Kemin Industries CLOSTAT Direct-Fed Microbial
By Kemin Industries
Last reviewed: February 2026
Bacillus subtilis PB6 probiotic that produces antimicrobial compounds to inhibit pathogens throughout the GI tract.
Bacillus subtilis PB6 probiotic from Kemin that supports gut health beyond the rumen, reduces culling rates, and improves milk production in dairy cattle.
Key Features
- Spore-Forming Probiotic: Survives rumen, pelleting, and acid conditions to reach the lower GI tract
- Pathogen Inhibition: Produces biocidal proteins against Clostridium perfringens, Salmonella, and E. coli
- Reduced Culling: Research shows decreased early-lactation culling in supplemented herds
- Immune Support: Reduces blood inflammatory markers during the transition period
- Low Inclusion Rate: 0.5 g/head/day delivers effective probiotic dose
Advanced Features
- Myco CURB: Kemin's mold inhibitor and mycotoxin management product line for stored feeds
- Multiple Modes of Action: Surfactins prevent quorum sensing; fengycin blocks infection initiation
Ideal For
Farm Types: Commercial dairies, Operations with high culling rates, Herds with recurring Clostridial or Salmonella challenges
Competitive Advantages
What sets CLOSTAT Direct-Fed Microbial apart from alternatives:
- Targets lower GI tract, not just the rumen, filling a gap most yeast products miss
- Spore-forming Bacillus survives processing and rumen passage
- Multiple antimicrobial modes of action (biocidal proteins, surfactins, fengycin)
- Research-backed reduction in culling rates and inflammatory markers
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for CLOSTAT Direct-Fed Microbial:
CLOSTAT 500 is priced competitively in the direct-fed microbial category. Typical cost is $0.03-0.06 per cow per day. Contact Kemin Industries for current volume pricing.
Pricing Model: Per unit or per head per day
Pros & Considerations
- Unique lower-GI targeting vs. rumen-only products
- Spore-forming stability through processing and digestion
- Research-proven culling rate reduction
- Very low inclusion rate
- Less research base than some established yeast products
- Mechanism is different from traditional probiotics, may require nutritionist education
- Best ROI in herds with identifiable gut health challenges
Implementation & Setup
How to implement CLOSTAT Direct-Fed Microbial on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: Immediate, mixed into daily TMR or premix
Training & Support
Training and support options available for CLOSTAT Direct-Fed Microbial:
Support Channels:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating CLOSTAT Direct-Fed Microbial:
- What is your herd's current involuntary culling rate in the first 60 days of lactation?
- Have you identified Clostridial or Salmonella challenges in your herd?
- What direct-fed microbials are currently in the ration?
- Is CLOSTAT being considered for the full herd or targeted to transition cows?