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Microorganisms
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Microorganisms in Silage
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Microorganisms in Silage

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2025 | Viewed by 5492

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Musen Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
Interests: fermentation; forage silage; ruminant nutrition; feed; microbial community
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Marcia De Oliveira Franco

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Production Systems, Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), FI-31600 Jokioinen, Finland
Interests: biowaste; animal nutrition and feeding; milk production; ruminant nutrition; silage making; feed preservation; ruminant metabolism
Dr. Qing Zhang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Forestry and Landscape Architecture, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Interests: silage fermentation; woody forage; microbial community; metabonomics; silage additives; lactic acid bacteria; plant extracts; bioactive substances; rumen fermentation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Siran Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
Interests: silage; fermentation; lactic acid bacteria; ensiling; microbial community; fermented feed
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Chunsheng Bai

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Horticulture, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang 110866, China
Interests: forage processing, storage and utilization

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Microbial activity plays a crucial role in the ensiling process, which is widely used to preserve forage crops for animal feed. Silage production involves the fermentation of plant material by lactic acid bacteria and other microbial species under anaerobic conditions. This fermentation process results in a decrease in pH, thus inhibiting the growth of spoilage microorganisms and preserving the nutritional quality of silage. Additionally, microbial interactions within the silage ecosystem influence fermentation efficiency and their extent, hygienic quality, and animal performance upon feed consumption. Understanding the dynamics of microbial populations and communities in silage is essential to optimize silage production, improve hygienic quality, and mitigate the potential risks associated with microbial contamination.

This Special Issue aims to explore various aspects of microbial ecology, physiology, and biotechnology in the silage ecosystem. Original research articles, short communications, and reviews are welcome, and areas of interest may include but are not limited to the following:

  • The diversity and dynamics of microbial populations and communities in silage.
  • Functional roles of lactic acid bacteria and other microorganisms in silage fermentation.
  • The influence of environmental factors on microbial activity and silage quality.
  • Biotechnological approaches to improve silage fermentation and feed preservation.
  • The impact of microbial interactions on silage stability, their nutritious value, and animal health.
  • Strategies for monitoring and controlling microbial contamination in silage production.

Dr. Musen Wang
Dr. Marcia De Oliveira Franco
Dr. Qing Zhang
Dr. Siran Wang
Dr. Chunsheng Bai
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • ensiling
  • microbial community
  • microbial contamination
  • functional lactic acid bacteria
  • fermented feed

