METHODS FOR SUPPORTING GRAIN INTENSIVE AND OR ENERGY INTENSIVE DIETS IN RUMINANTS BY ADMINISTRATION OF A SYNTHETIC BIOENSEMBLE OF MICROBES OR PURIFIED STRAINS THEREFOR

• US 20180310592A1
• Filed: 04/27/2018
• Published: 11/01/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 04/28/2017
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Native Microbials Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Ascus Biosciences, Inc.
• Inventors: Embree, Mallory, MARTINO, Cameron, PITT, Norman, EMBREE, Jordan, DODGE, Corey
• Granted Patent: US 11,044,924 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: A23K 10/18 of live microorganisms
• CPC Class Codes: A23K 50/10 for ruminants
• CPC Class Codes: A61K 35/74 Bacteria therapeutic use of a bacterial protein A61K38/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 1/04 for ulcers, gastritis or reflux esophagitis, e.g. antacids, inhibitors of acid secretion, mucosal protectants

Abstract

The disclosure relates to isolated microorganisms—including novel strains of the microorganisms—microbial ensembles, and compositions comprising the same. Furthermore, the disclosure teaches methods of utilizing the described microorganisms, microbial compositions, and compositions comprising the same, in methods for modulating the agricultural production of ruminants. In particular aspects, the disclosure provides methods of increasing feed efficiency, and methods of decreasing acidosis.

Claims

1. A ruminant supplement capable of treating or preventing acidosis or bloat in a ruminant, comprising:

a) a purified population of bacteria selected from any one or more bacteria comprising a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to any one of SEQ ID NO;

1-5993; and

b) a carrier suitable for ruminant administration;

wherein the purified population of bacteria of a) is present in the supplement in an amount effective to treat or prevent acidosis or bloat in a ruminant administered the supplement, as compared to a ruminant not administered the supplement.

3. The ruminant supplement of claim 1, wherein at least one of the bacteria are selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13.

2. A ruminant supplement capable of treating or preventing acidosis or bloat in a ruminant, comprising:

a) a purified population of bacteria selected from;

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13; and

b) a carrier suitable for ruminant administration;

wherein the purified population of bacteria of a) is present in the supplement in an amount effective to treat or prevent acidosis or bloat in a ruminant administered the supplement,

as compared to a ruminant not administered the supplement.

4. The ruminant supplement of claim 2, wherein the purified population of bacteria is selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 99% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 99% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 99% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13.

5. The ruminant supplement of claim 2, wherein the purified population of bacteria is selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO;

13.

6. The ruminant supplement of claim 2, wherein the purified population of bacteria is selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria deposited as B-67550.

(ii) Prevotella bacteria deposited as B-67552, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria deposited as B-67555.

7. The ruminant supplement of claim 2, further comprising a purified population of bacteria that comprises bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:

1-5993.

8. The ruminant supplement of claim 2, further comprising a purified population of bacteria that comprises bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 99% identical to a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:

1-5993.

9. The ruminant supplement of claim 2, further comprising a purified population of bacteria that comprises bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence comprising a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:

1-5993.

10. The ruminant supplement of claim 2, wherein the purified population of bacteria are encapsulated in one or more of a polymer, carbohydrate, sugar, plastic, glass, polysaccharide, lipid, wax, oil, fatty acid, or glyceride.

11. The ruminant supplement of claim 10, wherein the encapsulated bacteria are vitrified.

12. The ruminant supplement of claim 10, wherein the encapsulated bacteria are further encapsulated in a wax, fat, fatty acid, fatty alcohol, or glyceride.

13. The ruminant supplement of claim 2, wherein the purified population of bacteria are in the form of spores.

14. The ruminant supplement of claim 13, wherein the spores are spray dried.

15. The ruminant supplement of claim 13, formulated as a tablet, capsule, pill, feed additive, food ingredient, food additive, food preparation, food supplement, consumable solution, consumable spray additive, consumable solid, consumable gel, injection, bolus, or combinations thereof.

16. A method for treating or preventing acidosis or bloat in a ruminant, comprising:

administering to a ruminant an effective amount of a ruminant supplement comprising;

a) a purified population of bacteria selected from any one or more bacteria comprising a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to any one of SEQ ID NO;

1-5993; and

b) a carrier suitable for ruminant administration;

wherein the purified population of bacteria of a) is present in the supplement in an amount effective to treat or prevent acidosis or bloat in a ruminant administered the supplement, as compared to a ruminant not administered the supplement.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein at least one of the bacteria are selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13.

