Today the market contains many types of direct-fed microbials (DFM). Most of these "Probiotics" are quite dependent on advertisement to sell the product while others depend more on performance.

The role of a direct-fed microbial is to provide the right live bacteria needed to obtain proper nutrient utilization and stabilize the balance of the digestive tract. Imbalances can occur during periods of stress (heavy training, hauling, showing, etc.) In order to be effective, the microbial must be stable in storage and feed prior to ingestion. Once in the intestional tract these bacgeria must survive intestinal conditions and be able to grow. The longer they can multiply (and colonize) in the gut, the more effective they will be. By understanding these principals, one can quicky understand which microbials fit the role of an "ideal Probiotic".

The table below can be used as a guideline in evaluating these direct-fed microbials. You, as the livestock producer, can then compare the product in yolur own program ... That is the Ultimate Test!