Enriching the nutritive value of marigold (Tagetes erecta L) crop residues as a ruminant feed by lactic acid bacteria during ensilage

Abstract Background Marigold ( Tagetes erecta L) accounts for over half of the world’s loose flower production, and marigold crop residue (MCR) are abundantly available should be used as a forage. In this study, MCR from last commercial pickings was ensilaged with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) shift in their volatile organic compounds (VOCs) profiles monitored. Samples were collected at 6 different times during ensilage (3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 30 days) to determine quantify VOCs changes using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) technique gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results After days, caryophyllene piperitone, which account 14.7 12.1% total VOCs, decreased by 32.9 9.6% respectively, alcohols increased 2.8 8.1%, acetic content 560%. Conclusion We have confirmed LAB can degrade terpenes enhance acids MCR, first time on terpene degradation fodder ensilage. These results shed light our understanding how improve odor fermentation.