Why yeast cell walls can be used as feed additives

      Yeast cell wall is widely used as a feed additive, mainly due to its unique bioactive components (such as β - glucan, mannan oligosaccharides) and multifunctional mechanisms. The core reasons are analyzed from the perspectives of scientific mechanisms and practical applications, and are elaborated based on multiple research data and industry practices

1、 Immune regulatory function: Activate natural and specific immunity

The immune activation effect of β - glucan

      β - glucan triggers immune signaling pathways and enhances non-specific immune responses by binding to pattern recognition receptors (such as Dectin-1) on the surface of immune cells (such as macrophages, T cells, and B cells). For example, in ruminants, β - glucan significantly increases calf serum lysozyme activity and reduces the incidence rate of respiratory diseases.

      Research has shown that adding yeast cell walls to feed can increase the antibody potency of Newcastle disease vaccine in broiler chickens by 20% -30%.

Immune Adjuvant Effect of Mannose Oligosaccharides

      Mannose oligosaccharides competitively inhibit the colonization of harmful bacteria (such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella) in the intestine by simulating pathogen binding sites, while stimulating the secretion of mannose binding proteins in the liver and enhancing antibody production. For example, adding oligosaccharides to pig feed can significantly increase the immunoglobulin levels of weaned piglets and reduce diarrhea rates.

2、 Fungal toxin adsorption: natural detoxifying agent

      The special spiral structure of yeast cell walls (such as β - glucan) and oligosaccharides can bind with mycotoxins (such as aflatoxin B1 and zearalenone) through hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces, forming complexes that are excreted from the body. For example, adding yeast cell walls to dairy cow diets can reduce aflatoxin levels in milk by over 90%, effectively preventing toxins from being transmitted to the human food chain through milk.

      The study also showed that adding 2 grams of yeast cell wall polysaccharides per kilogram of feed can significantly reduce the decrease in feed intake and growth retardation caused by mycotoxins in protected pigs.

3、 Improving gut microbiota balance: prebiotics and barrier protection

Promote the proliferation of beneficial bacteria

      As a prebiotic, oligosaccharides selectively promote the growth of beneficial bacteria such as lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria, while inhibiting pathogenic bacteria. For example, adding 0.2% yeast cell wall polysaccharides to broiler feed increases the number of lactobacilli in the cecum by 50% and reduces Escherichia coli by 30%.

Repair intestinal barrier

      β - glucan improves intestinal mucosal morphology by enhancing the expression of intestinal epithelial cell junction proteins. Experiments have shown that adding yeast cell walls to tilapia increases the height of intestinal villi by 20% and improves nutrient absorption efficiency.

4、 Improving animal productivity: significant economic benefits

Improve growth rate and feed conversion rate

      Adding 0.05% -0.2% yeast cell wall polysaccharides to broiler diets resulted in a 1.6% increase in body weight and a 2% decrease in feed to meat ratio. Adding 50 grams/day of yeast cell wall to the diet of dairy cows resulted in an average increase of 14.85% in milk production and a rise in milk protein content from 3.1% to 3.3%.

Improve reproductive performance

      Adding yeast selenium (in organic form) to sow feed can improve embryo survival rate and reduce stillbirth rate; Adding yeast chromium can increase ovulation count and improve reproductive efficiency.

5、 Green and Safe: The Ideal Alternative to Antibiotics

      Yeast cell walls are non-toxic and residue free, in line with food safety and environmental trends. For example, after the EU banned antibiotic growth promoters, yeast polysaccharides have become the mainstream alternative, reducing antibiotic use in pig farms by more than 50%. In addition, its metabolites can reduce the levels of ammonia nitrogen and hydrogen sulfide in feces, improving the breeding environment.

6、 Wide adaptability to application scenarios

Yeast cell walls are suitable for various animals:

      Ruminant animals: regulate rumen microbial balance and improve dairy quality.

      Poultry: Enhance vaccine immunity and reduce mortality rate.

      Aquatic products: promote intestinal health and enhance disease resistance.

      Pigs: Relieve weaning stress and improve meat quality.

summarize

      Yeast cell walls have become an indispensable green additive in modern aquaculture due to their comprehensive functions such as immune enhancement, toxin adsorption, intestinal regulation, and improved production performance. With the increasing demand for food safety and antibiotic substitution, its application prospects will be even broader.