Genome Project of Lactic Acid Bacteria Beneficial for Fermentation of Rice Grain Silage

Lactic acid bacteria are widely used as inoculants for silage fermentation. Recently rice grains have gained attention as an alternative to corn for livestock feed and establishment of methods suitable for rice grain silage has become an urgent issue. From various isolation sources including fermented rice grains, we have identified some lactic acid bacteria which may be associated with adequate fermentation of rice grain silage and have the potential for biotechnological application, such as an effective inoculant for rice grains. The aim of this project is to provide genomic information which will facilitate to clarify the mechanisms underlying the fermentation of rice grains.