Optimizing additive combinations to improve peanut vine silage fermentation quality and feed efficiency for sustainable livestock production

zhang, lijie; xiang, wan; chen, yuliang; tang, mengqi; li, wenjuan; zhang, liyang; fu, tong

doi:.0.0.0

Article

https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.250448 [Accepted] Published online November 10, 2025.

Optimizing additive combinations to improve peanut vine silage fermentation quality and feed efficiency for sustainable livestock production

lijie zhang¹

, liyang zhang^1,*

Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nutrition Regulation and Ecological Raising of Domestic Animal, College of Animal Science and Technology, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China, zhengzhou, China

Correspondence: liyang zhang, Tel: +86-371-5655-2519, Email: zhangliyang@henau.edu.cn

Received: 18 June 2025 • Revised: 29 July 2025 • Accepted: 6 November 2025

Abstract

Objective
Peanut vine is a widely available agricultural byproduct with high nutritional value, but its utilization is limited by poor ensiling characteristics. This study aimed to improve the fermentation quality of peanut vine silage using lactic acid bacteria (LAB), compound enzymes, and molasses, applied individually and in combination, and to evaluate their effects on growth performance and metabolic indicators in fattening Hu sheep. Methods: Peanut vine was treated with different levels of LAB, enzymes, and molasses to determine optimal dosages. The optimal combination of 2 g/t LAB, 200 mL/t enzyme preparation, and 10 kg/t molasses was identified based on fermentation characteristics. Treatments included a control (no additive), single additives, and the combined treatment. After 60 d of ensiling, silage pH, lactic acid, ammonia-N, fiber degradation, and bacterial community structure were analyzed. A 56 d feeding trial was subsequently conducted with 56 Hu sheep (28.4±1.3 kg), randomly assigned to two groups: peanut vine hay and peanut vine silage. Growth performance and serum biochemical indices were evaluated. Results: The optimized additive combination significantly improved fermentation by reducing pH (from 4.74 to 4.36), ammonia-N/total nitrogen (from 2.82 to 1.50% DM) and detergent fiber contents (neutral detergent fiber from 43.9 to 41.3% and acid detergent fiber from 34.6 to 32.2%), while increasing lactic acid concentration (from 3.55 to 5.00% DM). Microbial analysis revealed a higher relative abundance of Lactobacillus plantarum and increased microbial diversity. In the animal trial, no significant differences were found in average daily gain, dry matter intake, or feed conversion ratio between groups. However, sheep fed silage showed lower blood urea nitrogen and higher serum triglyceride concentrations, indicating improved nitrogen and lipid metabolism. Conclusions: Peanut vine silage supplemented with LAB, enzymes, and molasses enhances fermentation quality and supports comparable growth performance to hay while improving nutrient metabolism in fattening Hu sheep.

Keywords: Microbial and enzymatic additives; Silage fermentation dynamics; Unconventional forage resources; Feed conversion efficiency; Ruminant production systems