Microorganisms for feeding

Abstract

The present invention relates to directly fed microorganisms for E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter inhibition in animals. More specifically, the present invention relates to isolated Bacillus strains A12, 54, 681, 101, 235 and 721, and strains having all the identifying characteristics of these strains, for uses including the above uses. The present invention also relates to the use of isolated Bacillus strains 681, 721, A12, 54, 86, 300, 101, 102, 235 and 177, and strains having all the identifying characteristics of these strains, to prevent or reduce prolapse in animals.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 778,495, filed on December 12, 2018, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 665,380, filed on May 1, 2018, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to Escherichia coli ( E. coli ),salmonella( Salmonella ) and Campylobacter ( Campylobacter ) inhibited by direct feeding of microorganisms. More specifically, the present invention relates to isolated Bacillus ( Bacillus ) strains 681, 721, A12, 101, 235 and 54, and strains having all the identifying characteristics of these strains, for use including the above uses. The present invention also relates to the use of isolated Bacillus strains 681, 721, A12, 54, 86, 300, 101, 102, 235 and 177, and strains having all the identifying characteristics of these strains to prevent or reduce or control prolapse in animals.

[0004] Background and Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention relates to direct-fed microbial (DFM) compositions and methods for E. coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter inhibition in animals. The gastrointestinal tract of animals is constantly attacked by a large number of bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa present in feed, bedding and the environment. The gastrointestinal tract has a complex system of physical, chemical and immunological defenses to combat these potential pathogens. Beneficial bacteria are an important part of this system because they provide bacteria to the animal that help establish (or reestablish) a normal bacterial profile, they strengthen the animal's immune system, and they help fight disease (e.g., disease caused by E. coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter in animals). Due to the importance of preventing and treating E. coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter diseases in animals, there is a need for direct-fed microbial strains that inhibit E. coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter in animals, such as agricultural animals, both for the agricultural industry and for the human food supply.

[0006] Applicants have developed direct-fed microorganisms that result in E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter inhibition. The direct-fed microorganisms and compositions comprising direct-fed microorganisms described herein provide commercial benefits by providing E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter inhibition to animals, such as agricultural animals. In addition, the direct-fed microbial compositions described herein result in a reduction or elimination of antibiotic use, which reduces the overall cost of animal feeding and reduces the development of antibiotic resistance.

[0007] In addition, there is a general and widespread increase in the incidence of prolapse (e.g., rectal prolapse) in animals, such as agricultural animals. Factors that affect the incidence of prolapse include factors related to nutrition, physiology, hormones, genetics, and the environment. Applicants have developed direct-fed microorganisms for reducing or preventing prolapse in animals, such as agricultural animals. Prolapse includes vaginal and / or uterine prolapse and rectal and / or anal prolapse.

[0008] Provided are methods and compositions for inhibiting Escherichia coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter in animals. In various embodiments, the animal can 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 poultry species, the poultry species can be selected from broilers, chickens, laying hens (layer), breeders, turkeys, turkey chicks, goslings, ducklings, guinea fowls (guineakeet), pullets, hens, cocks, cockerels and capons. In embodiments where the animal is a porcine species, the porcine species can be selected from grow finish pigs (grow finish pigs), nursery pigs (nursery pigs), sows (sows) and breeding stock pigs (breeding stock pigs).

[0009] In various embodiments, the compositions for use in the methods described herein can be commercial packages, feed additives for animal feed compositions, additives for drinking water for animals, or animal feed compositions (e.g., complete feeds), each comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strains A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), 721 (NRRL No. B67514), 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), strains having Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), strains having Bacillus strain B12 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having Bacillus strain B12 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having Bacillus strain B12 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having Bacillus strain B12 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having Bacillus strain B ... strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), and combinations thereof.

[0010] In one embodiment of the methods described herein, a method of feeding an animal is provided. The method comprises the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, wherein the additive comprises an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strain causes Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Campylobacter inhibition in the animal.

[0011] In another embodiment of the methods described herein, a method for controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter is provided. The method comprises administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, and controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter in the animal, wherein the additive comprises an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof.

[0012] In yet another embodiment, a method of feeding an animal is provided. The method comprises the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, wherein the additive comprises an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), 721 (NRRL No. B67514), 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having A strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strains prevent or reduce prolapse in animals.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, a method of controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli and / or Campylobacter is provided. The method comprises the steps of administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, and controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli and / or Campylobacter in the animal, wherein the additive comprises an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), 721 (NRRL No. B67514), 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67515), 517), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), and combinations thereof, wherein the deleterious effect is prolapse in the animal.

[0014] In another embodiment of the methods described herein, a method of feeding an animal is provided. The method comprises the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, wherein the additive comprises an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strain results in Campylobacter inhibition in the animal.

[0015] In another embodiment of the methods described herein, a method of controlling the deleterious effects of Campylobacter is provided. The method comprises the steps of administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, and controlling the deleterious effects of Campylobacter in the animal, wherein the additive comprises an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), and combinations thereof.

[0016] The following clauses and combinations thereof provide various other illustrative aspects of the present invention described herein. The various embodiments described in any other sections of this patent application, including the sections entitled "Detailed Description of Illustrative Embodiments" and Examples, are applicable to any of the following embodiments of the present invention described in the following numbered clauses.

[0017] 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, the additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strains A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strain causes Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Campylobacter inhibition in the animal.

[0018] 2. The method of clause 1, wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of poultry species, porcine species, caprine species, bovine species, ovine species, equine species, and companion animals.

[0019] 3. The method of clause 2, wherein the poultry species is broiler chickens.

[0020] 4. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 3 wherein the E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter inhibition prevents E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter disease in animals.

[0021] 5. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 3 wherein the E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter inhibition reduces E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter disease in an animal.

[0022] 6. The method of clause 2, wherein the animal is a porcine species, and the porcine species is selected from the group consisting of grower pigs, nursery pigs, sows and elite pigs.

[0023] 7. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the Bacillus strain produces an enzyme selected from the group consisting of α-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, xylanase, cellulase and combinations thereof.

[0024] 8. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 7, 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.

[0025] 9. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516).

[0026] 10. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517).

[0027] 11. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515).

[0028] 12. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0029] 13. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the Bacillus strain is present at a concentration of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition about 5.0 x 10 12 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0030] 14. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the Bacillus strain is present at a concentration of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition about 1.0 x 107 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0031] 15. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the Bacillus strain has a population size of greater than about 7.0 x 10 4 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0032] 16. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 15, wherein the Bacillus strain has a 4 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0033] 17. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 16 wherein the Bacillus strain is isolated from a high performance finishing pig.

[0034] 18. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 17, further comprising the step of administering an antibiotic to the animal.

[0035] 19. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 18, further comprising the step of administering to the animal an enzyme selected from the group consisting of β-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, phytase and combinations thereof.

[0036] 20. The method of clause 19, wherein the enzyme is NSPase or phytase.

[0037] 21. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 20, wherein microbial balance in the animal is maintained.

[0038] 22. The method of clause 2, wherein the animal is a companion animal.

[0039] 23. The method of clause 22, wherein the animal is a canine species or a feline species.

[0040] 24. The method of clause 2, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during lactation.

[0041] 25. The method of clause 2, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during pregnancy.

[0042] 26. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 25, wherein the feed composition is administered to the animal daily.

[0043] 27. The method of clause 1, wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of chicken, pig, horse, pony, cattle, turkey, goat, sheep, quail, pheasant, ostrich, duck, fish, crustacean, and combinations thereof.

[0044] 28. A method of controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter, the method comprising the steps 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 strains A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof, and controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter in the animal.

[0045] 29. The method of clause 28, wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of poultry species, porcine species, caprine species, bovine species, ovine species, equine species, and companion animals.

[0046] 30. The method of clause 29, wherein the poultry species is broiler chickens.

[0047] 31. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 30 wherein controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter comprises inhibiting E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter disease in the animal.

[0048] 32. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 30 wherein controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter comprises reducing E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter disease in animals.

[0049] 33. The method of clause 29, wherein the animal is a porcine species and the porcine species is selected from the group consisting of grower pigs, nursery pigs, sows and elite pigs.

[0050] 34. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 33 wherein the Bacillus strain produces an enzyme selected from the group consisting of α-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, xylanase, cellulase and combinations thereof.

[0051] 35. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 34, 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.

[0052] 36. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 35, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516).

[0053] 37. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 35, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517).

[0054] 38. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 35, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515).

[0055] 39. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 35, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0056] 40. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 39, wherein the Bacillus strain is present at a concentration of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition about 5.0 x 10 12 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0057] 41. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 40, wherein the Bacillus strain is present at a concentration of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition about 1.0 x 10 7 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0058] 42. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 41, wherein the Bacillus strain has a concentration of greater than about 7.0 x 10 4 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0059] 43. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 42, wherein the Bacillus strain has a 4 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0060] 44. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 43 wherein the Bacillus strain is isolated from a high performance finishing pig.

[0061] 45. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 44, further comprising the step of administering an antibiotic to the animal.

[0062] 46. ​​The method of any one of clauses 28 to 45, further comprising the step of administering to the animal an enzyme selected from the group consisting of β-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, phytase and combinations thereof.

[0063] 47. The method of clause 46, wherein the enzyme is a NSPase or a phytase.

[0064] 48. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 47 wherein controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli comprises maintaining microbial balance in the animal.

[0065] 49. The method of clause 29, wherein the animal is a companion animal.

[0066] 50. The method of clause 49, wherein the animal is a canine species or a feline species.

[0067] 51. The method of clause 29, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during lactation.

[0068] 52. The method of clause 29, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during pregnancy.

[0069] 53. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 52, wherein the feed composition is administered to the animal daily.

[0070] 54. The method of clause 28, 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.

[0071] 55. A commercial package comprising isolated Bacillus strains A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof.

[0072] 56. A feed additive for animal feed comprising isolated Bacillus strains A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof.

[0073] 57. An additive for drinking water for animals, comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strains A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof.

[0074] 58. An animal feed composition comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof.

[0075] 59. A commercial package, a feed additive, a feed composition or an additive for drinking water for animals according to any one of clauses 55 to 58, wherein the Bacillus strain causes an effect selected from the group consisting of: prevention of Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter disease, reduction of Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter disease, maintenance of the microbial balance of the animal and combinations thereof.

