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Cited by 55Ruminant Nutrition and Digestive PhysiologyProbiotics and Fermented FoodsAnimal Nutrition and Physiology

Fermentation characteristics of Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus species isolated from sweet sorghum silage and their application as silage inoculants.

Open access
Alhaag, Hager, Yuan, Xianjun, Mala, Azizza, Bai, Junfeng, Shao, Tao·2019·Applied Sciences
DOI 10.3390/app9061247
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Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the fermentation characteristics of Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus spp isolated from sweet sorghum silage to enhance the fermentation quality of Napier grass and sweet sorghum silage. Based on molecular 16S ribosomal ribonucleic identification the isolated strains were phylogenetically related to Lactobacillus plantarum (HY1), Pediococcus acidilactici (HY2) and Pediococcus claussenii (HY3). Strains HY1, HY2 and HY3 and commercial bacteria Lactobacillus plantarum, Ecosyl; (MTD\1( were ensiled with sweet sorghum and Napier grass and the non-inoculated grasses, have been arranged in a completely randomized experimental design in a 5 (inoculants) × 3 (ensiling periods). In both grasses, the fermentation characteristics chemical composition and microbial population were assessed at 5–30 and 90 days of ensiling. The results showed that the effect of addition inoculants significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the pH, ammonia-N, acetic acid and undesirable microbial population and increased (p < 0.05) lactic acid and lactic acid bacteria counting when compared to the control. The effect of ensiling days on silage quality through the increasing lactic acid, acetic acid, ammonia-N, propionic acid and butyric acid whereas decreasing pH and water-soluble carbohydrates and microbial counts. In both sweet sorghum and Napier silage treated with isolated strains showed the best results in silage quality. The HY3 belongs to Pediococcus claussenii was not extensively studied in silage but it has shown good fermentation quality which strongly recommended to apply as probiotic.

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

Three lactic acid bacteria isolated from sweet sorghum silage—*Lactobacillus plantarum* HY1, *Pediococcus acidilactici* HY2, and *Pediococcus claussenii* HY3—were tested as inoculants on sweet sorghum and Napier grass silages. Inoculation improved fermentation quality by lowering pH and ammonia-N and increasing lactic acid and LAB counts relative to untreated silage, with HY3 showing strong lactic acid production and low ammonia-N.

Key findings

  • 16S rRNA identification assigned HY1 to *Lactobacillus plantarum* (>95% similarity), HY2 to *Pediococcus acidilactici* (96%), and HY3 to *Pediococcus claussenii* (99%); all isolates were Gram-positive, catalase-negative, homofermentative, and grew at pH 3.5 and in 3.5% and 6.5% NaCl.
  • Inoculants significantly reduced pH versus control (p < 0.05). At the end of ensiling, HY1, HY2, and HY3 reduced pH by 14.9%, 13.4%, and 13.9% in sweet sorghum and by 18.9%, 16.5%, and 16.7% in Napier grass; pH dropped from 5.76 to 3.9 in sweet sorghum and from 5.97 to 4.9 in Napier grass during the first 5 days.
  • Inoculants increased lactic acid and LAB counts and reduced ammonia-N, acetic acid, butyric acid, propionic acid, and undesirable microbes versus control (p < 0.05). HY3 produced high lactic acid and lower ammonia-N on days 5 and 90 in both grasses; e.g., day-90 ammonia-N was 60.1 for HY3 vs 77.0 g/kg DM for control in sweet sorghum, and 54.3 vs 89.9 g/kg DM in Napier grass.
  • DM, NDF, and ADF did not differ significantly between treated and untreated silages; WSC declined with ensiling time. No yeasts or moulds were detected at day 90 in treated silages (sweet sorghum also at day 30).

Methods

  • LAB were isolated from sweet sorghum silage on GYP/MRS media and characterized by Gram stain, catalase, gas production, growth at various pH/temperature/NaCl levels, API 50 CHL carbohydrate fermentation, and 16S rRNA sequencing (27F/1492R primers; BLAST; MEGA neighbor-joining).
  • Sweet sorghum and Napier grass were wilted, chopped, and treated with HY1, HY2, HY3, commercial *Lactobacillus plantarum* Ecosyl MTD\1, or no-inoculant control at 10^6 cfu/g fresh matter; 45 silos per grass were ensiled and opened at 5, 30, and 90 days in a completely randomized 5 (inoculants) × 3 (ensiling periods) design.
  • Chemical and microbial analyses included DM, WSC, NDF, ADF, CP, pH, buffering capacity, ammonia-N, organic acids by HPLC, and LAB/aerobic bacteria/yeasts/moulds counts; data were analyzed by GLM in SAS 8.0 with Tukey HSD at p < 0.05, and fermentation coefficient was calculated as FC = DM (g/Kg) + 8 WSC/BC.

