What is "bacillus licheniformis"

bacitracin \bacitracin\ n. (1940) [Bacillus + Margaret Tracy, (a child whose tissues contained Bacillus subtilis) + -in.
--RHUD.] a polypeptide antibacterial antibiotic of known chemical structure effective against several types of Gram-positive organisms, and usually used topically for superficial local infection.

Note: It is produced by Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis, and as produced commercially is composed of several closely related substances. The predominant component, Bacitracin A, has a formula C60H103N17O16S, and contains D-ornithine, D-phenylalanine and D-glutamine residues as well as the L-isomers of leucine, isoleucine, histidine, asparagine and aspartic acid.
--[MI11]

Bacillus licheniformis is a bacterium commonly found in the soil. It is found on bird feathers, especially chest and back plumage, and most often in ground-dwelling birds (like sparrows) and aquatic species (like ducks).

It is a gram-positive, mesophilic bacterium. Its optimal growth temperature is around 30 °C, though it can survive at much higher temperatures. The optimal temperature for enzyme secretion is 37 °C. It can exist in spore form to resist harsh environments, or in a vegetative state when conditions are good.

Scientists are currently exploring its ability to degrade feathers for agricultural purposes. Feathers contain high amounts of non-digestible proteins, but researchers hope that, through fermentation with B. licheniformis, they can use waste feathers to produce cheap and nutritious feather meal to feed livestock.

Ecological research is also being done looking at the interaction between plumage colors and B. licheniformis activity, and the consequences thereof. Feather degrading bacteria may have played an important role in the evolution of molting, and patterns in feather coloration ( Gloger's Rule).