17. A method for treating or preventing acidosis or bloat in a ruminant, comprising:

administering to a ruminant an effective amount of a ruminant supplement comprising;

a) a purified population of bacteria selected from;

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13; and

b) a carrier suitable for ruminant administration;

wherein the purified population of bacteria of a) is present in the supplement in an amount effective to treat or prevent acidosis or bloat in a ruminant administered the supplement, as compared to a ruminant not administered the supplement.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the purified population of bacteria is selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 99% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 99% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 99% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the purified population of bacteria is selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO;

13.

21. The method of claim 17, wherein the purified population of bacteria is selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria deposited as B-67550.

(ii) Prevotella bacteria deposited as B-67552, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria deposited as B-67555.

22. The method of claim 17, wherein the ruminant supplement further comprises a purified population of bacteria that comprises bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:

1-5993.

23. The method of claim 17, wherein the ruminant supplement further comprises a purified population of bacteria that comprises bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 99% identical to a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:

1-5993.

24. The method of claim 17, wherein the ruminant supplement further comprises a purified population of bacteria that comprises bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence comprising a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:

1-5993.

25. The method of claim 17, wherein the purified population of bacteria are encapsulated in one or more of a polymer, carbohydrate, sugar, sugar alcohol, surfactant, plastic, glass, polysaccharide, lipid, wax, oil, fatty acid, amino acid, or glyceride.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the encapsulated bacteria are vitrified.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein the encapsulated bacteria are further encapsulated in a wax, fat, fatty acid, fatty alcohol, or glyceride.

28. The method of claim 17, wherein the purified population of bacteria are in the form of spores.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the spores are spray dried.

30. The method of claim 28, formulated as a tablet, capsule, pill, feed additive, food ingredient, food additive, food preparation, food supplement, consumable solution, consumable spray additive, consumable solid, consumable gel, injection, bolus, or combinations thereof.

31. The method of claim 17, wherein the ruminant supplement is administered to a ruminant orally.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the ruminant is a cow or a steer.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein the ruminant is fed a step-up diet.

34. The method of claim 31, wherein the ruminant is fed a finishing diet.

35. A ruminant supplement capable of decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide and/or carbonic acid in the rumen of a ruminant, comprising:

a) a purified population of bacteria selected from any one or more bacteria comprising a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to any one of SEQ ID NO;

1-5993; and

b) a carrier suitable for ruminant administration;

wherein the purified population of bacteria of a) is present in the supplement in an amount effective to decrease the amount of carbon dioxide and/or carbonic acid in the rumen of a ruminant administered the supplement,

as compared to a ruminant not administered the supplement.

37. The ruminant supplement of claim 35, wherein at least one of the bacteria are selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13.

36. A ruminant supplement capable of decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide and/or carbonic acid in the rumen of a ruminant, comprising:

a) a purified population of bacteria selected from;

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13; and

b) a carrier suitable for ruminant administration;

wherein the purified population of bacteria of a) is present in the supplement in an amount effective to decrease the amount of carbon dioxide and/or carbonic acid in the rumen of a ruminant administered the supplement,

as compared to a ruminant not administered the supplement.

38. The ruminant supplement of claim 36, wherein the purified population of bacteria is selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 99% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 99% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 99% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13.

39. The ruminant supplement of claim 36, wherein the purified population of bacteria is selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO;

13.

40. The ruminant supplement of claim 36, wherein the purified population of bacteria is selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria deposited as B-67550.

(ii) Prevotella bacteria deposited as B-67552, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria deposited as B-67555.

41. The ruminant supplement of claim 36, further comprising a purified population of bacteria that comprises bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:

1-5993.

42. The ruminant supplement of claim 36, further comprising a purified population of bacteria that comprises bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 99% identical to a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:

1-5993.

43. The ruminant supplement of claim 36, further comprising a purified population of bacteria that comprises bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence comprising a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:

1-5993.

44. The ruminant supplement of claim 36, wherein the purified population of bacteria are encapsulated in one or more of a polymer, carbohydrate, sugar, sugar alcohol, surfactant, plastic, glass, polysaccharide, lipid, wax, oil, fatty acid, amino acid, or glyceride.

45. The ruminant supplement of claim 44, wherein the encapsulated bacteria are vitrified.

46. The ruminant supplement of claim 44, wherein the encapsulated bacteria are further encapsulated in a wax, fat, fatty acid, fatty alcohol, or glyceride.

