Strains and methods for energy partitioning in ruminants

Abstract

Described are strains including Enterococcus faecium strain 8G-1 (NRRL B-50173), Enterococcus faecium strain 8G-73 (NRRL B-50172), Bacillus pumilus strain 8G-134 (NRRL B-50174) and strains having all of the identifying characteristics of each of these strains. One or more of the strains can be used to reduce negative energy balance in a ruminant. They can also be used to improve other measures of ruminant health and/or performance. Methods of using the strains, alone and in combination, are described. Methods of making the strains are also provided.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for reducing inflammation in an animal comprising:
 (a) identifying an animal at risk for, or showing signs of, inflammation; and   (b) administering to the animal identified in step (a) an effective amount of  Bacillus pumilus  strain 8G-134 (NRRL B-50174) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of  Bacillus pumilus  strain 8G-134 (NRRL B-50174) to reduce inflammation.   
     
     
         2 . The method of claim  13 , further wherein administering to the animal identified in step (a) an effective amount of  Bacillus pumilus  strain 8G-134 (NRRL B-50174) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of  Bacillus pumilus  strain 8G-134 (NRRL B-50174) decreases levels of one or more positive acute phase proteins in the animal as compared to a second animal not administered the strain. 
     
     
         3 . The method of claim  14 , wherein the acute phase protein is haptoglobin. 
     
     
         4 . The method of claim  14 , wherein the animal is a ruminant animal. 
     
     
         5 . The method of claim  14 , wherein the animal is a dairy cow. 
     
     
         6 . The method of claim  14 , wherein the dairy cow is a postpartum dairy cow. 
     
     
         7 . The method of claim  14 , wherein the dairy cow is a peripartum dairy cow.