Addition of Lactic Acid Bacteria Can Promote the Quality and Feeding Value of Broussonetia papyrifera (Paper Mulberry) Silage

In this study, the influence of two lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains [Lactobacillus rhamnosus BDy (LR-BDy) and Lactobacillus buchneri TSy (LB-TSy)] selected from Southwest China on the fermentation characteristics and in vitro gas production of Broussonetia papyrifera (paper mulberry) silage were experimentally explored. The experimental groups were a control group (C), an LB-TSy treatment (LB), an LR-BDy treatment (LR), and an LR-BDy + LB-TSy hybrid group (LR x LB). After the LAB were added, the pH value of paper mulberry silage significantly declined (p < 0.05), and the crude protein content was effectively preserved (p < 0.05). However, no significant changes were found in the levels of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and crude ash (p > 0.05). The lactic acid content in paper mulberry silage was evidently increased (p < 0.05). The in vitro gas production in the LR at 36, 48, and 72 h were markedly higher than that in the other treatments (p < 0.05). Owing to the addition of LAB, the microbial diversity in paper mulberry silage was reduced, while the relative bacterial abundance of Lactobacillus was enhanced. Hence, the addition of LAB selected from the warm and humid region in Southwest China can improve the quality of paper mulberry silage and elevate its feeding value in this region.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of two lactic acid bacteria strains from Southwest China on the fermentation characteristics and in vitro gas production of paper mulberry silage. The results showed that the addition of lactic acid bacteria significantly decreased the pH value of the silage and effectively preserved the crude protein content. The lactic acid content in the silage increased, and the in vitro gas production was improved. However, no significant changes were observed in the levels of fiber and ash content. Furthermore, the addition of lactic acid bacteria reduced the microbial diversity and increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the silage.