# Strain‐Specific Fermentation Performance of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated From Maize and Napier Fodder During Maize Ensiling

## TL;DR

This study identifies and tests lactic acid bacteria from maize and Napier fodder, finding that specific strains improve silage quality during fermentation.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the strain-specific efficacy of native Limosilactobacillus fermentum and Bacillus subtilis as bio-inoculants for maize silage.

## Key findings

- Inoculated silage had significantly lower pH and ammonia-nitrogen levels compared to controls.
- L. fermentum improved crude protein retention, while combined inoculation increased DM loss.
- Inoculated silage showed higher LAB counts and suppressed yeast and mold growth.

## Abstract

This study integrated phenotypic and molecular characterisation of LAB isolated from whole‐crop maize and Napier fodder and silage with laboratory‐scale ensiling to evaluate their fermentation efficacy in maize silage. Twenty‐one LAB isolates were screened, of which seven were confirmed by 16 s rRNA gene sequenced as Limosilactobacillus fermentum and
Bacillus subtilis
. The isolates exhibited broad physiological tolerance, growth at 15°C–43°C, pH 4.0–9.5, 7% NaCl, and the ability to ferment multiple carbohydrates. Selected strains (
L. fermentum
PQ482012 and
B. subtilis
PQ482016) were evaluated as silage inoculants in maize fodder over 45 days under controlled conditions. Inoculated silages exhibited significantly improved fermentation, with reduced pH (4.04–4.09; p = 0.004) and lower ammonia‐nitrogen (4.20–6.10 mg/100 mL; p = 0.001) compared to uninoculated control (pH, 4.19; 7.25 mg/100 mL).
L. fermentum
inoculation resulted in higher crude protein retention (92.20 g/kg of dry matter; p = 0.001), whilst combined inoculation enhanced acidification but caused greater DM loss (48.65 g/kg; p = 0.001). Inoculated silage also exhibited higher LAB counts, suppression of yeast, and absence of moulds. Overall, the native
L. fermentum
and
B. subtilis
strains exhibit strong strain‐specific fermentation traits, showing promise as bio‐inoculants for enhancing maize silage quality.

Isolation and identification of lactic acid bacteria from maize and Napier fodder and silage using physiological and biochemical tests, and Sanger sequencing. The isolated strains of Limosilactobacillus fermentum BLRI 1 and
Bacillus subtilis
BLRI 24 were utilised as an inoculant in maize silage.