[0076] 60. A commercial package, feed additive, feed composition or additive for drinking water for animals according to any one of clauses 55 to 59, wherein the Bacillus strain reduces Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter disease in the animal.

[0077] 61. A feed additive or an additive for drinking water for animals as claimed in item 56 or 57, which is in the form of a concentrate.

[0078] 62. A feed additive or an additive for drinking water for animals according to item 56 or 57, which is in the form of a super concentrate.

[0079] 63. A feed additive, a feed composition, or an additive for drinking water for animals according to any one of clauses 56 to 62, in dry form.

[0080] 64. The feed composition of clause 63, which is in the form of pellets.

[0081] 65. The commercial package of clause 55, wherein the strain is in a form selected from the group consisting of powder, liquid and pill form.

[0082] 66. A commercial package, a feed additive, an additive for drinking water for animals or a feed composition according to any one of clauses 55 to 65, further comprising a carrier for said Bacillus strain.

[0083] 67. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition of clause 66, wherein the carrier is selected from bran, rice husk, salt, dextrin and combinations thereof.

[0084] 68. A commercial package, a feed additive, an additive for drinking water for animals or a feed composition according to any one of clauses 55 to 67, which is in a bag.

[0085] 69. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition of clause 68, wherein the bag is a plastic bag.

[0086] 70. A commercial package, a feed additive, an additive for drinking water for animals or a feed composition according to any one of clauses 55 to 69, further comprising instructions for use of the one or more Bacillus strains.

[0087] 71. A commercial package, feed additive, feed composition or additive for drinking water for animals as claimed in any one of clauses 68 to 70 in a 20 pound bag.

[0088] 72. A commercial package, feed additive, feed composition or additive for drinking water for animals as claimed in any one of clauses 68 to 70 in a 50 pound bag.

[0089] 73. A feed additive or an additive for drinking water for animals according to any one of clauses 56, 57, 59 to 63, or 66 to 72, in the form of a powder.

[0090] 74. A feed additive or an additive for drinking water for animals according to any one of clauses 56, 57, 59 to 60, or 68 to 70, which is in liquid form.

[0091] 75. A commercial package, a feed additive, an additive for drinking water for animals or a feed composition as claimed in any one of clauses 55 to 74, in a container for commercial use.

[0092] 76. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition of clause 75, wherein the container comprises plastic.

[0093] 77. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition of clause 75, wherein the container comprises paper.

[0094] 78. A commercial package, a feed additive, an additive for drinking water for animals or a feed composition according to any one of clauses 55 to 77, further comprising a binder.

[0095] 79. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition of clause 78, wherein the binder is selected from clay, yeast cell wall components, aluminum silicate and dextran, or a combination thereof.

[0096] 80. 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, the additive comprising isolated Bacillus strains A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof.

[0097] 81. The method of clause 80, wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of poultry species, porcine species, caprine species, bovine species, ovine species, equine species, and companion animals.

[0098] 82. The method of clause 81, wherein the poultry species is broiler chickens.

[0099] 83. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 82 wherein the strain causes E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter inhibition which prevents E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter disease in animals.

[0100] 84. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 82 wherein the strain causes E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter inhibition which reduces E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter disease in an animal.

[0101] 85. The method of clause 81, wherein the animal is a porcine species and the porcine species is selected from the group consisting of grower pigs, nursery pigs, sows and elite pigs.

[0102] 86. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 85 wherein the Bacillus strain produces an enzyme selected from the group consisting of alpha-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, xylanase, cellulase and combinations thereof.

[0103] 87. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 86 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.

[0104] 88. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 87, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516).

[0105] 89. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 87, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517).

[0106] 90. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 87, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515).

[0107] 91. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 87, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0108] 92. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 91, wherein the Bacillus strain is present at a concentration of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition about 5.0 x 10 12 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0109] 93. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 92, wherein the Bacillus strain is present at a concentration of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition about 1.0 x 10 7 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0110] 94. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 93, wherein the Bacillus strain has a concentration of greater than about 7.0 x 10 4 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0111] 95. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 94, wherein the Bacillus strain has a growth rate of about 7.3 x 10 4 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0112] 96. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 95 wherein the Bacillus strain is isolated from a high performance finishing pig.

[0113] 97. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 96, further comprising the step of administering an antibiotic to the animal.

[0114] 98. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 97, further comprising the step of administering to the animal an enzyme selected from the group consisting of β-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, phytase and combinations thereof.

[0115] 99. The method of clause 98, wherein the enzyme is a NSPase or a phytase.

[0116] 100. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 99 wherein microbial balance in the animal is maintained.

[0117] 101. The method of clause 81, wherein the animal is a companion animal.

[0118] 102. The method of clause 101, wherein the animal is a canine species or a feline species.

[0119] 103. The method of clause 81 , wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during lactation.

[0120] 104. The method of clause 81 , wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during pregnancy.

[0121] 105. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 104 wherein the feed composition is administered to the animal daily.

[0122] 106. The method of clause 80, 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] 107. The method, commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition of any one of clauses 1 to 106, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516).

[0124] 108. The method, commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition of any one of clauses 1 to 106, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517).

[0125] 109. The method, commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition of any one of clauses 1 to 106, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515).

[0126] 110. The method, commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition of any one of clauses 1 to 106, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0127] 111. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 8, 28 to 35, or 80 to 87, wherein an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) are administered in combination in a single composition.

[0128] 112. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 8, 28 to 35, or 80 to 87, wherein isolated Bacillus strains selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) are administered in combination in separate compositions.

[0129] 113. The method, commercial package, feed additive, feed composition or additive for drinking water of any one of clauses 1 to 112, wherein the Bacillus strain has an effect selected from the group consisting of maintaining microbial balance in the intestinal tract of an animal, preventing or reducing E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter diseases in an animal, improving animal performance or health, maintaining intestinal health in an animal, reducing harmful pathogens in the intestinal tract of an animal, reducing off-odor, reducing harmful pathogens in the urine or feces of an animal, and preserving beneficial bacterial growth in the intestinal tract of an animal.

[0130] 114. 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, wherein the additive comprises an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), 721 (NRRL No. B67514), 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) and 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strains prevent or reduce prolapse in animals.

[0131] 115. A method of controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli and / or Campylobacter, the method comprising the steps of administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, and controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli and / or Campylobacter in the animal, the additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), 721 (NRRL No. B67514), 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having a Bacillus strain B-67277 (NRRL No. B-67278), and a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516). strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), and combinations thereof, wherein the adverse effect is prolapse in the animal.

[0132] 116. The method of clause 114 or 115, wherein the animal is selected from porcine species, caprine species, bovine species, ovine species, equine species, and companion animals.

[0133] 117. The method of clause 116, wherein the animal is a porcine species and the porcine species is selected from the group consisting of grower pigs, sows, nursery pigs and elite pigs.

[0134] 118. The method of clause 117, wherein the animal is a sow.

[0135] 119. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 118 wherein the deleterious effect is a deleterious effect of Campylobacter.

[0136] 120. The method of clause 119, wherein the Campylobacter is Campylobacter coli ( C. coli ).

[0137] 121. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 120 wherein the Bacillus strain produces an enzyme selected from the group consisting of alpha-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, xylanase, cellulase and combinations thereof.

[0138] 122. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 121 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.

[0139] 123. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 122, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516).

[0140] 124. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 122, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517).

[0141] 125. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 122, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515).

[0142] 126. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 122, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0143] 127. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 122, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943).

[0144] 128. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 122, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218).

[0145] 129. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 122, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219).

[0146] 130. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 122, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944).

[0147] 131. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 122, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276).

[0148] 132. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 122, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 177 ((NRRL No. B-67275).

[0149] 133. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 132, further comprising the step of administering an antibiotic to the animal.

[0150] 134. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 133, further comprising the step of administering to the animal an enzyme selected from the group consisting of β-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, phytase and combinations thereof.

[0151] 135. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 134 wherein the Bacillus strain is administered during lactation.

[0152] 136. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 134 wherein the Bacillus strain is administered during pregnancy.

[0153] 137. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 136 wherein the feed composition is administered to the animal daily.

[0154] 138. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 137, wherein the prolapse is vaginal and / or uterine prolapse.

[0155] 139. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 137, wherein the prolapse is rectal and / or anal prolapse.

[0156] 140. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 139 wherein the feed is administered in the form of a ground meal.

[0157] 141. 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 bacterial strain or a combination thereof, wherein the bacterial strain prevents or reduces prolapse in the animal.

[0158] 142. A method of controlling the effects of harmful bacteria, the method comprising the steps of administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, and controlling the effects of the harmful bacteria, the additive comprising an isolated bacterial strain different from the harmful bacteria or a combination thereof, wherein the harmful effect is prolapse in the animal.

[0159] 143. The method of clause 141 or 142, wherein the animal is selected from porcine species, caprine species, bovine species, ovine species, equine species, and companion animals.

[0160] 144. The method of clause 143, wherein the animal is a porcine species and the porcine species is selected from the group consisting of grower pigs, sows, nursery pigs and elite pigs.

[0161] 145. The method of clause 143, wherein the animal is a sow.

[0162] 146. The method of any one of clauses 141 to 145 wherein the bacterial strain produces an enzyme selected from the group consisting of alpha-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, xylanase, cellulase and combinations thereof.

[0163] 147. The method of any one of clauses 141 to 146, further comprising the step of administering an antibiotic to the animal.

[0164] 148. The method of any one of clauses 141 to 147, further comprising the step of administering to the animal an enzyme selected from the group consisting of β-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, phytase and combinations thereof.

[0165] 149. The method of any one of clauses 141 to 148, wherein the bacterial strain is administered during lactation.

[0166] 150. The method of any one of clauses 141 to 148, wherein the bacterial strain is administered during pregnancy.

[0167] 151. The method of any one of clauses 141 to 150, wherein the feed composition is administered to the animal daily.

[0168] 152. The method of any one of clauses 141 to 151, wherein the prolapse is vaginal and / or uterine prolapse.

[0169] 153. The method of any one of clauses 141 to 151 , wherein the prolapse is rectal and / or anal prolapse.

[0170] 154. The method of any one of clauses 141 to 153 wherein the feed is administered in the form of a ground meal.

[0171] 155. The method of any one of clauses 141 to 154, wherein the microbes in the gut of the animal are altered to reduce prolapse.