47. The ruminant supplement of claim 36, wherein the purified population of bacteria are in the form of spores.

48. The ruminant supplement of claim 47, wherein the spores are spray dried.

49. The ruminant supplement of claim 47, formulated as a tablet, capsule, pill, feed additive, food ingredient, food additive, food preparation, food supplement, consumable solution, consumable spray additive, consumable solid, consumable gel, injection, bolus, or combinations thereof.

50. A method decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide and/or carbonic acid in the rumen of a ruminant, comprising:

administering to a ruminant an effective amount of a ruminant supplement comprising;

a) a purified population of bacteria selected from any one or more bacteria comprising a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to any one of SEQ ID NO;

1-5993; and

b) a carrier suitable for ruminant administration;

wherein the purified population of bacteria of a) is present in the supplement in an amount effective to decrease the amount of carbon dioxide and/or carbonic acid in the rumen of a ruminant administered the supplement,

as compared to a ruminant not administered the supplement.

52. The method of claim 50, wherein at least one of the bacteria are selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13.

51. A method decreasing the amount of carbon dioxide and/or carbonic acid in the rumen of a ruminant, comprising:

administering to a ruminant an effective amount of a ruminant supplement comprising;

a) a purified population of bacteria selected from;

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13; and

b) a carrier suitable for ruminant administration;

wherein the purified population of bacteria of a) is present in the supplement in an amount effective to decrease the amount of carbon dioxide and/or carbonic acid in the rumen of a ruminant administered the supplement,

as compared to a ruminant not administered the supplement.

53. The method of claim 51, wherein the purified population of bacteria is selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 99% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 99% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 99% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13.

54. The method of claim 51, wherein the purified population of bacteria is selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO;

13.

55. The method of claim 51, wherein the purified population of bacteria is selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria deposited as B-67550.

(ii) Prevotella bacteria deposited as B-67552, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria deposited as B-67555.

56. The method of claim 51, wherein the ruminant supplement further comprises a purified population of bacteria that comprises bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:

1-5993.

57. The method of claim 51, wherein the ruminant supplement further comprises a purified population of bacteria that comprises bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 99% identical to a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:

1-5993.

58. The method of claim 51, wherein the ruminant supplement further comprises a purified population of bacteria that comprises bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence comprising a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:

1-5993.

59. The method of claim 51, wherein the purified population of bacteria are encapsulated in one or more of a polymer, carbohydrate, sugar, sugar alcohol, surfactant, plastic, glass, polysaccharide, lipid, wax, oil, fatty acid, amino acid, or glyceride.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein the encapsulated bacteria are vitrified.

61. The method of claim 59, wherein the encapsulated bacteria are further encapsulated in a wax, fat, fatty acid, fatty alcohol, or glyceride.

62. The method of claim 51, wherein the purified population of bacteria are in the form of spores.

63. The method of claim 62, wherein the spores are spray dried.

64. The method of claim 62, formulated as a tablet, capsule, pill, feed additive, food ingredient, food additive, food preparation, food supplement, consumable solution, consumable spray additive, consumable solid, consumable gel, injection, bolus, or combinations thereof.

65. The method of claim 51, wherein the ruminant supplement is administered to a ruminant orally.

66. The method of claim 65 wherein the ruminant is a cow or a steer.

67. The method of claim 65, wherein the ruminant is fed a step-up diet.

68. The method of claim 65, wherein the ruminant is fed a finishing diet.

69. A ruminant supplement capable of increasing the amount of meat marbling in a ruminant, comprising:

a) a purified population of bacteria selected from any one or more bacteria comprising a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to any one of SEQ ID NO;

1-5993; and

b) a carrier suitable for ruminant administration;

wherein the purified population of bacteria of a) is present in the supplement in an amount effective to increase the amount of meat marbling in the ruminant administered the supplement,

as compared to a ruminant not administered the supplement.

71. The ruminant supplement of claim 69, wherein at least one of the bacteria are selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13.

70. A ruminant supplement capable of increasing the amount of meat marbling in a ruminant, comprising:

a) a purified population of bacteria selected from;

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13; and

b) a carrier suitable for ruminant administration;

wherein the purified population of bacteria of a) is present in the supplement in an amount effective to increase the amount of meat marbling in the ruminant administered the supplement,

as compared to a ruminant not administered the supplement.

72. The ruminant supplement of claim 70, wherein the purified population of bacteria is selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 99% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 99% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 99% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13.

73. The ruminant supplement of claim 70, wherein the purified population of bacteria is selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO;

13.

74. The ruminant supplement of claim 70, wherein the purified population of bacteria is selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria deposited as B-67550.

(ii) Prevotella bacteria deposited as B-67552, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria deposited as B-67555.

