The role of yeast extract in fish feed

The role of yeast extract in fish feed

Provide protein: Yeast extract is rich in various amino acids, including essential amino acids for fish growth such as lysine, methionine, etc. These amino acids are the basic units that make up fish protein and contribute to muscle growth and repair. For example, for juvenile fish in the rapid growth stage, sufficient high-quality protein sources can meet their high metabolic needs and promote rapid growth in body length and weight.

Provide vitamins and minerals: Contains a variety of vitamins, such as B vitamins (thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, etc.). B vitamins play a crucial role in the metabolism of fish, such as thiamine, which participates in carbohydrate metabolism and helps fish obtain energy from food; Riboflavin plays a role in the electron transfer process of fish's respiratory chain, ensuring the normal production of energy. Meanwhile, it also contains minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc, which are crucial for physiological processes such as bone development, blood formation, and immune function in fish. For example, calcium is an important component of fish bones and scales, helping to maintain the normal shape and structure of the fish body; Iron is a component of hemoglobin, ensuring the transport and utilization of oxygen in fish.

Enhance immune function

Activation of immune related gene expression: Some components in yeast extract, such as polysaccharides such as β - glucan and mannan, can activate the expression of immune related genes in fish. These genes are involved in regulating the innate immune response of fish, such as activating phagocytic activity related genes of macrophages, enabling macrophages to more effectively recognize and engulf pathogens, and enhancing the fish's resistance to pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.

Stimulating immune cell activity: It can stimulate the activity of fish immune cells (such as lymphocytes, granulocytes, etc.), promote the proliferation and differentiation of immune cells. When fish are invaded by pathogens, immune cells can react faster and produce immune factors such as immunoglobulins to deal with infections, reducing the chances of fish getting sick.

Improve the palatability of feed

Enhance flavor: Yeast extract has a unique flavor and aroma, which can improve the taste of fish feed and enhance its attractiveness. For some fish that are sensitive to smell and taste, this improvement in flavor can increase their desire to consume feed, reduce feed residue in water, and improve feed utilization efficiency. For example, adding yeast extract to the feed of some ornamental fish can make the feed more attractive and ensure that the ornamental fish can consume sufficient nutrients.

Improve feeding rate: Better palatability encourages fish to actively consume more feed to meet their nutritional needs for growth and development. In aquaculture, a higher feeding rate helps fish reach market specifications in a shorter period of time, improving aquaculture efficiency.

Promote digestion and absorption

Provide digestive enzyme cofactors: Certain components in yeast extract can serve as cofactors for digestive enzymes in fish, enhancing their activity. For example, some trace elements can activate digestive enzymes such as proteases and amylases, helping fish better break down and digest nutrients such as proteins and carbohydrates in feed, improving feed digestibility, reducing the excretion of undigested substances, and thus reducing pollution in aquaculture water bodies.

Improving gut microbiota: It is beneficial for regulating the microbial balance in the fish intestinal tract. Beneficial microorganisms (such as lactic acid bacteria) can better colonize and reproduce in the intestine under the action of yeast extract, while inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria (such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, etc.). A healthy gut microbiota helps improve digestion and absorption functions in the intestine, ensuring the health of fish.