[0172] 156. A method of feeding an animal 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 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strain causes Campylobacter inhibition in the animal.

[0173] 157. A method of controlling the deleterious effects of Campylobacter, the method comprising the steps 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 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), and combinations thereof, and controlling the deleterious effects of Campylobacter in the animal.

[0174] 158. The method of clause 156 or 157, wherein the animal is selected from poultry species, porcine species, caprine species, bovine species, ovine species, equine species, and companion animals.

[0175] 159. The method of clause 158, wherein the poultry species is broiler chickens.

[0176] 160. The method of clause 156, wherein the Campylobacter inhibition prevents Campylobacter disease in an animal.

[0177] 161. The method of clause 156, wherein the Campylobacter inhibition reduces Campylobacter disease in the animal.

[0178] 162. The method of clause 158, wherein the animal is a porcine species and the porcine species is selected from the group consisting of grower pigs, nursery pigs, sows and elite pigs.

[0179] 163. The method of any one of clauses 156 to 162 wherein the Bacillus strain produces an enzyme selected from the group consisting of alpha-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, xylanase, cellulase and combinations thereof.

[0180] 164. The method of any one of clauses 156 to 163, 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.

[0181] 165. The method of any one of clauses 156 to 164, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218).

[0182] 166. The method of any one of clauses 156 to 164, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219).

[0183] 167. The method of any one of clauses 156 to 166, wherein the Bacillus strain is present at a concentration of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition about 5.0 x 10 12 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0184] 168. The method of any one of clauses 156 to 166, wherein the Bacillus strain is present at a concentration of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition about 1.0 x 10 7 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0185] 169. The method of any one of clauses 156 to 166, wherein the Bacillus strain has a concentration of greater than about 7.0 x 10 4 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0186] 170. The method of any one of clauses 156 to 169, further comprising the step of administering an antibiotic to the animal.

[0187] 171. The method of any one of clauses 156 to 170, further comprising the step of administering to the animal an enzyme selected from the group consisting of β-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, phytase and combinations thereof.

[0188] 172. The method of clause 171, wherein the enzyme is a NSPase or a phytase.

[0189] 173. The method of clause 158, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during lactation.

[0190] 174. The method of clause 158, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during pregnancy.

[0191] 175. The method of any one of clauses 156 to 174, wherein the feed composition is administered to the animal daily.

[0192] 176. The method of clause 158, wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of chickens, pigs, horses, ponies, cattle, turkeys, goats, sheep, quail, pheasants, ostriches, ducks, and combinations thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0193] Figure 1A Results are shown for the efficacy of whole cell preparations of 681 and 721 against various Salmonella isolates. Figure 1B Results are shown for the efficacy of whole cell preparations of 681 and 721 against various Campylobacter isolates. Figure 1C Results are shown for the efficacy of whole cell preparations of 681 and 721 against various E. coli isolates.

[0194] Figure 2A Data obtained from A12 and 54 for a subsample of 110 E. coli isolates are shown. Figure 2B Data obtained from strains A12 and 54 for 48 susceptible E. coli isolates are shown. Figure 2C Data obtained from A12 and 54 for three Salmonella isolates are shown.

[0195] Figure 3A The RAPD test results of strains 681 and 721 are shown. Figure 3B Shown are the results of RAPD testing of strains A12 and 54. All strains were novel and unique from each other.

[0196] Figure 4A Virulence gene quantification of various pathogens identified from samples obtained during the baseline period is shown. Figure 4B Virulence gene quantification of various pathogens identified from samples obtained during prolapse events is shown.

[0197] Figure 5 Shown is the growth inhibition in millimeters of Campylobacter field isolates by Bacillus strains as determined by the cross streak assay. Campylobacter isolates were obtained from prolapsed animals (B9-H12) and additional diseased animals (A1-D3).

[0198] Figure 6 Shown is a photograph of a gel displaying RAPD PCR profiles (primers 1 to 6) of Bacillus strains 86 and 300. Strain 86 has the top profile, while strain 300 has the bottom profile. The leftmost and rightmost lanes have markers, and each set of two consecutive lanes between the markers corresponds to primers 1 to 6 from left to right.

[0199] Figure 7A photograph of a gel showing the RAPD PCR profile (primers 1 to 6) of Bacillus strain 101 is shown. For primer 1, faint bands appeared at approximately 1000, 1500, and greater than 1600 base pairs. For primer 2, a strong band appeared at 650 base pairs, and a faint band appeared at approximately 400 base pairs. For primer 3, a faint band appeared at approximately 400 base pairs, a faint double band appeared at 600 and 700 base pairs, and a faint band appeared at 1000 and 1400 base pairs.

[0200] Figure 8 Shown is a photograph of a gel displaying the RAPD PCR profile (primers 1 to 3) of Bacillus strain 102. For Primer 1, a strong band appeared at 900 base pairs, while faint bands appeared at 1200 and 1400 base pairs. For Primer 2, strong bands appeared at 600, 700, and 1000 base pairs. For Primer 3, a strong band appeared at 600 base pairs, double bands appeared at 700 and 750 base pairs, double bands appeared at 900 and 1100 base pairs, and faint bands appeared at 400 and greater than 1800 base pairs.

[0201] Fig. 9 Shown is a photograph of a gel displaying the RAPD PCR profile (primers 2 and 3) of Bacillus strain 177. For primer 2, strong bands appeared at 600, 700, and 1000 base pairs. For primer 3, a strong band appeared at 600 base pairs, double bands appeared at 700 and 750 base pairs, double bands appeared at 900 and 1100 base pairs, and faint bands appeared at 400 and greater than 1800 base pairs.

[0202] Fig.10 Shown is a photograph of a gel displaying the RAPD PCR profile (primers 1 to 6) of Bacillus strain 235. For primer 1, faint bands appeared at approximately 1000 and greater than 1600 base pairs. For primer 2, a strong band appeared at 650 base pairs, while a faint band appeared at approximately 400 base pairs. For primer 3, faint bands appeared at approximately 400, 600, 1000, and 1400 base pairs.

[0203] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0204] Provided are methods and compositions for inhibiting Escherichia coli in animals, such as agricultural animals. In various embodiments, the compositions for the methods described herein can be commercial packages, feed additives for animal feed compositions, additives for drinking water for animals, or animal feed compositions (e.g., complete feeds), each comprising isolated Bacillus strains A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all identification characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), strains having all identification characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all identification characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all identification characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof.

[0205] In one embodiment of the methods described herein, a method of feeding an animal is provided. The method comprises the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, wherein the additive comprises isolated Bacillus strains A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strains cause Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter inhibition in the animal.

[0206] In another embodiment of the methods described herein, 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, wherein the additive comprises isolated Bacillus strains A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) and combinations thereof.

[0207] In another embodiment of the methods described herein, a method for controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter is provided. The method comprises administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, and controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter in the animal, wherein the additive comprises isolated Bacillus strains A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) and combinations thereof.

[0208] In yet another embodiment, a method of feeding an animal is provided. The method comprises the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, wherein the additive comprises an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), 721 (NRRL No. B67514), 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having A strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strains prevent or reduce prolapse in animals.

[0209] In yet another embodiment, a method of controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli and / or Campylobacter is provided. The method comprises the steps of administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, and controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli and / or Campylobacter in the animal, wherein the additive comprises an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), 721 (NRRL No. B67514), 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67515), 517), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), and combinations thereof, wherein the deleterious effect is prolapse in the animal.

[0210] In another embodiment of the methods described herein, a method of feeding an animal is provided. The method comprises the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, wherein the additive comprises an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strain results in Campylobacter inhibition in the animal.

[0211] In another embodiment of the methods described herein, a method of controlling the deleterious effects of Campylobacter is provided. The method comprises the steps of administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, and controlling the deleterious effects of Campylobacter in the animal, wherein the additive comprises an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), and combinations thereof.

[0212] The following clauses and combinations thereof provide various additional illustrative aspects of the invention described herein.The various embodiments described in this section entitled "Detailed Description of Illustrative Embodiments" are applicable to any of the following embodiments of the invention described in the following numbered clauses.

[0213] 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, the additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strains A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strain causes Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Campylobacter inhibition in the animal.

[0214] 2. The method of clause 1, wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of poultry species, porcine species, caprine species, bovine species, ovine species, equine species, and companion animals.

[0215] 3. The method of clause 2, wherein the poultry species is broiler chickens.

[0216] 4. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 3 wherein the E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter inhibition prevents E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter disease in animals.

[0217] 5. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 3 wherein the E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter inhibition reduces E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter disease in an animal.

[0218] 6. The method of clause 2, wherein the animal is a porcine species, and the porcine species is selected from the group consisting of grower pigs, nursery pigs, sows and elite pigs.

[0219] 7. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the Bacillus strain produces an enzyme selected from the group consisting of α-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, xylanase, cellulase and combinations thereof.

[0220] 8. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 7, 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.

[0221] 9. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516).

[0222] 10. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517).

[0223] 11. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515).

[0224] 12. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0225] 13. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the Bacillus strain is present at a concentration of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition about 5.0 x 10 12 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0226] 14. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the Bacillus strain is present at a concentration of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition about 1.0 x 107 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0227] 15. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the Bacillus strain has a population size of greater than about 7.0 x 10 4 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0228] 16. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 15, wherein the Bacillus strain has a 4 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0229] 17. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 16 wherein the Bacillus strain is isolated from a high performance finishing pig.

[0230] 18. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 17, further comprising the step of administering an antibiotic to the animal.

[0231] 19. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 18, further comprising the step of administering to the animal an enzyme selected from the group consisting of β-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, phytase and combinations thereof.

[0232] 20. The method of clause 19, wherein the enzyme is NSPase or phytase.

[0233] 21. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 20, wherein microbial balance in the animal is maintained.

[0234] 22. The method of clause 2, wherein the animal is a companion animal.

[0235] 23. The method of clause 22, wherein the animal is a canine species or a feline species.

[0236] 24. The method of clause 2, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during lactation.

[0237] 25. The method of clause 2, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during pregnancy.

[0238] 26. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 25, wherein the feed composition is administered to the animal daily.

[0239] 27. The method of clause 1, wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of chicken, pig, horse, pony, cattle, turkey, goat, sheep, quail, pheasant, ostrich, duck, fish, crustacean, and combinations thereof.

[0240] 28. A method of controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter, the method comprising the steps 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 strains A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof, and controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter in the animal.

