The invention relates to direct-fed microbials for use in E. coli inhibition in animals. More particularly, the invention relates to isolated Bacillus strains 101, 235, 77, 177, and 102 and strains having all of the identifying characteristics of these strains, for a use comprising the above-mentioned use. The invention can also be used for treatment of plants and in food processing.

A composition for use in prevention, inhibition and/or treatment of coccidiosis in an animal is disclosed. The composition comprises an effective amount of Bidens pilosa, an active constituent thereof, or an active compound isolated therefrom. In another aspect, a composition for use in enhancing growth in an animal is disclosed. The composition comprising an animal feed and an effective amount of Bidens pilosa, or an isolated active constituent comprising a polyacetylenic compound.

A composition for use in prevention, inhibition and/or treatment of coccidiosis in an animal is disclosed. The composition comprises an effective amount of Bidens pilosa, an active constituent thereof, or an active compound isolated therefrom. In another aspect, a composition for use in enhancing growth in an animal is disclosed. The composition comprising an animal feed and an effective amount of Bidens pilosa, or an isolated active constituent comprising a polyacetylenic compound.

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a precursor of serotonin, is produced in a microbial host cell. A modified bacterial phenylalanine 4-hydroxylase (P4H) catalyzes the tryptophan 5-hydroxylation reaction. Optionally the host cell includes a cofactor regeneration mechanism, allowing continuous production of 5-HTP without supplementation of exogenous cofactors.

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), a precursor of serotonin, is produced in a microbial host cell. A modified bacterial phenylalanine 4-hydroxylase (P4H) catalyzes the tryptophan 5-hydroxylation reaction. Optionally the host cell includes a cofactor regeneration mechanism, allowing continuous production of 5-HTP without supplementation of exogenous cofactors.

Substitute fiber materials include at least one starch, at least one acid, and at least one plasticizer. The starch may be ground whole grain, the acid may be citric acid, and the plasticizer may be glycerin. The substitute materials are biodegradable and compostable. Methods involve feeding animals the substitute fiber materials as a substitute for or a supplement to natural fiber. The substitute fiber materials are at least partially digested in the animal.

Substitute fiber materials include at least one starch, at least one acid, and at least one plasticizer. The starch may be ground whole grain, the acid may be citric acid, and the plasticizer may be glycerin. The substitute materials are biodegradable and compostable. Methods involve feeding animals the substitute fiber materials as a substitute for or a supplement to natural fiber. The substitute fiber materials are at least partially digested in the animal.

The invention relates to a feed additive comprising at least one nutrient, which non-nutrient is incorporated in a matrix, the entirety being encapsulated by a coating comprising at least a plant material whose saponification number is greater than 180.

The invention also deals with a method for preparing a feed additive.

Finally, the invention also relates to the use of the feed additive to improve the zootechnical performance of a ruminant.

The invention relates to a feed additive comprising at least one nutrient, which non-nutrient is incorporated in a matrix, the entirety being encapsulated by a coating comprising at least a plant material whose saponification number is greater than 180.

The invention also deals with a method for preparing a feed additive.

Finally, the invention also relates to the use of the feed additive to improve the zootechnical performance of a ruminant.

A feed composition for ruminants may include feed particles that contain a saturated fatty acid component as well as a urease inhibitor such that ingestion of the feed by lactating ruminants may provide for an increase in the amount of milk produced by the ruminant and/or an increase in the fat content of the milk produced, and a decrease in ammonia production from breakdown of urea.