IMPLICATIONS
Rice straw is difficult to ensile due to its low water soluble carbohydrates concentration and less epiphytic LAB. Inoculation with LAB could improve the silage fermentation of rice straw that contains sufficient fermentable water soluble carbohydrates , and application of LAB plus glucose was proven more effective in improving fermentation quality than LAB alone. Difference in the fermentation quality of silage among rice varieties was mainly because of the water soluble carbohydrates concentration in the straw; LAB application and selection of rice varieties whose straw contains high levels of water soluble carbohydrates are a good strategy for ensiling rice straw.