[0241] 29. The method of clause 28, wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of poultry species, porcine species, caprine species, bovine species, ovine species, equine species, and companion animals.

[0242] 30. The method of clause 29, wherein the poultry species is broiler chickens.

[0243] 31. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 30 wherein controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter comprises inhibiting E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter disease in the animal.

[0244] 32. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 30 wherein controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter comprises reducing E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter disease in animals.

[0245] 33. The method of clause 29, wherein the animal is a porcine species and the porcine species is selected from the group consisting of grower pigs, nursery pigs, sows and elite pigs.

[0246] 34. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 33 wherein the Bacillus strain produces an enzyme selected from the group consisting of α-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, xylanase, cellulase and combinations thereof.

[0247] 35. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 34, 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.

[0248] 36. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 35, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516).

[0249] 37. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 35, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517).

[0250] 38. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 35, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515).

[0251] 39. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 35, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0252] 40. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 39, wherein the Bacillus strain is present at a concentration of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition about 5.0 x 10 12 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0253] 41. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 40, wherein the Bacillus strain is present at a concentration of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition about 1.0 x 10 7 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0254] 42. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 41, wherein the Bacillus strain has a concentration of greater than about 7.0 x 10 4 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0255] 43. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 42, wherein the Bacillus strain has a 4 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0256] 44. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 43 wherein the Bacillus strain is isolated from a high performance finishing pig.

[0257] 45. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 44, further comprising the step of administering an antibiotic to the animal.

[0258] 46. ​​The method of any one of clauses 28 to 45, further comprising the step of administering to the animal an enzyme selected from the group consisting of β-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, phytase and combinations thereof.

[0259] 47. The method of clause 46, wherein the enzyme is a NSPase or a phytase.

[0260] 48. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 47 wherein controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli comprises maintaining microbial balance in the animal.

[0261] 49. The method of clause 29, wherein the animal is a companion animal.

[0262] 50. The method of clause 49, wherein the animal is a canine species or a feline species.

[0263] 51. The method of clause 29, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during lactation.

[0264] 52. The method of clause 29, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during pregnancy.

[0265] 53. The method of any one of clauses 28 to 52, wherein the feed composition is administered to the animal daily.

[0266] 54. The method of clause 28, 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.

[0267] 55. A commercial package comprising isolated Bacillus strains A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof.

[0268] 56. A feed additive for animal feed comprising isolated Bacillus strains A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof.

[0269] 57. An additive for drinking water for animals, comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strains A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof.

[0270] 58. An animal feed composition comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof.

[0271] 59. A commercial package, a feed additive, a feed composition or an additive for drinking water for animals according to any one of clauses 55 to 58, wherein the Bacillus strain causes an effect selected from the group consisting of: prevention of Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter disease, reduction of Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter disease, maintenance of the microbial balance of the animal and combinations thereof.

[0272] 60. A commercial package, feed additive, feed composition or additive for drinking water for animals according to any one of clauses 55 to 59, wherein the Bacillus strain reduces Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter disease in the animal.

[0273] 61. A feed additive or an additive for drinking water for animals as claimed in item 56 or 57, which is in the form of a concentrate.

[0274] 62. A feed additive or an additive for drinking water for animals according to item 56 or 57, which is in the form of a super concentrate.

[0275] 63. A feed additive, a feed composition, or an additive for drinking water for animals according to any one of clauses 56 to 62, in dry form.

[0276] 64. The feed composition of clause 63, which is in the form of pellets.

[0277] 65. The commercial package of clause 55, wherein the strain is in a form selected from the group consisting of powder, liquid and pill form.

[0278] 66. A commercial package, a feed additive, an additive for drinking water for animals or a feed composition according to any one of clauses 55 to 65, further comprising a carrier for said Bacillus strain.

[0279] 67. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition of clause 66, wherein the carrier is selected from bran, rice husk, salt, dextrin and combinations thereof.

[0280] 68. A commercial package, a feed additive, an additive for drinking water for animals or a feed composition according to any one of clauses 55 to 67, in the form of a bag.

[0281] 69. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition of clause 68, wherein the bag is a plastic bag.

[0282] 70. A commercial package, a feed additive, an additive for drinking water for animals or a feed composition according to any one of clauses 55 to 69, further comprising instructions for use of the one or more Bacillus strains.

[0283] 71. A commercial package, feed additive, feed composition or additive for drinking water for animals as claimed in any one of clauses 68 to 70 in a 20 pound bag.

[0284] 72. A commercial package, feed additive, feed composition or additive for drinking water for animals as claimed in any one of clauses 68 to 70 in a 50 pound bag.

[0285] 73. A feed additive or an additive for drinking water for animals according to any one of clauses 56, 57, 59 to 63, or 66 to 72, in the form of a powder.

[0286] 74. A feed additive or an additive for drinking water for animals according to any one of clauses 56, 57, 59 to 60, or 68 to 70, which is in liquid form.

[0287] 75. A commercial package, a feed additive, an additive for drinking water for animals or a feed composition as claimed in any one of clauses 55 to 74, in a container for commercial use.

[0288] 76. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition of clause 75, wherein the container comprises plastic.

[0289] 77. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition of clause 75, wherein the container comprises paper.

[0290] 78. A commercial package, a feed additive, an additive for drinking water for animals or a feed composition according to any one of clauses 55 to 77, further comprising a binder.

[0291] 79. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition of clause 78, wherein the binder is selected from clay, yeast cell wall components, aluminum silicate and dextran, or a combination thereof.

[0292] 80. 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, the additive comprising isolated Bacillus strains A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof.

[0293] 81. The method of clause 80, wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of poultry species, porcine species, caprine species, bovine species, ovine species, equine species, and companion animals.

[0294] 82. The method of clause 81, wherein the poultry species is broiler chickens.

[0295] 83. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 82 wherein the strain causes E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter inhibition which prevents E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter disease in animals.

[0296] 84. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 82 wherein the strain causes E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter inhibition which reduces E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter disease in an animal.

[0297] 85. The method of clause 81, wherein the animal is a porcine species and the porcine species is selected from the group consisting of grower pigs, nursery pigs, sows and elite pigs.

[0298] 86. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 85 wherein the Bacillus strain produces an enzyme selected from the group consisting of alpha-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, xylanase, cellulase and combinations thereof.

[0299] 87. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 86 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.

[0300] 88. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 87, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516).

[0301] 89. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 87, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517).

[0302] 90. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 87, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515).

[0303] 91. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 87, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0304] 92. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 91, wherein the Bacillus strain is present at a concentration of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition about 5.0 x 10 12 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0305] 93. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 92, wherein the Bacillus strain is present at a concentration of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition about 1.0 x 10 7 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0306] 94. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 93, wherein the Bacillus strain has a concentration of greater than about 7.0 x 10 4 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0307] 95. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 94, wherein the Bacillus strain has a growth rate of about 7.3 x 10 4 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0308] 96. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 95 wherein the Bacillus strain is isolated from a high performance finishing pig.

[0309] 97. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 96, further comprising the step of administering an antibiotic to the animal.

[0310] 98. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 97, further comprising the step of administering to the animal an enzyme selected from the group consisting of β-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, phytase and combinations thereof.

[0311] 99. The method of clause 98, wherein the enzyme is a NSPase or a phytase.

[0312] 100. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 99 wherein microbial balance in the animal is maintained.

[0313] 101. The method of clause 81, wherein the animal is a companion animal.

[0314] 102. The method of clause 101, wherein the animal is a canine species or a feline species.

[0315] 103. The method of clause 81 , wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during lactation.

[0316] 104. The method of clause 81 , wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during pregnancy.

[0317] 105. The method of any one of clauses 80 to 104 wherein the feed composition is administered to the animal daily.

[0318] 106. The method of clause 80, 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.

[0319] 107. The method, commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition of any one of clauses 1 to 106, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516).

[0320] 108. The method, commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition of any one of clauses 1 to 106, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517).

[0321] 109. The method, commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition of any one of clauses 1 to 106, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515).

[0322] 110. The method, commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition of any one of clauses 1 to 106, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0323] 111. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 8, 28 to 35, or 80 to 87, wherein an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) are administered in combination in a single composition.

[0324] 112. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 8, 28 to 35, or 80 to 87, wherein isolated Bacillus strains selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) are administered in combination in separate compositions.

[0325] 113. The method, commercial package, feed additive, feed composition or additive for drinking water of any one of clauses 1 to 112, wherein the Bacillus strain has an effect selected from the group consisting of maintaining microbial balance in the intestinal tract of an animal, preventing or reducing E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter diseases in an animal, improving animal performance or health, maintaining intestinal health in an animal, reducing harmful pathogens in the intestinal tract of an animal, reducing off-odor, reducing harmful pathogens in the urine or feces of an animal, and preserving beneficial bacterial growth in the intestinal tract of an animal.

[0326] 114. 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, wherein the additive comprises an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), 721 (NRRL No. B67514), 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) and 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strains prevent or reduce prolapse in animals.

[0327] 115. A method of controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli and / or Campylobacter, the method comprising the steps of administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, and controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli and / or Campylobacter in the animal, the additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), 721 (NRRL No. B67514), 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having a Bacillus strain B-67277 (NRRL No. B-67278), and a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516). strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), and combinations thereof, wherein the adverse effect is prolapse in the animal.

[0328] 116. The method of clause 114 or 115, wherein the animal is selected from porcine species, caprine species, bovine species, ovine species, equine species, and companion animals.

[0329] 117. The method of clause 116, wherein the animal is a porcine species and the porcine species is selected from the group consisting of grower pigs, sows, nursery pigs and elite pigs.

[0330] 118. The method of clause 117, wherein the animal is a sow.

[0331] 119. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 118 wherein the deleterious effect is a deleterious effect of Campylobacter.

[0332] 120. The method of clause 119, wherein the Campylobacter is Campylobacter coli.

[0333] 121. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 120 wherein the Bacillus strain produces an enzyme selected from the group consisting of alpha-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, xylanase, cellulase and combinations thereof.

[0334] 122. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 121 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.

[0335] 123. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 122, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516).

[0336] 124. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 122, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517).

[0337] 125. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 122, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515).

[0338] 126. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 122, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0339] 127. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 122, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943).

[0340] 128. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 122, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218).

