Exploring microbial community structure and metabolic gene clusters during silage fermentation of paper mulberry, a high-protein woody plant

To develop a new high-protein woody forage resource for livestock to alleviate feed shortages in the tropics, we applied PacBio single-molecule, real-time (SMRT) sequencing explore community structure, species diversity and metabolic gene clusters of natural microorganisms associated with paper mulberry (PM) silage fermentation. High levels microbial abundance were observed PM raw material, these decreased progression During ensiling, dominant bacteria shifted from pathogenic Gram-negative Proteobacteria beneficial Gram-positive Firmicutes. Lactic acid became most that affected fermentation quality terminal silages. Global overview maps, carbohydrate metabolism amino-acid important pathways impacted final product silage. SMRT revealed specific microbial-related information concerning is rich nutrients macro mineral contents, which are preserved well during indicating can serve as suitable ruminants.