<![CDATA[Direct-fed microbials (DFM) are feed additives containing viable microorganisms that may provide beneficial effects on livestock health and performance. This study aimed to develop and characterize DFM products produced using freeze-drying encapsulation and conventional oven-drying processes by evaluating their physical characteristics, antimicrobial activity, and microbial viability for potential use as feed additives in ruminants. The DFM product contained Saccharomyces cerevisiae FNCC 3012, Bacillus subtilis, and Lactobacillus plantarum FNCC 0020. The evaluated parameters included microbial viability, antimicrobial activity, physical characteristics, and contamination. Data were analyzed descriptively to characterize the observed parameters and identify trends between encapsulated and non-encapsulated DFM products. The results showed that freeze-drying encapsulation improved antimicrobial activity, as indicated by greater inhibition zones against pathogenic bacteria. The inhibition zone against Escherichia coli reached 34.5 mm in the encapsulated product, compared with 24 mm in the non-encapsulated product. A similar pattern was observed against Salmonella sp., with inhibition zones of 19 and 17.5 mm, respectively. Both production methods produced DFM products with a uniform white color, no foreign particles, and good homogeneity. Microbial counts were ≥10⁶ CFU/g, indicating that the products met the minimum requirement for viable cells. Overall, freeze-drying encapsulation improved the antimicrobial activity of DFM while maintaining acceptable physical characteristics and microbial viability. These findings indicate that both production methods have potential for producing DFM products as feed additives for ruminants.]]>
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