A composition comprising lactic acid bacteria that are selected from at least one of Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus lactis, and Lactobacillus brevis. The composition is suitable for administration to animals. Upon administration to an animal, the composition provides at least one of the following (a) improves performance in the animal and (b) reduces scours in animals. Also provided is a method of treating an animal in which the composition is administered to the animal. A method of forming a direct-fed microbial is also provided. A culture including the lactic acid bacteria is grown in a liquid nutrient broth. The lactic acid bacteria are separated from the liquid nutrient broth. The lactic acid bacteria can be freeze dried.