Anti-yeast IgY antibodies as a novel biological additive to enhance fermentation and preservation of sugarcane silage

TL;DR

IgY antibodies targeting yeast improve sugarcane silage fermentation by reducing yeast growth and preserving nutrients.

Contribution

IgY antibodies are introduced as a novel biological additive to enhance silage fermentation and preservation.

Findings

IgY at 350 g t⁻¹ reduced yeast counts and ethanol production in silage.

IgY-treated silages showed improved dry matter recovery and lactic acid retention.

IgY-treated silages remained aerobically stable for over 72 hours.

Abstract

•IgY antibodies specifically targeting yeast suppress yeast growth in sugarcane silage.•IgY supplementation at 350 g t⁻¹ enhances lactic and acetic acid retention.•IgY-treated silages show superior dry matter preservation and reduced ethanol production.

IgY antibodies specifically targeting yeast suppress yeast growth in sugarcane silage.

IgY supplementation at 350 g t⁻¹ enhances lactic and acetic acid retention.

IgY-treated silages show superior dry matter preservation and reduced ethanol production.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a biological silage additive containing IgY antibodies targeting key silage-associated yeasts, aiming to enhance fermentation quality and aerobic stability of sugarcane silage. Sugarcane forage was ensiled with no additive (control), Lactobacillus buchneri (5.0 × 10¹⁰ CFU t⁻¹), or IgY at 0, 175, 350, and 700 g t⁻¹ of fresh forage. After 114 days, silages were analyzed for fermentation profile, yeast counts, ethanol concentration, dry matter (DM) recovery, and aerobic stability. IgY at 350 and 700 g t⁻¹ reduced yeast counts below detection limits at silo opening, decreased ethanol production and gas losses, increased DM recovery, and indirectly favored higher lactic and acetic acid concentrations. These treatments remained aerobically stable for over 72 h, with no detectable yeast regrowth or temperature increase. The findings indicate that IgY antibodies effectively limit yeast activity, contributing to improved fermentation patterns and enhanced nutrient preservation. IgY-based additives may represent a biologically derived approach to mitigate fermentative losses in sugarcane silage.

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