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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Article
Improving the Quality of Ensiling High-Moisture Alfalfa with Peanut Vine in Different Additives: Fermentation, Nutritional Quality, and Microbial Communities
by Haikuo Jia, Chunhui Wu, Zhenling Liu, Yu Sun, Ying He, Huan Chen, Xiaowei Zu, Lixin Wang, Yanxia Gao, Mingya Wang and Qiufeng Li
Microorganisms 2025, 13(10), 2228; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13102228 - 23 Sep 2025
Abstract
Ensiling high-moisture alfalfa with peanut vine not only avoids alfalfa nutrient loss during the wilting stage but also maximizes the use of agricultural waste peanut vine. The appropriate mixed ratio of high-moisture alfalfa and peanut vine has been studied in our previous study. [...] Read more.
Ensiling high-moisture alfalfa with peanut vine not only avoids alfalfa nutrient loss during the wilting stage but also maximizes the use of agricultural waste peanut vine. The appropriate mixed ratio of high-moisture alfalfa and peanut vine has been studied in our previous study. However, the effect of additives on improving the nutrition and fermentation quality of the mixed silage of alfalfa and peanut vine has not been investigated. This study aimed to assess the adaptation and association of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, cellulase and tannin in the mixed silage of alfalfa and peanut vine alone or in combination on fermentation quality, chemical composition, and microbial communities. The harvested fresh alfalfa and dry peanut vine were cut into 2 cm lengths by a crop chopper and they were thoroughly mixed at a ratio of 7:3. The mixtures were treated with no addition (CK), L. plantarum (Lp, 1 × 106 CFU/g fresh weight), cellulase (Ce, 5 g/kg fresh weight), tannin (Ta, 40 g/kg dry matter), and their combinations (LpCe, LpTa, CeTa, LpCeTa). After 45 days of fermentation, silage treated with Lp, Ce, and Ta had lower pH and ammonia-N (NH3-N) content and higher concentrations of lactic acid compared with the CK group. LpCeTa-treated silage inhibited protein degradation by reducing pH value and ammonia-N concentrations during ensiling processes. The LpCeTa group increased (p < 0.05) water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content and reduced (p < 0.05) acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber contents in mixed silage. Furthermore, the LpCeTa group increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and decreased the relative abundance of Enterococcus and Weissella as compared with the CK group. Results of the current study indicated that the combined use of L. plantarum, cellulase, and tannin could serve as a promising strategy for the preservation of ensiling fresh alfalfa mixed with peanut vine and provide a reference for the re-utilization of by-product. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microorganisms in Silage)
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15 pages, 12832 KB  
Article
Effect of Cordyceps militaris Residue and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum on Fermentation Quality and Bacterial Community of Alfalfa Silage
by Luheng Wei, Meirong Zhao, Jia Song, Duo Gao, Xinnan Li, Juanjuan Sun, Zhu Yu and Chunsheng Bai
Microorganisms 2025, 13(8), 1919; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13081919 - 17 Aug 2025
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Abstract
In order to reduce the environmental burden associated with Cordyceps militaris residue, we conducted a study to explore the feasibility of Cordyceps militaris residue as a silage additive. The experimental treatments included distilled sterile water control (CK), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP, 1 × 10 [...] Read more.
In order to reduce the environmental burden associated with Cordyceps militaris residue, we conducted a study to explore the feasibility of Cordyceps militaris residue as a silage additive. The experimental treatments included distilled sterile water control (CK), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP, 1 × 105 cfu/g), Cordyceps militaris residue (CM, 4% of fresh matter), and their combination (LP + CM). A total of 48 samples (4 treatments × 4 storage periods × 3 replicates) were prepared for the analysis of fermentation quality, chemical composition, microbial population, and bacterial community composition at days 2, 7, 28, and 45 of ensiling. Results showed that compared with the control, the CM and LP + CM treatments increased the lactic acid bacteria number and lactic acid content (p < 0.05), and a decrease in pH value and NH3-N content was observed (p < 0.05). The bacterial diversity in the CM group was higher and lower than that in the CK group in the early and late stages of fermentation, respectively, and maintained a higher relative abundance of Lactococcus on day 7. Lactobacillus remained the predominant bacterial community at the end of fermentation. Random forest analysis indicated that Lactobacillus was a key determinant of the pH, lactic acid, and acetic acid levels. Consequently, the addition of Cordyceps militaris residue alone, or combined with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, improved the quality of alfalfa silage by increasing lactic acid and lowering NH3-N, providing a new approach for its development and utilization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microorganisms in Silage)
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10 pages, 744 KB  
Article
Effect of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Propionic Acid on Fermentation Characteristics, Chemical Composition, and Aerobic Stability of High-Moisture Corn Grain Silage
by Jinze Bao, Lei Wang and Zhu Yu
Microorganisms 2025, 13(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13010033 - 27 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1416
Abstract
This investigation aimed to assess the effect of additives on the aerobic stability, fermentation profile, and chemical composition of high-moisture corn grain silage. The corn grain was milled and divided this into four distinct treatment groups: Lentilactobacillus buchneri, propionic acid, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, [...] Read more.
This investigation aimed to assess the effect of additives on the aerobic stability, fermentation profile, and chemical composition of high-moisture corn grain silage. The corn grain was milled and divided this into four distinct treatment groups: Lentilactobacillus buchneri, propionic acid, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and no additive (control). The capacity of the silos was 1 L and density was 1000 kg/m3. Each group had three replicates and was fermented for 45 d. At silo opening, one part of silage was used for fermentation parameters, chemical composition, and in vitro dry matter digestibility analysis; another part was used for aerobic stability determination. Compared with the control, all additives increased lactic acid and dry matter concentrations (p < 0.001) and decreased neutral detergent fiber level (p < 0.001). In comparison with the control, the application of Lentilactobacillus buchneri and propionic acid improved silage aerobic stability, showed by lower pH level and yeast and mold populations after exposure to air. The findings offer theoretical groundwork and technological backing for the use of high-moisture corn grain silage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microorganisms in Silage)