Limitations

  • The paper does not state a limitations section.
  • Evident from the text: the study used lab-scale silos, only two forage species at one harvest stage, and reported no animal intake, digestibility, or aerobic stability data.
  • Evident from the text: some text and tables are duplicated or inconsistent (e.g., Table 6 refers to day 60 while methods/results use 5, 30, and 90 days; Table 5 NDF/ADF values are much lower than fresh-grass values), which limits confidence in some reported values.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.3390/app9061247

Cites

53 of 53 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Claims the paper makes

0 of 35 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingown data

    Strain HY1 isolated from sweet sorghum silage was identified as Lactobacillus plantarum with more than 95% 16S rRNA sequence similarity.

    “the isolated LAB strain HY1 placed in the cluster of species Lactobacillus plantarum, which indicated a more than 95% of similarity”
    • Also stated in: § Abstract · plain
      “the isolated strains were phylogenetically related to Lactobacillus plantarum (HY1), Pediococcus acidilactici (HY2) and Pediococcus claussenii (HY3)”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Strain HY3 isolated from sweet sorghum silage was identified as Pediococcus claussenii with 99% 16S rRNA sequence similarity.

    “strain HY3 was categorized as Pediococcus claussenii, coarsely with a high similarity of 99%”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Strain HY2 isolated from sweet sorghum silage was identified as Pediococcus acidilactici with 96% 16S rRNA sequence similarity.

    “strain HY2 was clearly identified as Pediococcus acidilactici, which showed a similarity of 96%”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    On days 5 and 90 of ensiling, strain HY3 produced lower NH3-N in both grasses.

    “On 5 and 90 days of ensiling the strain HY3 produced lower NH 3 -N in both grasses”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    No significant difference was observed in ADF in both grasses.

    “no significant difference was observed in ADF in both grasses”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • May combine two claims. 32
  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 17

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    At the end of ensiling, strains HY1, HY2 and HY3 reduced sweet sorghum silage pH by 14.9%, 13.4% and 13.9% respectively.

    “At the end day of ensiling, the HY1 HY2 and HY3 could reduce the pH by 14.9% pH 13.4 % and 13.9% respectively.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In sweet sorghum silage, LAB inoculation and ensiling days significantly changed pH (p < 0.05), with a rapid drop in the first 5 days followed by stabilization.

    “the incubated LAB and ensilage days significantly change the pH (p < 0.05) in treated of sweet sorghum; with a rapid drop in the first 5 days of ensilage, then its trend to stabilize”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The isolated LAB strains were rod- and coccus-shaped, gram-positive, catalase-negative and homofermentative.

    “The isolated rains comprised a rod with coccus shaped, gram-positive, negative catalase and both homo fermentative.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The inoculants reduced pH from 5.76 to 3.9 in sweet sorghum and from 5.97 to 4.9 in Napier grass within the first 5 days of ensiling.

    “the inoculants reduced the pH from 5.76 to 3.9 in sweet sorghum and Napier grass from 5.97 to 4.9 in first 5 days of ensiling”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

    Findingnone given

    The isolated LAB were sensitive to low temperatures.

    “The isolated LAB was deemed as sensitive to low temperatures.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Yeasts and moulds had top counts in both treated and untreated silage on days 5 and 30 and were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in treated silage.

    “Yeasts and moulds had top counts into both treated and untreated silage in day 5 and 30 and significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in treated silage.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Sweet sorghum silage treated with HY1 showed a higher LAB count on days 30 and 90, while HY2 and HY3 showed a higher count on day 5 that then decreased.

    “sweet sorghum silage treated with HY1 showed higher LAB count on day 30 and 90, while treated HY2 and HY3 showed higher count in 5 days then decreased”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    All isolated strains increased the number of LAB in Napier grass, and strain HY2 presented a high count at all opening days.

    “All isolated strains increased the number of LAB; the strain HY2 presented high count in all opening days.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingcitation

    The fermentation coefficient of both grasses was less than 35 and the WSC/BC ratio was less than 3.