[0341] 129. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 122, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219).

[0342] 130. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 122, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944).

[0343] 131. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 122, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276).

[0344] 132. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 122, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 177 ((NRRL No. B-67275).

[0345] 133. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 132, further comprising the step of administering an antibiotic to the animal.

[0346] 134. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 133, further comprising the step of administering to the animal an enzyme selected from the group consisting of β-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, phytase and combinations thereof.

[0347] 135. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 134 wherein the Bacillus strain is administered during lactation.

[0348] 136. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 134 wherein the Bacillus strain is administered during pregnancy.

[0349] 137. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 136 wherein the feed composition is administered to the animal daily.

[0350] 138. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 137, wherein the prolapse is vaginal and / or uterine prolapse.

[0351] 139. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 137, wherein the prolapse is rectal and / or anal prolapse.

[0352] 140. The method of any one of clauses 114 to 139 wherein the feed is administered in the form of a ground meal.

[0353] 141. 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 bacterial strain or a combination thereof, wherein the bacterial strain prevents or reduces prolapse in the animal.

[0354] 142. A method of controlling the effects of harmful bacteria, the method comprising the steps of administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, and controlling the effects of the harmful bacteria, the additive comprising an isolated bacterial strain different from the harmful bacteria or a combination thereof, wherein the harmful effect is prolapse in the animal.

[0355] 143. The method of clause 141 or 142, wherein the animal is selected from porcine species, caprine species, bovine species, ovine species, equine species, and companion animals.

[0356] 144. The method of clause 143, wherein the animal is a porcine species and the porcine species is selected from the group consisting of grower pigs, sows, nursery pigs and elite pigs.

[0357] 145. The method of clause 143, wherein the animal is a sow.

[0358] 146. The method of any one of clauses 141 to 145 wherein the bacterial strain produces an enzyme selected from the group consisting of alpha-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, xylanase, cellulase and combinations thereof.

[0359] 147. The method of any one of clauses 141 to 146, further comprising the step of administering an antibiotic to the animal.

[0360] 148. The method of any one of clauses 141 to 147, further comprising the step of administering to the animal an enzyme selected from the group consisting of β-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, phytase and combinations thereof.

[0361] 149. The method of any one of clauses 141 to 148, wherein the bacterial strain is administered during lactation.

[0362] 150. The method of any one of clauses 141 to 148, wherein the bacterial strain is administered during pregnancy.

[0363] 151. The method of any one of clauses 141 to 150, wherein the feed composition is administered to the animal daily.

[0364] 152. The method of any one of clauses 141 to 151, wherein the prolapse is vaginal and / or uterine prolapse.

[0365] 153. The method of any one of clauses 141 to 151 , wherein the prolapse is rectal and / or anal prolapse.

[0366] 154. The method of any one of clauses 141 to 153 wherein the feed is administered in the form of a ground meal.

[0367] 155. The method of any one of clauses 141 to 154, wherein the microbes in the gut of the animal are altered to reduce prolapse.

[0368] 156. A method of feeding an animal 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 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strain causes Campylobacter inhibition in the animal.

[0369] 157. A method of controlling the deleterious effects of Campylobacter, the method comprising the steps 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 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), and combinations thereof, and controlling the deleterious effects of Campylobacter in the animal.

[0370] 158. The method of clause 156 or 157, wherein the animal is selected from poultry species, porcine species, caprine species, bovine species, ovine species, equine species, and companion animals.

[0371] 159. The method of clause 158, wherein the poultry species is broiler chickens.

[0372] 160. The method of clause 156, wherein the Campylobacter inhibition prevents Campylobacter disease in an animal.

[0373] 161. The method of clause 156, wherein the Campylobacter inhibition reduces Campylobacter disease in the animal.

[0374] 162. The method of clause 158, wherein the animal is a porcine species and the porcine species is selected from the group consisting of grower pigs, nursery pigs, sows and elite pigs.

[0375] 163. The method of any one of clauses 156 to 162 wherein the Bacillus strain produces an enzyme selected from the group consisting of alpha-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, xylanase, cellulase and combinations thereof.

[0376] 164. The method of any one of clauses 156 to 163, 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.

[0377] 165. The method of any one of clauses 156 to 164, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218).

[0378] 166. The method of any one of clauses 156 to 164, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219).

[0379] 167. The method of any one of clauses 156 to 166, wherein the Bacillus strain is present at a concentration of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition about 5.0 x 10 12 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0380] 168. The method of any one of clauses 156 to 166, wherein the Bacillus strain is present at a concentration of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition about 1.0 x 10 7 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0381] 169. The method of any one of clauses 156 to 166, wherein the Bacillus strain has a concentration of greater than about 7.0 x 10 4 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0382] 170. The method of any one of clauses 156 to 169, further comprising the step of administering an antibiotic to the animal.

[0383] 171. The method of any one of clauses 156 to 170, further comprising the step of administering to the animal an enzyme selected from the group consisting of β-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, phytase and combinations thereof.

[0384] 172. The method of clause 171, wherein the enzyme is a NSPase or a phytase.

[0385] 173. The method of clause 158, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during lactation.

[0386] 174. The method of clause 158, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during pregnancy.

[0387] 175. The method of any one of clauses 156 to 174, wherein the feed composition is administered to the animal daily.

[0388] 176. The method of clause 158, wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of chickens, pigs, horses, ponies, cattle, turkeys, goats, sheep, quail, pheasants, ostriches, ducks, and combinations thereof.

[0389] In various embodiments, the animal to which feed additives, feed compositions or drinking water as described herein are applied can be selected from poultry species, pig species, goat species, cattle species, sheep species, horse species and companion animals. In the embodiment where animal is a companion animal, companion animal can be, for example, canine species or feline species. In the embodiment where animal is a pig species, pig species can be selected from growing pigs, nursery pigs, sows and original pigs. In various exemplary embodiments, animal can be selected from chicken (for example, broiler or laying hen), pig, horse, pony, cattle, turkey, goat, sheep, quail, pheasant, ostrich, duck, fish (for example, tilapia, catfish, flounder or salmon), crustacean (for example, shrimp or crab) and combination thereof.

[0390] In another embodiment, Bacillus strains A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof, can reduce contamination caused by harmful bacteria in meat products produced by animals.

[0391] In various embodiments of the methods, commercial packages, feed additives, feed compositions, or additives for drinking water described herein, the Bacillus strain can have an effect selected from the following: maintaining microbial balance in the intestinal tract of an animal, preventing or reducing E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter diseases in animals, improving animal performance or health, maintaining intestinal health in animals, reducing harmful pathogens in the intestinal tract of animals, reducing odor, reducing harmful pathogens in the urine or feces of animals, preserving beneficial bacterial growth in the intestinal tract of animals, and preventing or reducing prolapse in animals.

[0392] In any of the embodiments described herein, the Bacillus strain can be Bacillus subtilis ( Bacillus subtilis ) strains (e.g., strains 86, 300, 101, 235, A12, 681, 721, and 54) or Bacillus pumilus ( Bacillus pumilus) strains (e.g., 102 and 177).

[0393] In any of the embodiments described herein, the Bacillus strains can be administered alone or in any combination, or can be in the form of any composition described herein such that the strains are present in the composition described herein alone or in any combination. The Bacillus strains described herein can also be combined with other microbial strains, including other Bacillus strains or Lactobacillus ( Lactobacillus ) strains are used in combination. Exemplary combinations include any combination of Bacillus strains 86, 300, 101, 102, 177, and 235 described in U.S. Application Publication No. US 2017 / 0079308 and U.S. Application Publication No. US 2017 / 0246224, with any combination of Bacillus strains A12, 54, 681, and 721 (described herein), each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Another exemplary combination includes Bacillus strains A12, 54, 681, 721, 101, 235, 86, and 300 in any combination.

[0394] In one embodiment, a method of feeding an animal is provided. The method comprises the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, wherein the additive comprises an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof.

[0395] In another embodiment, a method of feeding an animal is provided. The method comprises the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, wherein the additive comprises an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strain causes Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Campylobacter inhibition in the animal.

[0396] In another embodiment, a method of feeding an animal is provided, comprising the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, wherein the additive comprises an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strain causes Campylobacter inhibition in the animal.

[0397] In one embodiment of the invention, an effective amount of bacillus strains can be used to inhibit the intestinal bacteria, salmonella and / or campylobacter in animals. As used herein, "inhibiting intestinal bacteria, salmonella and / or campylobacter" can mean reducing intestinal bacteria, salmonella and / or campylobacter diseases, preventing intestinal bacteria, salmonella and / or campylobacter diseases, maintaining the normal microbial balance in animals, reducing the number of harmful intestinal bacteria, salmonella and / or campylobacter in animals, reducing the intestinal bacteria, salmonella and / or campylobacter activity in animals, or reducing the symptoms of intestinal bacteria, salmonella and / or campylobacter diseases in animals or their combination." effective amount " means as described below by any mechanism, can inhibit intestinal bacteria, salmonella and / or campylobacter, or can control the amount of the bacillus strains (e.g., strain A12, or 54, or 681, or 721, or 101, or 235) of the harmful effects of intestinal bacteria, salmonella and / or campylobacter.

[0398] In yet another embodiment, a method of feeding an animal is provided. The method comprises the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, wherein the additive comprises an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), 721 (NRRL No. B67514), 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having A strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strains prevent or reduce prolapse in animals.

[0399] In yet another embodiment, a method of controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli and / or Campylobacter is provided. The method comprises the steps of administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, and controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli and / or Campylobacter in the animal, wherein the additive comprises an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), 721 (NRRL No. B67514), 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67515), 517), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), strains having all identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), and combinations thereof, wherein the deleterious effect is prolapse in the animal.

[0400] For methods involving reducing or preventing prolapse in animals, "reducing", "reduces", "reduce", "preventing", "prevents" or "prevent" can mean reducing prolapse, preventing prolapse or reducing the symptoms of prolapse in an animal, or a combination thereof. For methods involving reducing or preventing prolapse in an animal, an "effective amount" of a Bacillus strain means an amount that is capable of reducing or preventing prolapse by any mechanism. In other embodiments, an "effective amount" of a Bacillus strain means an amount that is capable of controlling the deleterious effects of Escherichia coli and / or Campylobacter by any mechanism, wherein the deleterious effect is prolapse. In these embodiments, prolapse that can be reduced or prevented or controlled includes vaginal and / or uterine prolapse and rectal and / or anal prolapse. In these embodiments, vaginal and / or uterine prolapse can be referred to as pelvic organ prolapse.

