Abstract
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 × 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.
Highlights
Academic Editor: Qing ZhangBroussonetia papyrifera has been widely applied to feed production, vegetation restoration, and papermaking due to its advantages such as fast growth, strong adaptability, and high yield [1], which is widely distributed in the Asian-Pacific region [2].Paper mulberry is rich in crude proteins and flavonoids, which have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects [3]
The pH, lactic acid (LA), propionic acid (PA), and Lactic Acid/Acetic Acid (LA/acetic acid (AA)) of paper mulberry silage were significantly affected by the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) added (p < 0.05)
Group (p < 0.05), but no significant differences in pH or LA/AA was found between the three groups (p > 0.05)
Summary
Paper mulberry is rich in crude proteins and flavonoids, which have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects [3]. It has already been used by scientists to replace Medicago sativa L. to relieve the shortage of high-protein feeds [4]. As a ligneous plant with high fiber content [5], paper mulberry shows poor palatability if directly eaten. As indicated by Si et al, adding paper mulberry silage in the daily ration of dairy cows reduces their dry matter (DM) ingestion, strengthens their immunity, and improves the quality of milk while exerting no influence on their physical condition and milk yield [7].
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