    “the FC of both grasses was less than 35 and WSC/BC ratio was less than 3”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The isolated LAB strains showed good growth at 50 °C and at pH 3.5.

    “The isolated LAB strains showed good growth at high temperature 50 • C and low pH 3.5.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Treated and untreated Napier grass recorded similar WSC concentration except on day 5, when HY2 and HY3 strains showed lower WSC.

    “treated and untreated Napier grass recorded similar WSC concentration except in day 5, where HY2 and HY3 strains showed lower WSC”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    Treated silages had a lower amount of acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid.

    “The lower amount of AA, PA and BA in treated silages”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    LAB inoculation of Napier grass resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) increase in lactic acid and lower concentrations of acetic, propionic and butyric acid.

    “the LAB incubated with Napier grass resulted in significant (P<0.05)increase in LA and lower the concentrations of AA, PA and BA”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingnone given

    Sweet sorghum and Napier grass ensiled for 90 days demonstrated high fermentation characteristics and more suitable chemical composition than the fresh material.

    “Sweet sorghum and Napier grass ensiled for 90 days demonstrated high fermentation characteristics and more suitable chemical composition than the fresh material.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    In our study, the pH and WSC decreased on both treated and untreated grasses.

    “In our study, the pH and WSC decreased on both treated and untreated grasses and this result agrees with previous studies by [34].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [34] Lima, 2011, Multifactorial models to assess responses to sorghum proportion, molasses and bacterial inoculant on in vitro quality of sorghum–soybean silages, Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Findingown data

    The fresh grasses were rich in LAB, with a relatively high content of yeast and aerobic bacteria.

    “As shown in this study, the fresh grasses were rich in LAB, with a relatively high content of yeast and aerobic bacteria, this numbers of undesirable organisms was decreased in both treated and untreated silage.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Lactobacillus plantarum is characterized by rapid production of lactic acid and tolerance to acidity, and has been widely applied to enhance forage fermentation.

    “The species Lactobacillus plantarum characterized by rapid productive of lactic acid and tolerant to acidity which was wildly applied to enhance the forage fermentation.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [21][22][23]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    LAB inoculants have a long history and have been incorporated into silage making as an effective technique to increase lactic acid production.

    “LAB inoculants have a long history and have been incorporated into silage making as an effective technique to increase LA production [14].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [14] Dalheim, 2016, The size and shape of three water-soluble, non-ionic polysaccharides produced by lactic acid bacteria: A comparative study, Carbohydr. Polym. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Rapid acidification reduces the risk of undesirable microorganism growth during the early stage of ensiling, so the rate of pH decline may be more important than the final pH.

    “according to [41] rapid acidification reduces the risk of undesirable microorganism growth during the early stage of ensiling therefore the rate of pH decline may be more important than the final pH”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [41] Makoni, 1997, Effect of modified atmospheres on proteolysis and fermentation of ensiled alfalfa1, J. Dairy Sci. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Pediococcus acidilactici is described as a rapid producer of lactic acid and a faster grower than Lactobacillus, though it adapts to a wide range of temperatures.

    “While Pediococcusacidilactici is identified describes as rapid productive to lactic acid and faster growing than Lactobacillus, though it adapts for a wild range of temperatures [21][22][23].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [21][22][23]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Lactobacillus spp, unlike Pediococcus spp, has the potential to improve lactic acid production, lower pH, compete with spoilage organisms, and minimize gas losses and proteolysis.

    “However, Lactobacillus spp, unlike Pediococcusspp, has the potential of improving lactic acid production, lowering pH, competes with spoilage organisms, minimizes gas losses and proteolysis [24].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [24] Pahlow, 2003, Microbiology of ensiling, Agronomy

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    LAB from the genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Pediococcus are commonly classified as probiotics.

    “LAB from the genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Pediococcus are commonly classified as probiotics [21].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [21] Porto, 2017, Pediococcus spp.: An important genus of lactic acid bacteria and pediocin producers, Biotechnol. Adv. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Successful ensiling results in reduced storage loss, preservation of substantial nutrients and edible silage with ideal dry matter content, whereas unsuccessful ensiling produces bad silage containing undesirable microorganisms such as yeasts, moulds, mycotoxins and pathogenic bacteria.

