Strategy Development for Improving Ensiling Performance of Ceratoides arborescens ( <i>Krascheninnikovia arborescens</i> (Losinsk.) Czerep.) Silage Based on Integrated Omics

This study investigated the effects of <i>Lactiplantibacillus plantarum</i> (<i>L. plantarum</i>) on the constituent characteristics, <i>in vitro</i> ruminal fermentation properties, bacterial community structure, metagenome profiles, and metabolite compositions of Ceratoides arborescens silage. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis demonstrated that <i>L. plantarum</i> inoculation significantly altered the chemical composition, fermentation quality, and <i>in vitro</i> digestibility of the silage. The fermentation process was predominantly driven by <i>Lentilactobacillus</i> and <i>Lactiplantibacillus</i>. Metagenomic profiling and metabolic analyses revealed functional shifts and metabolic alterations, with significant differences observed in the absolute abundance of the carbohydrate-active enzymes. In conclusion, <i>L. plantarum</i> fermentation improved the nutritional value and fermentation properties of Ceratoides arborescens silage by modulating the bacterial community structure, functional gene expression, and metabolic activity. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the beneficial effects of <i>L. plantarum</i> during silage fermentation and offer potential strategies for enhancing the silage quality and ruminal fermentation efficiency.