DOI: https://doi.org/10.14456/jsat.2026.2
Abstract
Rice straw is one of the most widely available agricultural by-products in Thailand. However, its direct
use as ruminant feed is constrained by low crude protein concentration, high structural fiber content, and the
presence of a lignocellulosic matrix that limits microbial degradation in the rumen. This study evaluated the effects
of selected microbial inoculant combinations on fermentation quality, chemical composition, fiber fractions, and in
vitro gas production of rice straw silage. Chopped rice straw was assigned to five microbial treatments in a
completely randomized design with three replications: T1, Trichoderma reesei; T2, Saccharomyces cerevisiae; T3,
T. reesei + S. cerevisiae; T4, T. reesei + S. cerevisiae + Bacillus licheniformis; and T5, T. reesei + S. cerevisiae +
Lactobacillus plantarum. The treated materials were ensiled under anaerobic conditions and evaluated after 7, 14,
21, and 28 days of fermentation. Microbial inoculation significantly influenced fiber degradation, particularly
neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) (P < 0.001). Among the
treatments, T5 showed the most favorable response after 28 days of fermentation, with the lowest NDF (69.47%),
ADF (47.66%), and ADL (19.02%) values. The lowest pH value was also observed in T5 at 21 days (4.65),
suggesting improved acidification during ensiling. In vitro gas production differed significantly among treatments
at 28 days (P < 0.01), with T5 producing the highest gas volume (74.5 mL), indicating greater ruminal
fermentability. These results suggest that the combined application of cellulolytic fungi, yeast, and lactic acid
bacteria can enhance lignocellulose degradation and improve the feeding value of rice straw silage. Therefore, the
inoculant combination of T. reesei + S. cerevisiae + L. plantarum may be considered a promising biological strategy
for improving the utilization of rice straw in ruminant production systems.
Keywords: Rice straw silage; Multi-strain Inoculants; Lignocellulose degradation; In vitro gas production; Rumen
fermentation
Received: May 26, 2026 Revised: May 26, 2026. Accepted: May 26, 2026.
