Abstract:

[Objective] The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal harvesting height for hybrid Broussonetia papyrifera and the processing parameters for preparation of hybrid Broussonetia papyrifera silage fermented with microbial agents. [Method] The optimal harvesting height was determined by analyzing the nutritional component and biological yield of hybrid Broussonetia papyrifera at different growth heights. Using hybrid Broussonetia papyrifera at the optimal growth height as raw materials, and Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus acidilactici, and Lactobacillus buchneri as fermentative strains, the silage processing parameters such as combinative ratio of bacterial strains, molasses addition amount, cellulase addition amount, and fermentation duration were screened by orthogonal experimental design. The optimal combination of processing parameters for preparation of hybrid Broussonetia papyrifera silage were determined based on indicators of sensory evaluation, chemical composition, aerobic stability, and nutritional component. [Result] The highest biological yield and nutritional value of hybrid Broussonetia papyrifera were obtained when harvested at the height of 1.2 meters. The optimal processing parameters for preparation of hybrid Broussonetia papyrifera silage obtained through orthogonal experimental design were as follows: the ratio of Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus acidilactici, and Lactobacillus buchneri was 4∶1∶1, the molasses addition amount was 3%, the cellulase addition amount was 9×10³ U/kg, and the silage duration was 60 d. [Conclusion] This study determines the optimal harvesting height and the processing parameters for preparation of hybrid Broussonetia papyrifera silage, providing references for the feed utilization of Broussonetia papyrifera.

Key words: hybrid Broussonetia papyrifera, harvesting height, silage, processing parameter