# Effect of Inoculation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Cellulase on the Quality of Mulberry Silage

## TL;DR

This study shows that adding Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and cellulase improves the quality of mulberry silage by enhancing fermentation and reducing nutrient loss.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is demonstrating the combined effect of L. plantarum and cellulase on mulberry silage quality and bacterial community stability.

## Key findings

- LP and LPC treatments reduced dry matter, carbohydrate, and protein loss during silage.
- Inoculation increased lactic and acetic acid accumulation but elevated ammonia nitrogen.
- Inoculation maintained beneficial bacteria and inhibited harmful bacteria like Escherichia-Shigella.

## Abstract

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and cellulase have been used as additives to improve the fermentation quality of mulberry silage. This study investigated the dynamics of fermentation characteristics and bacterial communities during 60-day ensiling through three established treatment groups: Control (no inoculation), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP) inoculation as well as combination of L. plantarum and cellulase inoculation group (LPC). The results showed that compared with the Control group, the LP and LPC treatments significantly reduced the loss of dry matter, soluble carbohydrates, and crude protein (p < 0.05), effectively promoted the accumulation of lactic acid and acetic acid (p < 0.05), but significantly elevated ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) production. Inoculation was beneficial to the stability of the bacterial community in mulberry branch and leaf silage because it can maintain a high level of beneficial bacteria (Lactiplantibacillus) and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria (Escherichia-Shigella). The combination of the inoculation of L. plantarum and cellulase may improve the quality of mulberry branch silage.