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition according to claim 79, wherein the binder is selected from clay, yeast cell wall components, aluminum silicate, and dextran, or combinations thereof.

81. The commercially packaged, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition according to any one of claims 56 to 80, comprising an isolated Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), together with Bacillus strains selected from CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), and CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703). One or more isolated Bacillus strains of CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), or strains having all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), or strains having all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains having all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), and / or strains having all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708).

82. The commercial packaging, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water, or feed composition according to any one of claims 56 to 80, comprising all isolated Bacillus strains MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), and CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708).

83. A method of feeding an animal, the method comprising the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water containing an effective amount of an additive, said additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the following strains: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and Bacillus strain CM256. Strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains possessing all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof.

84. The method of claim 83, wherein the animal suffers from a disease caused by Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Clostridium.

85. The method of claim 83, wherein the animal is selected from poultry species, pig species, goat species, cattle species, sheep species, horse species, and companion animals.

86. The method of claim 85, wherein the poultry species is a broiler chicken.

87. The method according to any one of claims 83 to 86, wherein the Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Clostridium inhibits and prevents Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Clostridium diseases in animals.

88. The method according to any one of claims 83 to 86, wherein the *Escherichia coli*, *Salmonella*, and / or *Clostridium* inhibit or reduce *Escherichia coli*, *Salmonella*, and / or *Clostridium* diseases in animals.

89. The method of claim 85, wherein the animal is a pig species, and the pig species is selected from growing pigs, nursery pigs, sows, and breeding pigs.

90. The method according to any one of claims 83 to 89, wherein the Bacillus strain produces an enzyme selected from α-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, xylanase, cellulase, and combinations thereof.

91. The method according to any one of claims 83 to 90, further comprising the step of administering to the animal another bacterial strain selected from another Bacillus strain, a lactic acid bacteria strain, and combinations thereof.

92. The method according to any one of claims 83 to 91, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706).

93. The method according to any one of claims 83 to 91, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705).

94. The method according to any one of claims 83 to 91, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703).

95. The method according to any one of claims 83 to 91, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708).

96. The method according to any one of claims 83 to 91, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

97. The method according to any one of claims 83 to 91, wherein all of the Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708) and MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666) are applied.

98. The method according to any one of claims 83 to 97, wherein the feed composition contains about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition to approximately 5.0 x 10 12 The Bacillus strain is administered at a dosage of CFU / gram of feed composition.

99. The method according to any one of claims 83 to 97, wherein the feed composition contains about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition to approximately 1.0 x 10 7 The Bacillus strain is administered at a dosage of CFU / gram of feed composition.

100. The method according to any one of claims 83 to 97, wherein the feed composition contains a concentration greater than about 7.0 x 10 4 The Bacillus strain is administered at a dosage of CFU / gram of feed composition.

101. The method according to any one of claims 83 to 100, further comprising the step of administering antibiotics to the animal.

102. The method according to any one of claims 83 to 100, further comprising the step of administering to the animal an enzyme selected from galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, phytase, and combinations thereof.

103. The method of claim 102, wherein the enzyme is NSPase or phytase.

104. The method of claim 85, wherein the animal is a companion animal.

105. The method of claim 104, wherein the animal is a canine or a cat species.

106. The method of claim 85, wherein the animal is a sow, and the Bacillus strain is administered during lactation.

107. The method of claim 85, wherein the animal is a sow, and the Bacillus strain is administered during pregnancy.

108. The method according to any one of claims 83 to 105, wherein the feed composition is administered to the animal daily.

109. The method according to claim 83, wherein the animal is selected from chickens, pigs, horses, ponies, cattle, turkeys, goats, sheep, quails, pheasants, ostriches, ducks, fish, crustaceans, and combinations thereof.

110. A method of treating plants to inhibit bacterial diseases caused by *Escherichia coli*, *Salmonella*, and / or *Clostridium*, the method comprising contacting the plants with a composition comprising an effective amount of an isolated *Bacillus* strain selected from *Bacillus* strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), strains having all the identifying characteristics of *Bacillus* strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), strains having all the identifying characteristics of *Bacillus* strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains having all the identifying characteristics of *Bacillus* strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains having all the identifying characteristics of *Bacillus* strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), strains having all the identifying characteristics of *Bacillus* strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), strains having all the identifying characteristics of *Bacillus* strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67706 ... Strains with all the identification characteristics of NRRL No. B-67703, strains with all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), strains with all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), and combinations thereof, and inhibiting Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Clostridium in plants.

111. The method of claim 110, wherein the plant has a disease caused by Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Clostridium.

112. The method according to claim 110 or 111, wherein the strain used is Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706).

113. The method according to claim 110 or 111, wherein the strain used is Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705).

114. The method according to claim 110 or 111, wherein the strain used is Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703).

115. The method according to claim 110 or 111, wherein the strain used is Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708).

116. The method according to claim 110 or 111, wherein the strain used is Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666).

117. The method according to claim 110 or 111, wherein all of the Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708) and MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666) are used to treat the plant.

118. The method according to claim 109 or 110, wherein an isolated Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain MDG1607 (NRRL No. B-67666), is used in combination with one or more isolated Bacillus strains selected from: Bacillus strains CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705), CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain CM256 (NRRL No. B-67706), or a strain having Bacillus strain CM857 (NRRL No. B-67705) is used to treat the plant. The strains that possess all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM978 (NRRL No. B-67703), and / or the strains that possess all the identification characteristics of Bacillus strain CM1004 (NRRL No. B-67708).

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