    “Successful ensiling process, resulted in a reduced storage loss, preserve substantial amount of nutrients and produced edible silage with an ideal dry matter content but unsuccessful ensiling process produced bad silage that contains undesirable microorganisms like yeasts, moulds, mycotoxins, pathogenic bacteria [7,8].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [7] Pauly, 2007, Storage of small bale silage and haylage–influence of storage period on fermentation variables and microbial composition, Grass Forage Sci. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [8] Latorre, 2015, Occurrence and stability of masked fumonisins in corn silage samples, Food Chem. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    An increase in lactic acid content results in a reduction of silage pH and a subsequent restriction of the growth of undesirable microbes deleterious to fermentation.

    “The increased in LA content resulted in a reduction of pH value of the silage and a subsequent restriction in the growth pace of undesirable microbes which are deleterious to the fermentation process [4].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [4] Aziz, 2012, Review on crucial parameters of silage quality, APCBEE Procedia source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The LAB inoculant succeeded in reducing the amount of acetic, butyric and propionic acid, which may occur due to restricting the vigour of undesirable microorganisms.

    “the LAB inoculant succeeded to reduce the amount of these acids which may occur due to restricting the vigour of undesirable microorganisms”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    A faster reduction in pH is correlated with high lactic acid content, which would further lead to improved nutrient preservation.

    “the faster reduction in pH is correlated with the high LA content which would further lead to improved nutrients preservation”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [43] Oladosu, 2016, Fermentation quality and additives: A case of rice straw silage, BioMed Res. Int. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The addition of LAB inoculants at ensiling is intended to ensure rapid and vigorous fermentation.

    “the addition of LAB inoculants at ensiling is intended to ensure rapid and vigorous fermentation [45].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [45] Zhang, 2014, Isolating and evaluating lactic acid bacteria strains for effectiveness of leymus chinensis silage fermentation, Lett. Appl. Microbiol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Adding LAB to silage can ensure appropriate production of lactic acid and decrease the amounts of acetic, butyric and propionic acid.

    “One of the most practices to improve the fermentation process its adding LAB which could be ensure the appropriate production of lactic acid and decrease the amounts of acetic, butyric and propionic acid [13].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [13] Salvucci, 2016, Technological properties of lactic acid bacteria isolated from raw cereal material, LWT Food Sci. Technol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Moulds can colonize plants as endophytes, which makes it very difficult to limit these microorganisms from silage.

    “In addition, moulds can colonize plants as endophytes, which makes it very difficult to limit these microorganisms from silage [9][10][11].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [9][10][11]

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The mechanism of ensiling involves the conversion of water-soluble carbohydrates by epiphytic and/or inoculated lactic acid bacteria into lactic acid under anaerobic conditions.

    “The mechanism of ensiling involves the conversion of water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) by epiphytic and/or inoculated lactic acid bacteria (LAB) into lactic acid (LA) under anaerobic conditions [2,3].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [2] Cai, 1999, Identification and characterization of enterococcus species isolated from forage crops and their influence on silage fermentation, J. Dairy Sci. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [3] MacDonald, P., Henderson, A., and Heron, S. (1991). Chapter 2: Crops for silage. The Biochemistry of Silage, Chalcombe Publications.

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Successful fermentation results in LAB domination among other microorganism populations, which produce lactic and other acids, and the pH drops to 5-3.8.

    “Successful fermentation process resulted in LAB domination among other micro-organism population, which produce lactic and other acids and due to presence of lactic acid, the pH drops to 5-3.8 [37,54] which in consist to present study.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites [37] Heinritz, S. (2011). Ensiling Suitability of High Protein Tropical Forages and Their Nutritional Value for Feeding Pigs. [Thesis (Agribiology), University of Rostock].

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [54] Jansson, S. (2005). Lactic Acid Bacteria in Silage: Growth, Antibacterial Activity and Antibiotic Resistance. [Ph.D. Thesis, Sveriges Lantbruksuniversitet].

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The fermentation process mainly depends on the availability of microorganisms in the silage, the water content of the crop and the type of substrate available for fermentation.

    “The fermentation process mainly depends on the availability of microorganisms in the silage, the water content of the crop and the type of substrate available for fermentation [51].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [51] Knicky, M. (2005). Possibilities to Improve Silage Conservation. [Doctoral Thesis, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences].

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The quality of silage depends on the competition between different microorganisms.

    “As known well, the quality of silage depends on the competition between different microorganisms [56].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [56] Wagendorp, 2002, Bacterial spores in silage and raw milk, Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Ammonia N in silage is predominantly a product of amino acids.

