Effects of rumen fluid and molasses on the nutrient composition, fermentation quality, and microflora of Caragana korshinskii Kom. silage

The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of rumen fluid and molasses on the nutrient composition, fermentation quality, and microflora of Caragana korshinskii Kom. The trial included four treatments: a control group (CK) without additives and experimental groups supplemented with 7% rumen fluid (R), 4% molasses (M), and 7% rumen fluid + 4% molasses (RM). 15 days and 60 days of ensiling. The results showed that the addition of R, M, and RM reduced the contents of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF). The addition of M and RM increased the content of water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) but increased the loss of DM. The addition of M and RM promoted rapid pH reduction below 4.2. At 60 days of ensiling, the addition of R alone promoted the production of lactic acid (LA). The addition of R and RM increased microbial diversity. The addition of RM slowed the rate at which Lactobacillus became the dominant genus and improved the ability of Enterobacter to compete for fermentable substrates. M and RM could increase microbial activity and promote metabolism. In general, the addition of M or RM improved the fermentation quality and nutritional value of C. korshinskii silage.