75. The ruminant supplement of claim 70, further comprising a purified population of bacteria that comprises bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:

1-5993.

76. The ruminant supplement of claim 70, further comprising a purified population of bacteria that comprises bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 99% identical to a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:

1-5993.

77. The ruminant supplement of claim 70, further comprising a purified population of bacteria that comprises bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence comprising a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:

1-5993.

78. The ruminant supplement of claim 70, wherein the purified population of bacteria are encapsulated in one or more of a polymer, carbohydrate, sugar, sugar alcohol, surfactant, plastic, glass, polysaccharide, lipid, wax, oil, fatty acid, amino acid, or glyceride.

79. The ruminant supplement of claim 78, wherein the encapsulated bacteria are vitrified.

80. The ruminant supplement of claim 78, wherein the encapsulated bacteria are further encapsulated in a wax, fat, fatty acid, fatty alcohol, or glyceride.

81. The ruminant supplement of claim 70, wherein the purified population of bacteria are in the form of spores.

82. The ruminant supplement of claim 81, wherein the spores are spray dried.

83. The ruminant supplement of claim 81, formulated as a tablet, capsule, pill, feed additive, food ingredient, food additive, food preparation, food supplement, consumable solution, consumable spray additive, consumable solid, consumable gel, injection, bolus, or combinations thereof.

84. A method increasing the amount of meat marbling in a ruminant, comprising:

administering to a ruminant an effective amount of a ruminant supplement comprising;

a) a purified population of bacteria selected from any one or more bacteria comprising a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to any one of SEQ ID NO;

1-5993; and

b) a carrier suitable for ruminant administration;

wherein the purified population of bacteria of a) is present in the supplement in an amount effective to increase the amount of meat marbling in the ruminant administered the supplement,

as compared to a ruminant not administered the supplement.

86. The method of claim 84, wherein at least one of the bacteria are selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13.

85. A method increasing the amount of meat marbling in a ruminant, comprising:

administering to a ruminant an effective amount of a ruminant supplement comprising;

a) a purified population of bacteria selected from;

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13; and

b) a carrier suitable for ruminant administration;

wherein the purified population of bacteria of a) is present in the supplement in an amount effective to increase the amount of meat marbling in the ruminant administered the supplement,

as compared to a ruminant not administered the supplement.

87. The method of claim 85, wherein the purified population of bacteria is selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 99% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 99% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 99% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13.

88. The method of claim 85, wherein the purified population of bacteria is selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO;

13.

89. The method of claim 85, wherein the purified population of bacteria is selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria deposited as B-67550.

(ii) Prevotella bacteria deposited as B-67552, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria deposited as B-67555.

90. The method of claim 85, wherein the ruminant supplement further comprises a purified population of bacteria that comprises bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:

1-5993.

91. The method of claim 85, wherein the ruminant supplement further comprises a purified population of bacteria that comprises bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 99% identical to a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:

1-5993.

92. The method of claim 85, wherein the ruminant supplement further comprises a purified population of bacteria that comprises bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence comprising a nucleic acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:

1-5993.

93. The method of claim 85, wherein the purified population of bacteria are encapsulated in one or more of a polymer, carbohydrate, sugar, sugar alcohol, surfactant, plastic, glass, polysaccharide, lipid, wax, oil, fatty acid, amino acid, or glyceride.

94. The method of claim 93, wherein the encapsulated bacteria are vitrified.

95. The method of claim 93, wherein the encapsulated bacteria are further encapsulated in a wax, fat, fatty acid, fatty alcohol, or glyceride.

96. The method of claim 85 wherein the purified population of bacteria are in the form of spores.

97. The method of claim 96, wherein the spores are spray dried.

98. The method of claim 96, formulated as a tablet, capsule, pill, feed additive, food ingredient, food additive, food preparation, food supplement, consumable solution, consumable spray additive, consumable solid, consumable gel, injection, bolus, or combinations thereof.

99. The method of claim 96, wherein the ruminant supplement is administered to a ruminant orally.

100. The method of claim 99 wherein the ruminant is a cow or a steer.

101. The method of claim 99, wherein the ruminant is fed a step-up diet.

102. The method of claim 99, wherein the ruminant is fed a finishing diet.

103. The method of claim 85, wherein the increase in meat marbling is an increase of at least 10%.

104. A ruminant supplement capable of increasing feed efficiency in a ruminant, comprising:

a) a purified population of bacteria selected from any one or more bacteria comprising a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to any one of SEQ ID NO;

1-5993; and

b) a carrier suitable for ruminant administration;

wherein the purified population of bacteria of a) is present in the supplement in an amount effective to increase feed efficiency in a ruminant administered the supplement, as compared to a ruminant not administered the supplement.