    “Other fermentation factor related to clostridial fermentation the ammonia N in silage which is predominantly a product of amino acids [49].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [49] Charmley, 2001, Towards improved silage quality—A review, Can. J. Anim. Sci. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The reduction in pH, ammonia-nitrogen, AA, BA and PA by all inoculants was due to their abilities to convert sugars and produce sufficient LA, which resulted in favourable silage quality.

    “In conclusion all inoculants succeeded to reduce the pH, ammonia -nitrogen, AA, BA and PA due totheir abilities to convert sugars and produce sufficient LA which resulted in favourable silage quality.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Pediococcus pentosaceus and Pediococcus acidilactici are the main species used in fermentation processes as a starter (co-culture) for avoiding contamination.

    “Pediococcuspentosaceus and Pediococcus acidilactici are the main species used in fermentation processes as astarter (co-culture) for avoiding contamination [21] even though the strain Pediococcusclaussenii was not studied as a starter intensively and in our study showed good fermentation characteristics.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [21] Porto, 2017, Pediococcus spp.: An important genus of lactic acid bacteria and pediocin producers, Biotechnol. Adv. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    The occurrence of a number of undesirable microorganisms at low levels in fresh plant materials leads to their probable growth during the storage of silage, hence to anaerobic or aerobic spoilage.

    “Unlike sweet sorghum, Napier grass silage had a high number of aerobic bacteria, mould and yeasts, according to the occurrence of a number of undesirable microorganisms at low levels in fresh plant materials, leading to their probable growth during the storage of silage, henceto anaerobic or aerobic spoilage [56].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [56] Wagendorp, 2002, Bacterial spores in silage and raw milk, Antonie Van Leeuwenhoek source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    Acetic, butyric and propionic acids are produced when undesirable bacteria ferment WSC and are considered not desirable because of their negative effect on voluntary intake.

    “The other organic acids AA, BA and PA were produced when the undesirable bacteria fermented the WSC [47,48] and they are considered not desirable because of their a negative effect on the voluntary intake [49].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites [47] Schmidt, 1997, Preservation of sugar content in ensiled sweet sorghum, Bioresour. Technol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [48] Driehuis, 2000, The occurrence and prevention of ethanol fermentation in high-dry-matter grass silage, J. Sci. Food Agric. source

      Not checked in the free run.

    • cites [49] Charmley, 2001, Towards improved silage quality—A review, Can. J. Anim. Sci. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    In addition to LAB, some other microorganisms in the fermentation process compete for available nutrients.

    “In this point, previously reported that, in addition to LAB, some other microorganisms in the fermentation process compete for available nutrients [52].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [52] Acosta, Y. (2012). The use of probiotic strains as silage inoculants. Probiotic in Animals, InTech. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Classified as probably not a substantial claim. May combine two claims.

    Premisecitation

    LAB could replace undesirable microorganisms yeast and moulds, thus improving silage preservation.

    “researchers mentioned that LAB could replace undesirable micrograms yeast and moulds, thus improving silage preservation [55].”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [55] Nkosi, 2012, Effects of bacterial inoculants and an enzyme on the fermentation quality and aerobic stability of ensiled whole-crop sweet sorghum, S. Afr. J. Anim. Sci. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Soybean silage inoculated with L. plantarum showed an acceptable reduction in acetic and butyric acid.

    “soybean silage inoculated with L. plantarum showed an acceptable reduction on AA and BA”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [50] Pruckler, 2015, Comparison of homo- and heterofermentative lactic acid bacteria for implementation of fermented wheat bran in bread, Food Microbiol. source

      Not checked in the free run.

  • Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

    Premisecitation

    Homolactic fermentation such as Pediococcus acidilactici is stable for low WSC forages.

    “Previously researchers found that the homolactic fermentation such as pediccouss acidacticicii stable for low WSC forages [53].”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites [53] Cai, 1999, Effect of applying lactic acid bacteria isolated from forage crops on fermentation characteristics and aerobic deterioration of silage, J. Dairy Sci. source

      Not checked in the free run.

42 of 42

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The LAB isolates obtained from sweet sorghum silage are representative of the epiphytic LAB population relevant to silage fermentation.

    “The isolation of LAB was performed from sweet sorghum silage, a sub-sample of silages (ten grams) were diluted with 90 ml of sterilized saline solution (8.50 g/L NaCl)”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The in vitro growth and biochemical characteristics of the isolates predict their performance as silage inoculants.

