Identification of lactic acid bacteria inoculant ZZU A341 and its effects on fermentation properties of alfalfa silage

To obtain effective lactic acid bacteria inoculants for alfalfa ensiling, alfalfa epiphytic lactic acid bacteria strains were screened based on an antibacterial activity test, acidification ability on alfalfa meal, and structural carbohydrates constituents. Their impacts on fermentation of alfalfa silage were also studied. Results indicated that strain ZZU A341 displayed high antibacterial activity as well as effective acidification of alfalfa meal and structural carbohydrate constituents. Strain ZZU A341 was identified as Lactobacillus plantarum. Silage receiving ZZU A341 demonstrated lower pH and ammoniacal nitrogen content than silage receiving the commercial inoculant YX. The pH and ammoniacal nitrogen content in silage receiving ZZU A341 were significantly lower than the naturally ensiled alfalfa. Thus, lactic acid bacteria inoculants identified through this screening system could effectively improve fermentation qualities of alfalfa silage.