Study of the Microbial Populations on Silage and Hay Quality

Dear Colleagues,

Research in silage microbiology is at a turning point with the advent of several technologies that allow deepening our knowledge of the microbial ecology and biochemistry of this fermentation product. In an era where most fermentation processes are tightly controlled, through pasteurization and inoculation with starter cultures, forage fermentation might still be somewhat unpredictable. Therefore, a better understanding of the nuances of this process is essential to ensure optimal quality of the final product that will be fed to livestock.

In the last five years, next-generation sequencing techniques confirmed the species singularity in different forage types and the importance of the succession of lactic acid bacteria genera and species since the fermentation onset.

Factors influencing the diversity and size of the epiphytic lactic acid bacteria population of forages have also been discussed recently, leading to several assumptions. Such factors include manure application, delays in harvest, long wilting periods, rain events on cut forage, and dust from machinery.

The diversity of the epiphytic microbiota at harvest and adverse harvest conditions that affects silage production might also contribute to quality loss in hay. The list of adverse issues is similar to the one reported above for silage and an important and diverse microbial population on the forage will lead to dangerous sanitary conditions if the humidity level is around the set threshold.

Silage additives are key elements in improving silage quality and limiting aerobic deterioration during the feed-out phase. Silage microbial additives are selected based on specific properties, including their capacity to outcompete the forage epiphytic microbiota. However, even when a microbial additive is applied, epiphytic lactic acid bacteria still have an important role in the ensiling, especially in the first couple of weeks. Therefore, the interactions between the epiphytic population and microbial additives are of great research interest.

This Special Issue will comprise novel studies addressing the role of the epiphytic microbial population in relation to silage and hay production challenges.

Dr. Pascal Drouin
Dr. Érica Benjamim da Silva
Guest Editors

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• forage
• silage
• hay
• harvesting conditions
• epiphytic lactic acid bacteria
• lactic acid bacteria diversity
• microbial ecology