Strain‐Specific Fermentation Performance of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated From Maize and Napier Fodder During Maize Ensiling

This study integrated phenotypic and molecular characterisation of LAB isolated from whole-crop maize and Napier fodder and silage with laboratory-scale ensiling to evaluate their fermentation efficacy in maize silage. Twenty-one LAB isolates were screened, of which seven were confirmed by 16 s rRNA gene sequenced as Limosilactobacillus fermentum and Bacillus subtilis. The isolates exhibited broad physiological tolerance, growth at 15°C-43°C, pH 4.0-9.5, 7% NaCl, and the ability to ferment multiple carbohydrates. Selected strains (L. fermentum PQ482012 and B. subtilis PQ482016) were evaluated as silage inoculants in maize fodder over 45 days under controlled conditions. Inoculated silages exhibited significantly improved fermentation, with reduced pH (4.04-4.09; p = 0.004) and lower ammonia-nitrogen (4.20-6.10 mg/100 mL; p = 0.001) compared to uninoculated control (pH, 4.19; 7.25 mg/100 mL). L. fermentum inoculation resulted in higher crude protein retention (92.20 g/kg of dry matter; p = 0.001), whilst combined inoculation enhanced acidification but caused greater DM loss (48.65 g/kg; p = 0.001). Inoculated silage also exhibited higher LAB counts, suppression of yeast, and absence of moulds. Overall, the native L. fermentum and B. subtilis strains exhibit strong strain-specific fermentation traits, showing promise as bio-inoculants for enhancing maize silage quality.