106. The ruminant supplement of claim 104, wherein at least one of the bacteria are selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13.

112. The ruminant supplement of claim 104, wherein at least one of the bacteria are selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13.

115. The ruminant supplement of claim 104, wherein at least one of the bacteria are selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13.

118. The ruminant supplement of claim 104, wherein at least one of the bacteria are selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13.

105. A ruminant supplement capable of increasing feed efficiency in a ruminant, comprising:

a) a purified population of bacteria selected from;

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13; and

b) a carrier suitable for ruminant administration;

wherein the purified population of bacteria of a) is present in the supplement in an amount effective to increase feed efficiency in a ruminant administered the supplement, as compared to a ruminant not administered the supplement.

107. A method for increasing feed efficiency in a ruminant, comprising:

administering to a ruminant an effective amount of a ruminant supplement comprising;

a) a purified population of bacteria selected from any one or more bacteria comprising a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to any one of SEQ ID NO;

1-5993; and

b) a carrier suitable for ruminant administration;

wherein the purified population of bacteria of a) is present in the supplement in an amount effective to increase feed efficiency in a ruminant administered the supplement, as compared to a ruminant not administered the supplement.

109. The method of claim 107, wherein at least one of the bacteria are selected from:

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13.

119. The method of any one of claim 16-18, 50-52, 84-86, or 107-109, wherein the microbes are administered with a prebiotic, a vitamin, or a mineral.

120. The method of any one of claim 16-18, 50-52, 84-86, or 107-109, wherein the microbes are administered with vitamin B or a precursor thereof.

108. A method increasing feed efficiency in a ruminant, comprising:

administering to a ruminant an effective amount of a ruminant supplement comprising;

a) a purified population of bacteria selected from;

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13; and

b) a carrier suitable for ruminant administration;

wherein the purified population of bacteria of a) is present in the supplement in an amount effective to increase feed efficiency in a ruminant administered the supplement, as compared to a ruminant not administered the supplement.

110. A ruminant supplement capable of increasing performance in a ruminant, comprising:

a) a purified population of bacteria selected from any one or more bacteria comprising a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to any one of SEQ ID NO;

1-5993; and

b) a carrier suitable for ruminant administration;

wherein the purified population of bacteria of a) is present in the supplement in an amount effective to increase performance in a ruminant administered the supplement, as compared to a ruminant not administered the supplement.

111. A ruminant supplement capable of increasing performance in a ruminant, comprising:

a) a purified population of bacteria selected from;

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13; and

b) a carrier suitable for ruminant administration;

wherein the purified population of bacteria of a) is present in the supplement in an amount effective to increase performance in a ruminant administered the supplement, as compared to a ruminant not administered the supplement.

113. A ruminant supplement capable of reducing methane production and emission in a ruminant, comprising:

a) a purified population of bacteria selected from any one or more bacteria comprising a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to any one of SEQ ID NO;

1-5993; and

b) a carrier suitable for ruminant administration;

wherein the purified population of bacteria of a) is present in the supplement in an amount effective to reduce methane production and emission in a ruminant administered the supplement, as compared to a ruminant not administered the supplement.

114. A ruminant supplement capable of reducing methane production and emission in a ruminant, comprising:

a) a purified population of bacteria selected from;

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13; and

b) a carrier suitable for ruminant administration;

wherein the purified population of bacteria of a) is present in the supplement in an amount effective to reduce methane production and emission in a ruminant administered the supplement,

as compared to a ruminant not administered the supplement.

116. A ruminant supplement capable of reducing methane production and emission in a ruminant, comprising:

a) a purified population of bacteria selected from any one or more bacteria comprising a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to any one of SEQ ID NO;

1-5993; and

b) a carrier suitable for ruminant administration;

wherein the purified population of bacteria of a) is present in the supplement in an amount effective to reduce methane production and emission in a ruminant administered the supplement, as compared to a ruminant not administered the supplement.

117. A ruminant supplement capable of reducing methane production and emission in a ruminant, comprising:

a) a purified population of bacteria selected from;

(i) Succinivibrio bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

75,

(ii) Prevotella bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

86, and/or

(iii) Bacteroides bacteria with a 16S nucleic acid sequence that is at least about 97% identical to SEQ ID NO;

13; and

b) a carrier suitable for ruminant administration;

wherein the purified population of bacteria of a) is present in the supplement in an amount effective to reduce methane production and emission in a ruminant administered the supplement,

as compared to a ruminant not administered the supplement.