Microbial diversity and fermentation profile of red clover silage inoculated with reconstituted indigenous and exogenous epiphytic microbiota

Abstract

The study investigated the effects of transplantation and reconstitution of indigenous and exogenous epiphytic microbiota on the fermentation quality and microbial community of red clover silage. Sterile red clover was inoculated with distilled water (RC0), extracted epiphytic microbiota of red clover (RC), maize (MZ), and sorghum (SG). RC inoculation rapidly decreased pH at the onset of ensiling. The LA concentration and ratio of LA/AA were higher in RC silage during entire ensiling while MZ silage during late phase of ensiling. Pediococcus was dominant in RC early silage, while Lactobacillus was abundant in MZ final silage. The SG terminal silage had higher pH (>4.50) and dominated by Sphingomonas, Enterobacter, and Novosphingobium. RC and MZ microbiota were beneficial in enhancing fermentation quality and microbial community in red clover silage. Transplantation and reconstitution of epiphytic microbiota can be a successful method to assess the effective and eco-friendly additive for the targeted crop.

Keywords: Epiphytic microbiota; Fermentation; Microbial diversity; Red clover; Silage.