Influence of microbial additive on microbial populations, ensiling characteristics, and spoilage loss of delayed sealing silage of Napier grass

Abstract

Objective: To measure whether a microbial additive could effectively improve the fermentation quality of delayed-sealing (DS) silage, we studied the effects of inoculants of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and cellulase enzyme on microbial populations, ensiling characteristics, and spoilage loss of DS silage of Napier grass in Africa.Methods: Quick-sealing (QS) and DS silages were prepared with and without LAB (Lactobacillus plantarum) inoculant, cellulase enzymes, and their combination. The QS material was directly chopped and packed into a bunker silo. The DS material was packed into the silo with a delay of 24 h from harvest.Results: In the QS silage, LAB was dominant in the microbial population and produced large amounts of lactic acid. When the silage was treated with LAB and cellulase, the fermentation quality was improved. In the DS silage, aerobic bacteria and yeasts were the dominant microbes and all the silages were of poor quality. The yeast and mold counts in the DS silage were high, and they increased rapidly during aerobic exposure. As a result, the DS silages spoiled faster than the QS silages upon aerobic exposure.Conclusion: DS results in poor silage fermentation and aerobic deterioration. The microbial additive improved QS silage fermentation but was not effective for DS silage.

Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Molasses Additives on Dynamic Fermentation Quality and Microbial Community of Native Grass Silage

“…However, due to the low water content, low water soluble carbohydrate, low lactic acid bacteria attachment, and high buffer energy of natural forage, direct silage is difficult to succeed ( Zhang et al, 2016 ; Hou et al, 2017 ). To solve this problem, Cai et al (2020) evaluated the effects of additives on native grass silage and found that the use of L and cellulase can improve the fermentation quality of native grass silage. L is the most common type of silage additive, capable of ensuring extensive fermentation and efficient substrate utilization in ensiled materials.…”

Effects of applying cellulase and starch on the fermentation characteristics and microbial communities of Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) silage

“…proved to be an appropriate method for Napier grass preservation post-harvest [1,2]. Napier grass has a dry matter biomass productivity of ~ 40 ton per hectare per year according to Li et al [3].…”

“…In Southern China, especially Guangdong province, haymaking is restricted by unfavorable climatic conditions (high air moisture content, local precipitation, etc.). Consequently, ensiling has been widely proved to be an appropriate method for Napier grass preservation post-harvest [ 1 , 2 ]. Napier grass has a dry matter (DM) biomass productivity of ~40 ton per hectare per year according to Li et al [ 3 ].…”

Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Banana and Its Application in Silage Fermentation of Defective Banana

“…The moisture content of defective bananas in this experiment was as high as 75%, which exceeded the ideal range of 60-70% moisture content for silage preparation. In addition, the number of epiphytic LAB showed a level of 103 CFU/g of FM, which was lower than the basic bacteria number 105 required for high-quality silage preparation [31,32]. When LAB fail to produce sufficient lactic acid during fermentation to reduce the pH and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, the resulting silage will be of poor quality.…”