[0401] In embodiments described herein in which a composition of the invention comprising Bacillus strain A12, and / or 54, and / or 681, and / or 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, is administered to an animal, the composition is preferably administered orally to the animal in the form of a feed composition or drinking water, but any other effective administration method known to those skilled in the art may be utilized, such as in the form of a paste, liquid drench, top dress, or capsule. In an illustrative embodiment, Bacillus strain A12, and / or 54, and / or 681, and / or 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, is provided in the form of an additive for addition to the drinking water of the animal. In another embodiment, the strain can be used as a litter treatment.

[0402] In another illustrative embodiment, Bacillus strain A12, and / or 54, and / or 681, and / or 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, are provided in the form of a feed additive for addition to a feed composition. The feed composition may contain Bacillus strain A12, and / or 54, and / or 681, and / or 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, in a mixture with an animal feed blend, including any art-recognized animal feed blend or any animal feed blend described herein. As used herein, "feed composition" or "animal feed composition" means a feed composition comprising Bacillus strain A12, and / or 54, and / or 681, and / or 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, in a mixture with an animal feed blend, and optionally any other ingredients that may be used in a feed composition, including other bacterial strains, such as other Bacillus strains or Lactobacillus strains. In one embodiment, the feed composition may be in the form of a ground meal.

[0403] Any animal feed blend, including those known in the art and those described herein, can be used according to the methods and compositions described in this patent application, such as rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, soybean meal, corn meal, barley, wheat, silage, and silage. In various embodiments, the animal feed blend can be supplemented with Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, but other ingredients can optionally be added to the animal feed blend, including other bacterial strains, such as other Bacillus strains or Lactobacillus strains.

[0404] In various illustrative embodiments, the optional ingredients of the animal feed blend include sugars and complex carbohydrates, such as water-soluble and water-insoluble monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides. Other optional ingredients include dried distillers grain solubles, fats (e.g., crude fat), phosphorus, sodium bicarbonate, limestone, salt, phytate, calcium, sodium, sulfur, magnesium, potassium, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, ash, fish oil, oil derived from fish meal, raw seeds (e.g., linseed), antioxidants and starch. In another embodiment, minerals can be added in the form of a mineral premix.

[0405] Optional amino acid components that can be added to the animal feed blend are arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, cysteine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, tyrosine ethyl HCl, alanine, aspartic acid, sodium glutamate, glycine, proline, serine, cysteine ​​ethyl HCl and the like, and salts thereof. Vitamins that can be optionally added are thiamine HCl, riboflavin, pyridoxine HCl, niacin, niacinamide, inositol, choline chloride, calcium pantothenate, biotin, folic acid, ascorbic acid, and vitamins A, B, K, D, E, and the like. In another embodiment, vitamins can be added in the form of a vitamin premix. In yet another embodiment, a protein component can be added to the animal feed blend and includes protein obtained from meat meal, bone meal, or fish meal, liquid or powdered eggs, fish solubles, crude protein, and the like.

[0406] In another illustrative aspect, any pharmaceutical ingredient known in the art can be added to an animal feed blend or an additive for the drinking water of an animal, such as an antibiotic. In various embodiments, antibiotic is selected from ampicillin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, tetracycline, chlortetracycline, Denagard (i.e., tylosin), BMD (i.e., methylene disalicylic acid bacitracin), Carbadox (i.e., carbados), Stafac (i.e., virginiamycin), erythromycin, levofloxacin, trimethoprim / sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, daptomycin, rifampicin, Tylan (i.e., tylosin), Pulmotil (i.e., tilmicosin), vancomycin and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, an animal feed blend, a feed composition, a feed additive or an additive for the drinking water of an animal may not contain antibiotics.

[0407] In another illustrative embodiment, one or more enzymes can be added to the animal feed blend. In various embodiments, the enzymes that can be added include β-galactosidase, phytase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, combinations thereof, and any other enzymes that improve the effectiveness of the feed composition for E. coli, Campylobacter or Salmonella inhibition, or control the deleterious effects of E. coli, Campylobacter or Salmonella, or prevent or reduce prolapse in animals, or control the deleterious effects of prolapse in animals. In yet another embodiment, yeast, fungi (e.g., Aspergillus ( Aspergillus ) or Trichoderma ( Trichoderma )), or micronutrients can be added to animal feed. Any of the above ingredients suitable for addition to an additive for drinking water for animals can be added as a component of an additive for drinking water for animals as described herein.

[0408] In various illustrative embodiments, the Bacillus strain (e.g., Bacillus strain A12, and / or 54, and / or 681, and / or 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof), or any other bacterial strain added in addition to Bacillus strain A12, and / or 54, and / or 681, and / or 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, can be present at a concentration of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition about 5.0 x 10 12 CFU / g feed composition, or at a dose of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition about 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in a feed composition. In other embodiments, the Bacillus strain (e.g., Bacillus strain A12, and / or 54, and / or 681, and / or 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof) is administered at a concentration greater than about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / gram of feed composition, greater than about 1.1 x 10 3 CFU / gram of feed composition, greater than about 1.25 x 10 3 CFU / gram of feed composition, greater than about 1.5 x 10 3 CFU / gram of feed composition, greater than about 1.75 x 10 3 CFU / gram of feed composition, greater than about 1.0 x 10 4 CFU / gram of feed composition, greater than about 2.0 x 10 4 CFU / gram of feed composition, greater than about 3.0 x 10 4 CFU / gram of feed composition, greater than about 4.0 x 10 4 CFU / gram of feed composition, greater than about 5.0 x 10 4 CFU / gram of feed composition, greater than about 6.0 x 10 4 CFU / gram of feed composition, greater than about 7.0 x 10 4 CFU / gram of feed composition, greater than about 8.0 x 10 4 CFU / gram of feed composition, greater than about 1.0 x 10 5CFU / gram of feed composition, greater than about 1.0 x 10 6 CFU / gram of feed composition, greater than about 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / gram of feed composition, greater than about 1.0 x 10 8 CFU / gram of feed composition, greater than about 1.0 x 10 9 CFU / gram of feed composition, greater than about 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / gram of feed composition, greater than about 1.0 x 10 11 CFU / gram of feed composition, or greater than about 1.0 x 10 12 CFU / gram feed composition is administered in a feed composition. In yet another embodiment, the Bacillus strain (e.g., Bacillus strain A12, and / or 54, and / or 681, and / or 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof) is administered at a dose of about 7.3 x 10 4 In another embodiment, the Bacillus strain (e.g., Bacillus strain A12, and / or 54, and / or 681, and / or 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof), or any other bacterial strain added in addition to Bacillus strain A12, and / or 54, and / or 681, and / or 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, may be administered in a dose of about 1.0 x 10 2 CFU / g feed composition about 5.0 x 10 12 CFU / g feed composition, or at a dose of about 1.0 x 10 2 CFU / g feed composition about 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / gram of feed composition, or at a dose greater than about 1.0 x 10 2 Doses of CFU / gram of feed composition are administered in the feed composition. In another embodiment, in embodiments where the strain is administered in the drinking water of the animal, any dose described herein may be in units of CFU / ml of drinking water.

[0409] In various embodiments, the Bacillus strain used in accordance with the methods and compositions described herein (e.g., Bacillus strain A12, and / or 54, and / or 681, and / or 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identifying characteristics thereof) can be selected from Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67518), L No. B67515), 721 (NRRL No. B67514), 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) and 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), all of which have Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), and combinations thereof. Bacillus strains A12, 54, 681 and 721 were deposited on September 14, 2017 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 given accession numbers B67516, B67517, B67515 and B67514, respectively. The deposit was made under the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purpose of Patent Procedure.NRRL strains are named B67516, B67517, B67515 and B67514, which are equivalent to Bacillus strains A12, 54, 681 and 721 as mentioned in the present application, respectively. Bacillus strain MDG86 and Bacillus strain MDG300 were deposited at the Agricultural Research Agency Culture Collection (NRRL), National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, Illinois 61604-3999 on March 14, 2014, and were given accession numbers B-50944 and B-50943, respectively. The deposit was made according to the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for Patent Procedure. NRRL strains are named MDG86 and MDG300, which are equivalent to Bacillus strains 86 and 300 as mentioned in the present application, respectively. Bacillus strain MDG 101 and Bacillus strain MDG 235 were deposited at the Agricultural Research Agency Culture Collection (NRRL), National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, Illinois 61604-3999 on January 4, 2016, and were given accession numbers B-67218 and B-67219, respectively. Bacillus strain MGL177 and Bacillus strain MGL102 were deposited at the Agricultural Research Agency Culture Collection (NRRL), National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, Illinois 61604-3999 on June 7, 2016, and were given accession numbers B-67275 and B-67276, respectively. The deposits were made under the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure. The NRRL strains were designated MDG 101, MDG235, MGL177 and MGL102, which are equivalent to Bacillus strains 101, 235, 77, 177 and 102, respectively, as referred to in this application.

[0410] Any of these strains can be administered alone, or in combination in the form of a feed composition (e.g., a complete feed comprising an animal feed blend) or drinking water for an animal. In one embodiment, multiple strains are administered in combination in the form of a single composition. In another embodiment, multiple strains are administered in combination in the form of separate compositions. In an illustrative embodiment, any of these strains are isolated from a high performance growing pig.

[0411] In another embodiment, one or more Bacillus strains described in the preceding paragraphs (e.g., Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or strains having identifying characteristics thereof) can be administered to an animal together with another bacterial strain selected from another Bacillus strain, a lactic acid bacteria strain, and combinations thereof. In yet another embodiment, one or more Bacillus strains described in the preceding paragraphs (e.g., Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or strains having identifying characteristics thereof) can be administered to an animal along with any other bacterial strain that is effective in inhibiting or controlling the deleterious effects of Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter in an animal, or preventing or reducing prolapse, or controlling the deleterious effects of Escherichia coli or Campylobacter, to control prolapse in an animal.

