Method for using a bacillus subtilis strain to enhance animal health

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for enhancing the health of an animal comprising administering to the animal a composition comprising Bacillus subtilis QST713 or a mutant thereof.

1 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A method for enhancing health of an aquatic animal comprising administering to the aquatic animal a composition comprising  Bacillus subtilis  QST713 or a mutant of  Bacillus subtilis  QST713, wherein the health of the aquatic animal that is administered the composition is enhanced compared to the health of the aquatic animal not administered the composition. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27  wherein the composition is administered to the aquatic animal in an amount effective to improve growth performance. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28   wherein the amount is effective to increase efficiency of feed utilization of the aquatic animal, or   wherein the amount is effective to increase survival rate of the aquatic animal, or   wherein the amount is effective to increase weight gain of the aquatic animal.   
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 28  wherein the aquatic animal is a fish or a crustacean. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30  wherein the fish is salmon, trout or an ornamental fish. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 27  wherein the composition is administered with animal feed, wherein the animal feed comprises at least one animal feed ingredient selected from the group consisting of feed carbohydrate and feed protein. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32  wherein the composition is administered at a rate of 1×10 3  CFU  Bacillus subtilis  QST713 per gram of the animal feed to 1×10 10  CFU  Bacillus subtilis  QST713 per gram of the animal feed.