Enhancing fermentation quality and fiber decomposition ofsilage by introducingand lactic acid bacteria consortia.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: As a low-cost, high-fibre biomass resource,(reed) has significant potential for feed applications, particularly as a partial replacement for conventional roughage in ruminant diets. METHODS: This study investigated the effects of integrating(BNCC109047) with homofermentative/ heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria (LAB) consortia on the fermentation and nutritional quality of(reed) silage. Five treatments were evaluated: a Control (CK, without inoculum) and four inoculants-LAB (1.5 &#xd7; 108 CFU/kg LAB, 1:4 homofermentative (BNCC 336421 andBNCC 135034 in a ratio of 1:1): heterofermentative (BNCC 187961) ratio), LAB-BS2.5 (LAB plus 2.5&#x202f;&#xd7;&#x202f;10&#x202f;CFU/kg), LAB-BS5.0 (LAB plus 5.0&#x202f;&#xd7;&#x202f;10&#x202f;CFU/kg), and LAB-BS10.0 (LAB plus 1.0&#x202f;&#xd7;&#x202f;10&#x202f;CFU/kg)-with triplicate samples per group. Silage fermentation was conducted for 90 days. RESULTS: LAB-BS10.0 demonstrated superior fermentation outcomes, achieving the highest lactic acid-to-total acid ratio (62.3%,&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05) and the lowest ammonia nitrogen (NH-N) content (0.60 &#xb1; 0.09 g/kg,&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05). Acetic and butyric acid concentrations were significantly reduced (&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.05), while neutral detergent fiber (NDF) decreased by 5.9% compared to the Control. Ether extract (EE) increased to 4.76% (&#x202f;<&#x202f;0.01), highlighting enhanced lipid preservation. CONCLUSION: These results emphasize the synergistic potential ofand LAB to optimizesilage, providing a sustainable strategy to enhance forage quality and tackle global feed shortages.