Study on the technical parameters of semi-dry hybrid Broussonetia papyrifera silage feed

The hybrid Broussonetia papyrifera belongs to the deciduous shrub family Moraceae, which is characterized by rapid growth, high yield, and rich protein content. It is a type of unconventional protein feed resource with great development value. However, as a feed material, it has high crude fiber content, complex protein structure, and contains anti-nutritional factors. To improve the B. papyrifera feed palatability and bioavailability of nutrients and reduce the content of cellulose and antinutrients, this experiment selected the Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Pediococcus acidilactici, and Lactobacillus buchneri strains for fermentation of half dry B. papyrifera strains using orthogonal design. The combination, material composition, water content, silage conditions, and fermentation time were optimized. Based on the sensory, chemical, and nutritional indexes to assess the quality of silage, the optimal combination of process parameters of semi-dry silage was determined for hybrid B. papyrifera. The results showed that the optimal process parameters of semi-dry silage were as follows: Water content of 55%, strain combination of Lactobacillus plantarum, Mycococcus lactis and Lactobacillus brucei 4 ꞉ 1 ꞉ 1, molasses added at 3%, cellulase added at 9 × 10³ U·kg⁻¹, silage time 60 days. The optimal process parameters of semi-dry silage for hybrid Broussonetia papyrifera were determined, which provides a basis for the application of Broussonetia papyrifera silage in animal husbandry and breeding.