[0412] As used herein, a strain “having all the identifying characteristics of” Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177 can be a strain having Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177. and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177 (e.g., DNA-based analysis corresponding to the DNA fingerprint of Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177) The DNA fingerprints of Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, and the enzyme activities corresponding to Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, and the enzyme activities corresponding to Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101 , and / or bacillus strain 235, and / or bacillus strain 86, and / or bacillus strain 102, and / or bacillus strain 177, corresponding to the antibiotic sensitivity and tolerance spectrum of bacillus strain A12, and / or bacillus strain 54, and / or bacillus strain 681, and / or bacillus strain 721, and / or bacillus strain 300, and / or bacillus strain 101, and / or bacillus strain 235, and / or bacillus strain 86, and / or bacillus strain 102, and / or bacillus strain 177, or a combination of these identifying features). In alternative 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 strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177" can be, for example, a strain produced by isolating one or more plasmids from Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, and introducing the one or more plasmids into another strain. In one bacterium, such as another Bacillus strain, as long as one or more plasmids contain the identification features that provide Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177. The invention also provides a method for detecting the presence of a bacillus strain A12, and / or a bacillus strain 54, and / or a bacillus strain 681, and / or a bacillus strain 721, and / or a bacillus strain 300, and / or a bacillus strain 101, and / or a bacillus strain 235, and / or a bacillus strain 86, and / or a bacillus strain 102, and / or a bacillus strain 177) DNA of the bacillus strain A12, and / or a bacillus strain 54, and / or a bacillus strain 681, and / or a bacillus strain 721, and / or a bacillus strain 300, and / or a bacillus strain 101, and / or a bacillus strain 235, and / or a bacillus strain 86, and /

[0413] A feed composition or drinking water comprising bacillus strain A12, and / or bacillus strain 54, and / or bacillus strain 681, and / or bacillus strain 721, and / or bacillus strain 300, and / or bacillus strain 101, and / or bacillus strain 235, and / or bacillus strain 86, and / or bacillus strain 102, and / or bacillus strain 177, or a strain with its identifying characteristics, can be applied to animals for any period of time, the period of time effectively inhibiting Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter, or controlling the harmful effects of Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter, or reducing or preventing prolapse, or controlling the harmful effects of Escherichia coli or Campylobacter, to control prolapse in animals, or a combination thereof. For example, in one embodiment, the feed composition or drinking water can be provided to animals every day. In alternative embodiments, the feed composition or drinking water can be applied to animals during lactation and / or pregnancy. The administration time periods for the above-described feed compositions or drinking water are non-limiting examples, and it will be appreciated that any time period or administration schedule determined to be effective in inhibiting E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter, or controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter, or reducing or preventing prolapse, or controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli or Campylobacter to control prolapse in an animal, or a combination thereof, may be used.

[0414] As described herein, one of the method embodiments is a method of feeding an animal by administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, wherein the additive comprises an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strain controls the deleterious effects of Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and / or Campylobacter. Any of the above embodiments that are applicable can be applicable to this embodiment.

[0415] In yet another method embodiment, a method of controlling the deleterious effects of Campylobacter is provided. The method comprises administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, and controlling the deleterious effects of Campylobacter in the animal, wherein the additive comprises an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), and combinations thereof. Any of the above embodiments that are applicable may be applicable to this embodiment.

[0416] In these embodiments, "controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter" can mean reducing E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter disease, preventing E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter disease, maintaining normal microbial balance in animals, reducing the number of harmful E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter in animals, reducing the activity of E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter in animals, or reducing the symptoms of E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter disease in animals, or a combination thereof. "Effective amount" means an amount of a Bacillus strain (e.g., Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721) that is capable of controlling the deleterious effects of E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter by any mechanism as described above.

[0417] In further embodiments of the invention, compositions are provided comprising Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721. In one embodiment, commercial packages are provided comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof.

[0418] In another embodiment, a feed additive for animal feed is provided, comprising isolated Bacillus strains A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof.

[0419] In yet another embodiment, an additive for drinking water for animals is provided, comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof.

[0420] In yet another illustrative aspect of the invention, an animal feed composition is provided comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof.

[0421] In any of these composition embodiments, Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or strains having identifying characteristics thereof, can be added to a composition to reduce or prevent prolapse in an animal, or to control the deleterious effects of E. coli or Campylobacter or Salmonella, or to inhibit E. coli or Campylobacter or Salmonella. In one embodiment, the control or inhibition of Campylobacter is to control prolapse in an animal.

[0422] In another embodiment, an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strains A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), and combinations thereof can be used to reduce harmful bacterial contaminants in meat produced from animals.

[0423] In one embodiment, the feed additive for adding to the animal feed blend to produce a complete feed composition can be mixed with the animal feed blend, for example, using an automated micronutrient delivery system, or, for example, by manual weighing and adding to achieve any dosage described herein of Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or strains having their identifying characteristics, for administration to animals in the form of a complete feed composition. Mixing can also be accomplished by any other suitable method known in the art for combining directly fed microorganisms with animal feed blends to obtain a homogenous mixture. In various embodiments, mixing can be performed for any suitable period of time (e.g., from about 1 to about 4 minutes). In embodiments wherein Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or strains having identifying characteristics thereof, are in the form of an additive for drinking water for animals, Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or strains having identifying characteristics thereof, are in the form of an additive for drinking water for animals, Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, can be in the form of, for example, a powder, liquid or pill, and can be mixed with drinking water using any suitable method known in the art to obtain any dose of Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof described herein, for administration to animals in their drinking water.Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or strains having identifying characteristics thereof, can also be fed directly to animals orally (i.e., by oral insertion) in the form of a powder, liquid, or pill.

[0424] In any composition embodiments described herein, Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721 can cause an effect selected from the following: inhibiting Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter, or controlling the harmful effects of Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter in animals. These effects are non-limiting examples of the types of effects that Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721 can cause. For example, in various embodiments of the methods, commercial packages, feed additives, feed compositions, or additives for drinking water described herein, the Bacillus strain can have an effect selected from the following: maintaining microbial balance in the intestinal tract of an animal, preventing or reducing E. coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter diseases in an animal, improving animal performance or health, maintaining intestinal health in an animal, reducing harmful pathogens in the intestinal tract of an animal, reducing off-odor, reducing harmful pathogens in the urine or feces of an animal, reducing contamination by harmful bacteria of meat products produced by an animal, and preserving the growth of beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract of an animal.

[0425] In other composition embodiments, Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, can reduce or prevent prolapse in animals, or control the deleterious effects of E. coli or Campylobacter to control prolapse in animals. In these embodiments, the prolapse that can be reduced or prevented or controlled includes vaginal and / or uterine prolapse and rectal and / or anal prolapse.

[0426] In one illustrative aspect, the feed additive, the additive for drinking water of an animal, or the feed composition can be in the form of a commercial package. In another illustrative embodiment, the feed additive or the additive for drinking water of an animal, or the Bacillus strain A12, and / or the Bacillus strain 54, and / or the Bacillus strain 681, and / or the Bacillus strain 721, and / or the Bacillus strain 300, and / or the Bacillus strain 101, and / or the Bacillus strain 235, and / or the Bacillus strain 86, and / or the Bacillus strain 102, and / or the Bacillus strain 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, in a commercial package can be presented as a concentrate (e.g., about 1 x 10 8 About 5 x 10 9 CFU / g) or super concentrates (e.g., about 1 x 10 10 About 5 x 10 12 In another embodiment, the feed additive, feed composition, or additive for drinking water for animals, or the Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or strains with their identifying characteristics in a commercially packaged composition, can be in a dry form (e.g., powder), a pill form, a liquid form, a top-dressing form, or a gel form, or any other suitable form.

[0427] In yet another embodiment, the strain in a commercially packaged form may be in, for example, a dry form (eg, a powder or lyophilized form), a pellet form, or a liquid form.

[0428] In another illustrative embodiment, the commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water of animals or feed composition can further comprise a carrier for bacillus strain A12, and / or bacillus strain 54, and / or bacillus strain 681, and / or bacillus strain 721, and / or bacillus strain 300, and / or bacillus strain 101, and / or bacillus strain 235, and / or bacillus strain 86, and / or bacillus strain 102, and / or bacillus strain 177, or a strain having its identification characteristics. The carrier can be selected from bran, rice husk, salt, mineral oil, dextrin (e.g., maltodextrin), whey, sugar, sucrose, limestone, yeast culture, dry starch, sodium aluminosilicate, silicon dioxide, polypropylene glycol, polysorbate 80, vegetable oil, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the carrier can be any suitable carrier for direct-fed microorganisms known in the art. In another embodiment, the commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water of animals 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 package, feed additive, additive for drinking water of animals or feed composition may further comprise an inorganic / organic binder, essential oils and / or organic acids.

[0429] In yet other embodiments, commercial packaging, feed additives, additives for drinking water for animals, or feed compositions comprising bacillus strain A12, and / or bacillus strain 54, and / or bacillus strain 681, and / or bacillus strain 721, and / or bacillus strain 300, and / or bacillus strain 101, and / or bacillus strain 235, and / or bacillus strain 86, and / or bacillus strain 102, and / or bacillus strain 177, or strains with their identifying characteristics, are in containers for commercial use. In various embodiments, the container can 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 illustrative aspects, containers for commercial packaging, feed additives, additives for drinking water for animals, or feed compositions containing Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, may comprise plastic, metal, foil, paper, fiber, or cardboard (e.g., plastic buckets, paper bags, foil bags, fiber drums, etc.). Commercial packaging, feed additives, additives for drinking water for animals, or feed compositions may further include instructions for use of one or more Bacillus strains.

[0430] The following examples are for illustrative purposes only. The examples are non-limiting and are not intended to limit the invention in any way.

[0431] Example 1

[0432] In vitro study of the efficacy of 681 and 721 whole cell preparations against animal pathogens

[0433] The specific efficacy of the strains was tested using the agar cross-streaking antimicrobial susceptibility method known in the art and described below. Briefly, Bs681 and Bs721 were inoculated from frozen glycerol stocks in a single 1 cm wide horizontal streak down the center of a BHI+ agar plate. The Bacillus streaked plates were incubated aerobically at 37°C for 16 hours or until confluent streak growth occurred. Figure 1A Antimicrobial screening against individual Salmonella isolates using the agar cross-streaking method is shown. Figure 1B Antimicrobial screening against individual Campylobacter isolates using the agar cross-streaking method is shown. Figure 1C Antimicrobial screening using agar cross-streaking against individual E. coli isolates is shown.

