Patent US 6,887,489

A ruminant direct fed microbial composition of matter comprising an acidosis inhibiting effective amount of Propionibacterium P-63 is provided. Also disclosed is a process for reducing acidosis in ruminants or scours in swine by administration of the bacterium to the ruminant or swine. The microbial composition may be administered by itself, or combined with animal feed and/or lactic acid producing cultures.