Xizang's extreme climatic conditions, characterized by prolonged frost periods and limited frost-free seasons, result in an extended dry non-growing forage season lasting more than 7 months each year. This leads to significant feed shortages during the winter and spring months, intensifying the imbalance between forage availability and livestock demand. Consequently, livestock producers are frequently compelled to cull animals prematurely due to inadequate feed resources. Silage is generally considered an effective method for preserving green fodder; however, such fermentation is challenging at low temperatures, making it prone to spoilage. Therefore, in high-altitude cold regions where year-round adequate feeding of ruminant livestock is necessary, enhancing the fermentation of silage crops is crucial for improving the nutritional value, preservation, and storage of green fodder.

Researchers led by Prof. Tan Zhiliang from Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, explored microbial additives efficacy on whole-plant maize silage under Xizang hypoxic and cold environment.

Their recent study published in Frontiers in Microbiology on January 22, offers a promising solution through the application of specially designed microbial additives during silage fermentation.

The research focused on whole-plant maize silage treated with a compound microbial inoculant containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Lactobacillus plantarum. Microbial additives enhanced crude protein, lactic acid, and acetic acid levels in whole-plant maize silage in Xizang, yielding higher sensory scores. Fermentation for 60 days improved milk protein content in late-lactation Tibetan Holstein cows, alongside increased in vitro total volatile fatty acids, dry matter degradation rates, and microbial protein content, thereby boosting ruminal digestibility and utilization of the silage.

Furthermore, microbial additives maintain efficacy under low-temperature and low-oxygen partial pressure conditions, increasing the abundance of Firmicutes phylum and Weissella genus while reducing Acetobacter abundance.

These measures facilitate a rapid decrease in silage pH and an increase in lactic acid content, thereby mitigating feed spoilage and enhancing feed quality. This is of great significance for the regional particularity and its guiding value for animal husbandry on the plateau.

Contact: Jinhe Kang

E-mail: kangjh@isa.ac.cn