    “The isolated LAB strains showed good growth at high temperature 50 • C and low pH 3.5.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    The laboratory silo system and ensiling conditions used reflect farm-scale silage making.

    “a silo (8 cm in diameter and 12 cm in length) was filled with each treated batch and sealed with a screw top and plastic tape.”

  • The paper relies on this without support.

    LAB isolated from sweet sorghum silage are suitable candidates for enhancing the fermentation quality of both sweet sorghum and Napier grass silage.

    “Thus this study aims at evaluating the efficiency of LAB isolated from sweet sorghum silage on enhancing the fermentation quality based on a comparison between sweet sorghum and Napier grass silages.”
4 of 4

Claims other papers make about this one

Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Only one isolate grew at 50 °C

    Major

    The text attributes growth at 50 °C to all isolated strains, whereas Table 2 marks growth at 50 °C only for HY1.

  • HY2 and HY3 are reported not to ferment sorbitol despite positive entries

    Major

    The prose lists sorbitol among substrates HY2 and HY3 fail to ferment, but Table 2 marks both positive.

  • Table 6 names an unscheduled sampling day

    Minor

    Table 6 says its analysis is for day 60, but the methods specify openings only at days 5, 30 and 90.

  • Napier-grass LAB counts did not increase steadily

    Minor

    The text says counts increased steadily in both treated and untreated silage, but the HY3 count fell from 6.39 on day 5 to 3.58 on day 30 before rising to 6.18 on day 90.

  • Sweet-sorghum aerobic-bacteria reduction is called significant despite a nonsignificant treatment effect

    Minor

    The text claims a significant reduction in aerobic bacteria in treated sweet-sorghum silage, but Table 3 reports a treatment p-value of 0.549 for aerobic bacteria.

  • HY1 is reported not to ferment inositol despite a positive table entry

    Minor

    The prose names inositol as an exception for HY1, but Table 2 marks HY1 positive for inositol fermentation.

  • Reported fermentation coefficients conflict with the stated formula

    Minor

    The formula adds DM in g/kg to a nonnegative term. Table 1 gives DM values of 225 and 241 g/kg, so neither grass can have an FC below 35 under the stated formula.

7 of 7

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

1 of the 54 references couldn’t be matched to a known paper.

Research works printed but not linked: 3

  1. MacDonald, P., Henderson, A., and Heron, S. (1991). Chapter 2: Crops for silage. The Biochemistry of Silage, Chalcombe Publications.
  2. Thonart, 2009, Les bactériocines des bactéries lactiques: Caractéristiques et intérêts pour la bioconservation des produits alimentaires, Biotechnol. Agron. Soc. Environ., 13, 143
  3. Heinritz, S. (2011). Ensiling Suitability of High Protein Tropical Forages and Their Nutritional Value for Feeding Pigs. [Thesis (Agribiology), University of Rostock].

Cited by

Sorted by citations

Related

Authors
Alhaag, H., Yuan, X., Mala, A., Bai, J., & Shao, T.
Affiliations
  • Nanjing Agricultural University (CN)
  • Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Science, Nanjing 210014, China
Corresponding author
Shao, Tao
ORCID
Venue
Applied Sciences
Publisher
MDPI AG
Published
2019-03-25
Volume
9
Issue
6
Pages
1247
ISSN
2076-3417 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.3390/app9061247
OpenAlex
W3106575778
Cited by
55
References
54
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 10 · 2023: 11 · 2022: 17 · 2021: 6 · 2020: 2 · 2019: 2
FWCI
9.48
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Applied Sciences (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
Funders
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (31672488, 31502015)
  • Government of Jiangsu Province
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Agronomy and Crop Science › Ruminant Nutrition and Digestive Physiology
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Food Science › Probiotics and Fermented Foods
  • Life Sciences › Agricultural and Biological Sciences › Animal Science and Zoology › Animal Nutrition and Physiology
Keywords
Lactobacillus plantarum, Pediococcus acidilactici, silage inoculants, silage fermentation quality, lactic acid bacteria, volatile fatty acids, ammonia-N, probiotics

About these checks

Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

Claims read by deepseek-v4.1-flash under definition version 3 (extract-v3) on 2026-10-09.

Classified by jev-1.13-20260917 (gold-guideline-v0.2) on 2026-10-09.

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.

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