Investigation and Analysis of Microbial Diversity in Rice Husk-Based Fermentation Bed Material

Jinbo Gao, Wei Liu, Fuwei Li, Zhaohong Wang, Guang Guo, Bing Geng, Jingshi Sun and Genglin Guo ()
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Jinbo Gao: Shandong Institute of Sericulture, Yantai 264001, China
Wei Liu: Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
Fuwei Li: Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Jinan 250100, China
Zhaohong Wang: Shandong Institute of Sericulture, Yantai 264001, China
Guang Guo: Shandong Institute of Sericulture, Yantai 264001, China
Bing Geng: Shandong Institute of Sericulture, Yantai 264001, China
Jingshi Sun: Shandong Institute of Sericulture, Yantai 264001, China
Genglin Guo: Shandong Institute of Sericulture, Yantai 264001, China

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 17, 1-12

Abstract: The rapid expansion of the meat duck industry in China has intensified environmental challenges, particularly those related to managing high-moisture duck manure. Fermentation bed systems, utilizing rice husks as a primary substrate, offer a sustainable solution by promoting waste decomposition and improving animal welfare. This study investigated microbial diversity in rice husk-based fermentation bed materials across different usage durations to assess their ecological feasibility. Samples were collected from a duck farm in Linyi, China, after one, three, five and seven batches of duck rearing (21 days per batch). Microbial communities were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction–denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE), followed by cluster analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) and sequencing of recovered DGGE bands. The results revealed significant shifts in microbial composition, with low similarity (18% overall) and distinct abundance patterns among groups. Bacteroidetes abundance increased with prolonged usage, while Staphylococcus aureus was only detected in the first batch. A total of 32 sequenced bands identified dominant phyla, including Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Group 4 (seven batches) exhibited the highest microbial diversity and richness (Shannon index: 2.68; mean abundance: 16.33 bands), which was attributed to organic matter accumulation and nutrient release during fermentation. These findings demonstrate that rice husk-based fermentation beds maintain robust microbial diversity over time, effectively supporting waste degradation and duck health. We conclude that rice husks are a viable, eco-friendly substrate for waterfowl fermentation bed systems, with periodic microbial supplementation recommended to enhance long-term efficacy. This work provides critical insights for optimizing sustainable livestock farming practices.

Keywords: rice husk; microorganism; DGGE; fermentation bed; duck house (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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