Abstract
Silage is an essential part of the rations for ruminants. Preparation and production of high-quality silage is vital to improving the quality and efficiency of animal husbandry. The nutritive value and fermentation quality of silage is dependent on not only the type and quality of the forage crop, but also the ensiling technique and epiphytic microbiota. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), as an important silage additive and feed probiotics, play an important role in improving the quality of silage forage and regulating the growth performance and health of ruminants. LAB offer various advantages for ruminants as potential probiotics and are able to improve nutrient acquisition, growth performance and immune function stimulation in ruminants. In this paper, we review the current knowledge on the effects of LAB on silage quality and ruminant health. The comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the biological functions of important microorganisms, like LAB, in the silage fermentation process, the mechanisms of action, and the physiological effects on ruminant health is useful for developing highly effective compound silage inoculants, and for providing a scientific basis for improving physiological health of ruminants.
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