[0434] Example 2

[0435] In vitro studies of the efficacy of A12 and 54 whole cell preparations against animal pathogens

[0436] Use the same method as in Example 1, Figure 2A Using the same technique described in , 48 E. coli isolates from 11 different farms were tested against A12 and 54. Figure 2B Data obtained from strains A12 and 54 for 48 susceptible E. coli isolates are shown. Figure 2C Data obtained from strains A12 and 54 for three resistant Salmonella isolates are shown.

[0437] Example 3

[0438] Strain identification and uniqueness

[0439] Random amplification polymorphism DNA PCR method (hereinafter referred to as RAPD-PCR) is used to identify the genetic variability of each bacterial strain. By using QIAGEN® Tissue and Blood single column kit (QIAGEN®, Venlo, the Netherlands), complete the preparation of the DNA to be used in the RAPD-PCR reaction. In order to obtain DNA, prepare overnight cultures, purify, precipitate, and extract DNA according to the manufacturer's scheme. RAPD RAPD-PCR reactions are performed in a thermal cycler with the following operating 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), followed by 72°C for 7 minutes, and terminate, in 4°C, keep indefinitely, to preserve the product. Analyze the RAPD-PCR product by gel electrophoresis. Figure 3A RAPD-PCR results for 681 and 721 are shown, where the first lane is a molecular weight ladder and each subset of lanes represents the six different primer sets used, and within each subset, lane A represents the proprietary strain, lane B represents strain 681, and lane C represents strain 721. Figure 3B RAPD-PCR results for A12 and 54 are shown, where each subset of lanes represents two strains, A12 and 54, and within each subset, lanes P1-P6 represent the six different primer sets and molecular ladders used.

[0440] Example 4

[0441] Microbial pathogen genes and Campylobacter suppression associated with prolapse events

[0442] In order to help determine which microbial pathogen genes may contribute to the prolapse event in a specific pig herd, a baseline sampling and three subsequent samplings around the prolapse event were obtained from both affected and unaffected animals. The time between the baseline sample and the prolapse event sample was about eight weeks. The prolapsed animals were sacrificed together with their healthy counterparts, and the descending colon was swabbed to maintain sampling consistency. An attempt was made to determine whether there was a unique pathogen or pathogen spectrum in the recently prolapsed animals. RT-PCR and statistical analysis were used to identify specific intestinal pathogen genes known to cause GI symptoms in pigs.

[0443] All Campylobacter strains were obtained from porcine rectal swabs and cultured under microaerophilic conditions on C2-esterase specific Campylobacter medium (RF labs) at 42°C for 48 hours. These isolates were subsequently grown in brain heart infusion broth at 42°C under microaerophilic conditions in preparation for cross-streaking assays. Bacillus strains 300, 101, 235, 86, A12, 102, 681, 721, 54 and 177 were obtained from glycerol stocks.

[0444] The antimicrobial sensitivity method of agar cross-streaking known in the art and described in this article is used to test the specific efficacy of bacterial strains. In brief, from freezing glycerol stock, in the horizontal streak of a single 1 cm wide horizontal streak downward along the center of the BHI+ agar plate, the above-mentioned 10 strains of bacillus strains are inoculated. The flat plate of the bacillus streak is aerobically incubated for 16 hours at 37 ° C, or until the streak growth that converges occurs. The original bacillus streak (at most 1 mm) is then vertically invaded by the campylobacter strain, and it is noted not to touch the bacillus that has grown. These flat plates containing the bacillus grown in advance and the campylobacter that has recently invaded are incubated 24 hours at 42 ° C under microaerobic conditions, and the inhibition zone is recorded.

[0445] RT-PCR and subsequent analysis determined that Campylobacter, specifically Campylobacter coli, was associated with both sick (non-prolapsed) baseline animals and animals with rectal prolapse sampled approximately 8 weeks later (p < .05) (see Figure 4A-4B Prior to the prolapse event, rotavirus C gene was significantly higher in the affected group (see Figure 4A ). It should be noted that E. coli virulence factor genes that were not previously detected during baseline sampling did appear during the prolapse events, although these genes were not significantly associated with sick animals.

[0446] Several Bacillus strains had consistent growth inhibitory activity against most Campylobacter strains (see Figure 5 ).

[0447] Based on statistical correlation, Campylobacter 16S and Campylobacter coli genes were significantly associated with nursery animals suffering from rectal prolapse. It was also apparent that this microorganism was detected in higher numbers in sick baseline animals eight weeks ago. In the agar plate assay, eight Bacillus strains 86, 101, 235, 300, A12, 54, 681 and 721 had strong growth inhibitory activity against Campylobacter species. Therefore, strains 86, 101, 235, 300, A12, 54, 681 and 721 can help prevent prolapse by direct means against Campylobacter.

Claims

1. Use of an additive in the preparation of a feed composition or drinking water for use in 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, the additive comprising isolated Bacillus strain A12 deposited under NRRL No. B67516, optionally in combination with one or more Bacillus strains selected from Bacillus strain 54 deposited under NRRL No. B67517, Bacillus strain 681 deposited under NRRL No. B67515 and Bacillus strain 721 deposited under NRRL No. B67514, wherein the Bacillus strain causes inhibition of Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter in the animal.

2. The use according to claim 1, wherein the animal is a poultry species.

3. The use according to claim 1, wherein the animal is a porcine species.

4. The use according to claim 1, wherein the animal is of the bovine species.

5. The use of claim 1, wherein the animal is a horse, a goat or a sheep.

6. The use according to claim 2, wherein the poultry species is broiler chickens.

7. The use according to claim 3, wherein the animal is a growing pig or a nursery pig.

8. The use of claim 3, wherein the animal is a sow.

9. The use according to claim 3, wherein the animal is a purebred pig.

10. The use of claim 1, wherein the Bacillus strain produces an enzyme selected from the group consisting of α-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, xylanase, cellulase, and combinations thereof.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the Bacillus strain is present at a concentration of 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition up to 5.0x10 12 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the Bacillus strain is present at a concentration of 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition up to 1.0x10 7 A dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

13. The use of claim 1, further comprising the step of administering an antibiotic to the animal.

14. The use of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises the step of administering to the animal an enzyme selected from the group consisting of hemicellulases, xylanases, cellulases, galactosidases, proteases, lipases, amylases, phytases, and combinations thereof.

15. The use of claim 1, wherein said method further comprises the step of administering an enzyme to said animal, wherein said enzyme is a NSPase.

16. The use of claim 1, wherein the method further comprises administering an arabinoxylanase to the animal.

17. The use of claim 1, wherein the feed composition is administered to the animal daily.

18. The use of claim 1, wherein the animal is a chicken.

19. The use of claim 1, wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of pigs, horses, cattle, turkeys, goats, sheep, quail, pheasants, ostriches, ducks, fish, crustaceans, and combinations thereof.

20. The use of claim 1, wherein the strain used is Bacillus strain A12 deposited under NRRL No. B67516 in combination with one or more Bacillus strains selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain 54 deposited under NRRL No. B67517, Bacillus strain 681 deposited under NRRL No. B67515, and Bacillus strain 721 deposited under NRRL No. B67514.

21. The use of claim 1, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain A12 deposited under NRRL No. B67516 in combination with Bacillus strain 54 deposited under NRRL No. B67517.

22. The use of claim 1, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain A12 deposited under NRRL number B67516 in combination with Bacillus strain 681 deposited under NRRL number B67515.

23. The use of claim 1, wherein the strain applied is Bacillus strain A12 deposited under NRRL number B67516 in combination with Bacillus strain 721 deposited under NRRL number B67514.

24. The use of claim 1, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during lactation.

25. The use of claim 1, wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during pregnancy.

26. Use of an additive in the preparation of a feed composition or drinking water for use in a method for controlling the deleterious effects of Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter, the method comprising the steps of administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of the additive, and controlling the deleterious effects of Escherichia coli, Salmonella and / or Campylobacter in the animal, the additive comprising isolated Bacillus strain A12 deposited under NRRL accession number B67516, optionally in combination with one or more Bacillus strains selected from Bacillus strain 54 deposited under NRRL accession number B67517, Bacillus strain 681 deposited under NRRL accession number B67515 and Bacillus strain 721 deposited under NRRL accession number B67514.

27. A commercial package comprising isolated Bacillus strain A12 deposited as NRRL No. B67516, optionally in combination with one or more Bacillus strains selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain 54 deposited as NRRL No. B67517, Bacillus strain 681 deposited as NRRL No. B67515, and Bacillus strain 721 deposited as NRRL No. B67514.

28. A feed additive for animal feed comprising the isolated Bacillus strain A12 deposited under NRRL No. B67516, optionally in combination with one or more Bacillus strains selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain 54 deposited under NRRL No. B67517, Bacillus strain 681 deposited under NRRL No. B67515 and Bacillus strain 721 deposited under NRRL No. B67514.

29. An additive for drinking water for animals, comprising isolated Bacillus strain A12 deposited as NRRL No. B67516, optionally in combination with one or more Bacillus strains selected from Bacillus strain 54 deposited as NRRL No. B67517, Bacillus strain 681 deposited as NRRL No. B67515, and Bacillus strain 721 deposited as NRRL No. B67514.

30. An animal feed composition comprising isolated Bacillus strain A12 deposited as NRRL No. B67516, optionally in combination with one or more Bacillus strains selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain 54 deposited as NRRL No. B67517, Bacillus strain 681 deposited as NRRL No. B67515, and Bacillus strain 721 deposited as NRRL No. B67514.

31. Use of an additive in the preparation of a feed composition or drinking water for use in 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, the additive comprising isolated Bacillus strain A12 deposited under NRRL accession number B67516, optionally in combination with one or more Bacillus strains selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain 54 deposited under NRRL accession number B67517, Bacillus strain 681 deposited under NRRL accession number B67515 and Bacillus strain 721 deposited under NRRL accession number B67514.

32. Use of an additive in the preparation of a feed composition or drinking water for use in a method of controlling the deleterious effects of Campylobacter, the method comprising the steps of administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of the additive, and controlling the deleterious effects of Campylobacter in the animal, wherein the deleterious effect is prolapse in the animal.

33. The use of claim 32, wherein the prolapse is selected from the group consisting of vaginal prolapse, uterine prolapse, rectal prolapse and anal prolapse.

34. Use of an isolated Bacillus strain in the preparation of a feed composition for use in a method for improving animal health, the method comprising the step of administering an effective amount of the feed composition to the animal, the isolated Bacillus strain being the isolated Bacillus strain A12 deposited under NRRL No. B67516.

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