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19 pages, 3411 KB  
Article
Effects of Selenium Application on Fermentation Quality, Chemical Composition, and Bacterial Community of Hybrid Pennisetum Silage
by Xinzhu Chen, Shuiling Qiu, Liang Huang, Yanie Yang, Xiaoyun Huang, Xiusheng Huang and Deqing Feng
Microorganisms 2024, 12(11), 2144; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12112144 - 25 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1284
Abstract
The primary objective of this study is to facilitate the conversion of inorganic selenium (Se) into organic Se within plants via assimilation, subsequently feeding it to livestock and poultry to enhance healthy animal production and yield Se-enriched livestock and poultry products. Therefore, it [...] Read more.
The primary objective of this study is to facilitate the conversion of inorganic selenium (Se) into organic Se within plants via assimilation, subsequently feeding it to livestock and poultry to enhance healthy animal production and yield Se-enriched livestock and poultry products. Therefore, it is imperative to first investigate the impact of varying Se doses on the agronomic traits of plants as well as their forage storage and processing. This experiment investigated the effect of Se fertilizer application on the fermentation quality, chemical composition, and bacterial community of Pennisetum americanum × Pennisetum purpureum cv Minmu 7 (HPM7). There were nine Se fertilizer dissolution levels of HPM7 treated, which were 0 mg/kg (Se0), 0.50 mg/kg (Se1), 1.00 mg/kg (Se2), 2.00 mg/kg (Se3), 5.00 mg/kg (Se4), 10.00 mg/kg (Se5), 20.00 mg/kg (Se6), 30.00 mg/kg (Se7), 40.00 mg/kg (Se8), and 50.00 mg/kg (Se9). The results showed that after silage, the water-soluble carbohydrates of Se1, Se2, and Se3 were lower than Se0, and the pH of Se3, Se4, and Se6 were lower than the Se0. The number of OTUs in the nine groups was sequentially Se1 > Se2 > Se3 > Se8 > Se6 > Se5 > Se7 > Se4 > Se0. The dominant bacterial phyla in silage samples were Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. Compared with Se0, Bacterial Shannon index in Se1 and Se2 were higher, while Chao1 and ACE indices of Se1, Se2, Se3, Se5, and Se6 were higher. A beta diversity analysis indicated that the Se1 exhibited the highest number of significant biomarkers. Escherichia coli between Se0 and Se3 and Clostridium sardiniense and Clostridium perfringens between Se0 and Se1 exhibited significant differences at a species level. The most abundant pathways for metabolism were membrane transport, carbohydrate metabolism, translation, replication, repair, and amino acid metabolism. The correlation analysis indicated that the dry matter content was negatively correlated with Bacillus (p < 0.01), Lactobacillus (p < 0.05), Pediococcus (p < 0.05), and Hirschia (p < 0.05); the contents of neutral detergent fiber and hemi-cellulose were positively correlated with Lactobacillus (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). The protein content was negatively correlated with proteus (p < 0.05). This study demonstrated that the application of Se fertilizer could enhance the Se content in HPM7. The optimal fertilization concentration was found to range from 0.50 to 2.00 mg/kg, which facilitates the metabolism of soluble carbohydrates and enhances both the fermentation quality and microbial relative abundance of HPM7 silage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microorganisms in Silage)
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15 pages, 2981 KB  
Article
Impact of Additives and Packing Density on Fermentation Weight Loss, Microbial Diversity, and Fermentation Quality of Rape Straw Silage
by Baozhu Yang, Na Na, Nier Wu, Lin Sun, Ziqin Li, Moge Qili, Hongyan Han and Yelin Xue
Microorganisms 2024, 12(10), 1985; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12101985 - 30 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1237
Abstract
To investigate the effects of the combined addition of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and sucrose on the fermentation weight loss (FWL), fermentation quality, and microbial community structure of ensiled rape straw under varying packing density conditions. After harvesting, the rapeseed straw was collected, cut into [...] Read more.
To investigate the effects of the combined addition of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and sucrose on the fermentation weight loss (FWL), fermentation quality, and microbial community structure of ensiled rape straw under varying packing density conditions. After harvesting, the rapeseed straw was collected, cut into 1–2 cm pieces, and sprayed with sterile water to adjust the moisture content to 60%. The straw was then divided into two groups: one treated with additives (1 × 105 CFU/g fresh material of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and 10 kg/t fresh material of sucrose), and the other sprayed with an equivalent amount of sterile water as the control (CK). The treated materials were thoroughly mixed and packed into silos at densities of 450, 500, and 550 kg/m3. FWL was recorded on days 1, 3, 6, 15, 20, and 45 of fermentation. On day 45, the samples were analyzed for fermentation quality, microbial counts, and microbial diversity. FWL increased significantly (p < 0.05) in both the treated (LS) and control groups during fermentation. The LS group showed higher lactic acid (LA) levels (p < 0.05) and lower ammonia nitrogen levels (p < 0.05) compared to CK. The CK group had significantly higher (p < 0.05) counts of Coliforms and lower bacterial counts (p < 0.05) than LS. The dominant genera in the silage were Xanthomonas, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, and Lentilactobacillus. In the LS group, the relative abundances of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lentilactobacillus ranged from 16.93% to 20.43% and 15.63% to 27.46%, respectively, with their combined abundance being higher than in CK. At a packing density of 500 kg/m3, the relative abundances of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lentilactobacillus in the LS group were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in CK. Increasing packing density and applying additives to rape straw silage effectively reduced FWL, improved fermentation quality, boosted the relative abundance of beneficial lactic acid bacteria, and decreased the presence of undesirable bacteria such as Enterobacter and Bacillus. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microorganisms in Silage)
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