With the rapid growth of global aquaculture, safe, efficient, and eco-friendly feed additives have become essential for modern farming. Yeast extract (YE), known for its rich nutrients and functional properties, has emerged as a key ingredient in aquatic animal feed. It improves feed palatability, enhances immunity, and promotes growth, making it an indispensable functional additive in aquaculture.

1. Main Components and Features of Yeast Extract

Yeast extract is produced through autolysis, enzymolysis, and purification of yeast cells. It contains:

• Small peptides and free amino acids – improve digestibility and protein utilization.

• Nucleotides (AMP, GMP, CMP, UMP, etc.) – enhance immune response and stress resistance.

• B-vitamins – support metabolic activity and overall health.

• Cell wall polysaccharides (β-glucan and MOS) – regulate immunity and protect gut health.

These components work together to provide comprehensive nutritional support for aquatic species.

2. Functional Benefits of Yeast Extract in Aquaculture

1) Improved Feed Palatability

      Natural umami compounds in yeast extract stimulate feeding behavior, increasing intake and reducing feed waste in fish, shrimp, and crabs.

2) Promotes Growth and Feed Efficiency

      Easily absorbed peptides accelerate protein metabolism, while nucleotides support intestinal repair and nutrient absorption, resulting in better growth performance and lower feed costs.

3) Enhanced Immunity and Stress Resistance

      β-glucan and MOS from yeast cell walls act as immunomodulators, improving resistance to pathogens, environmental stress, and culture-related challenges.

4) Supports Gut Health

      Yeast extract helps maintain a balanced intestinal microflora by promoting beneficial bacteria and suppressing harmful ones, leading to better digestion and nutrient utilization.

5) Partial Replacement for Fishmeal

      Due to its high digestible protein content, yeast extract can replace part of fishmeal in feed formulations, lowering overall feed cost without compromising performance.

3. Application Results in Different Aquatic Species

Fish (Tilapia, Sea Bass, Golden Pomfret, etc.)

      Yeast extract significantly increases feed intake, enhances growth, and strengthens disease resistance.

Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)

      Studies show notable improvements in survival rate, growth speed, and immunity, making it a widely used ingredient in shrimp feed.

Crabs (Chinese Mitten Crab, etc.)

      Yeast extract supports better gut function, improves appetite, and accelerates molting and growth.

Conclusion

      As a natural, safe, and sustainable functional additive, yeast extract offers notable advantages in improving nutrition, immunity, and growth performance in aquatic animals. With the trend toward eco-friendly and efficient aquaculture, yeast extract will continue to play a key role in the industry’s development.