Effect of citric acid residue and short‐chain fatty acids on fermentation quality and aerobic stability of lucerne ensiled with lactic acid bacteria inoculants

-N) and butyric acid contents and increased lactic acid, acetic acid and propionic acid contents. Among them, CL silages had the lowest pH, dry matter and water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) content, whereas the population of LAB and the lactic acid contents were highest. Besides, CL outperformed in enhancing fibre degradation, CL silages significantly decreased (p < 0.05) neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, hemicellulose and cellulose contents compared with control and had the highest Flieg's point. All treated-silages improved the aerobic stability compared with control, of which L improved 32 h, whereas CL, FL, AL and PL improved 46, 20, 46, >64 h, respectively. Applying a combination of CAR and LAB inoculant improved the fermentation quality and structural carbohydrate degradation of lucerne silage and had a similar effect on aerobic stability compared with other three short-chain fatty acids. The CAR had a comparable effect on enhancing the fermentation quality compared with three short-chain fatty acids. Thus, the combination of CAR and LAB inoculant might be used as an ideal additive for lucerne silage making with low WSC and high moisture content.