Utilizing Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus coagulans enhances the microbial community formation during the anaerobic fermentation of Thinopyrum intermedium

This study aimed to investigate the potential of utilizing Thinopyrum intermedium for feed production, as well as the impact of adding Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus coagulans on the microbial community. Fresh Thinopyrum intermedium was harvested at a dry matter (DM) content of 264.3 g/kg fresh weight (FW), and inoculation of the same amount of sterile water (CK) or with Bacillus coagulans (NJ, 1 × 10⁶ CFU/g FW), Lactobacillus plantarum (LP, 1 × 10⁶ CFU/g FW), and their combinations (LN, 1 × 10⁶ CFU/g FW, respectively). Three replicates were taken for each sample, and samples were taken after 60 days of fermentation. The results showed that with the progress of silage, the pH value of silage decreased and the concentration of lactic acid (LA) increased. The combined application of these two strains significantly improved the biodegradation efficiency of Thinopyrum intermedium and increased the crude protein, crude fat, and ash content in the forage, without significantly affecting the cellulose and hemicellulose content. These findings indicate that Thinopyrum intermedium can be used as a valuable resource for feed production, and the use of specific microbial strains can improve its nutritional value. The combination of Lactobacillus plantarum and Bacillus subtilis can obtain better fermentation quality.