As aquatic diseases become increasingly complex, shrimp farmers are prioritizing the search for safe and sustainable solutions. Among them, Beta-glucan—a natural bioactive compound—has proven its significant role in enhancing shrimp health and productivity. Extensively studied over the past decade, Beta-glucan not only improves disease resistance in shrimp but also boosts economic efficiency in modern aquaculture systems.
Antibiotic Use and Its Consequences
The overuse of antibiotics in shrimp farming has raised serious concerns. Recent studies (Phạm et al., 2018; Li et al., 2021) have shown that antibiotic residues in aquatic environments encourage the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria and disrupt ecological balance. Notably, using antibiotics for disease prevention can inadvertently kill beneficial gut bacteria, weakening shrimp immune systems (Chen et al., 2023). This leads to increased dependence on antibiotics and heightened vulnerability to new outbreaks. However, completely eliminating antibiotics is not feasible, as farmers risk massive shrimp mortality and severe economic loss. This challenge demands a balanced solution—one that reduces antibiotic usage while preserving shrimp health.
In this context, Beta-glucan, a natural immunostimulant, emerges as an ideal solution. Unlike antibiotics, Beta-glucan does not kill bacteria but instead “trains” the shrimp’s immune system to proactively fight disease. By activating immune cells and pathways, Beta-glucan helps shrimp detect pathogens earlier and reduces infection severity and duration. This not only minimizes the risk of antibiotic resistance but also ensures sustainable shrimp health.
What is Beta-Glucan?
Beta-glucan is a polysaccharide derived from the cell walls of yeast, fungi, oats, or algae. In aquaculture, it is primarily extracted from yeast cell walls (YCW), a rich source of both Beta-glucan and Mannan Oligosaccharides (MOS). However, the biological efficacy of yeast cell wall products is not uniform. It depends on factors such as yeast strain, production process (primary or by-product), extraction, and purification methods. These variables determine the molecular structure, purity, and immune-activating potential of the Beta-glucan. Products derived from optimal hydrolysis processes preserve the beta-1,3/1,6 structure—crucial for stimulating the shrimp’s innate immune system. In contrast, crude extraction or poor yeast sources can significantly reduce bioactivity, leading to considerable product quality variation in the market.
Immune Activation from Various Sources of Beta-Glucan
Beta-glucan “hacks” the shrimp immune system
The mechanism of Beta-glucan is based on mimicking the shrimp’s natural defense system. When added to feed, Beta-glucan—thanks to its structural similarity to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs)—resists enzymatic digestion. Once it reaches the gut, it acts as a simulated danger signal, activating pattern recognition receptors (PRRs)—protein sensors that continuously monitor the shrimp’s internal environment for signs of pathogens. PAMPs trigger a chain of immune responses that stimulate immune cells and release immune factors through both systemic and cellular reactions, including:
- Increased production of phenoloxidase enzymes – which break down pathogen cell walls.
- Stimulation of hemocytes – the cells responsible for humoral immunity in shrimp.
- Controlled inflammatory response – helps fight infection without damaging tissues.
Beta-glucan mimics pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs)
to activate pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs)
Beta-glucan from yeast stands out due to its unique molecular structure, featuring a primary beta-1,3 linkage with beta-1,6 side chains. This configuration enhances its ability to bind with pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), triggering a robust and comprehensive immune response. As a result, the shrimp’s immune system becomes “trained” to detect pathogens earlier, reducing both the severity and duration of infections during disease outbreaks.
The application of beta-glucan goes beyond merely replacing antibiotics. When combined with mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) derived from yeast cell walls, this compound also promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, optimizing digestion and nutrient absorption. This leads to uniform shrimp growth, shorter farming cycles, and reduced organic waste—key factors for maintaining stable water quality in ponds.
Safwall – Safmannan: a premium Beta-glucan–MOS combination, delivering high purity and concentration for optimal immune and gut health support
Amid the many challenges facing the shrimp farming industry—from unpredictable disease outbreaks to mounting pressure to reduce antibiotic use—beta-glucan has proven to be an irreplaceable solution. More than just a “shield” against pathogens, beta-glucan serves as a bridge between high productivity and environmental responsibility. With its intelligent immune-activating mechanism, natural origin, and ability to optimize farming practices, beta-glucan is ushering in a new era—one where shrimp farmers can proactively manage risks while meeting global consumer demands for clean and safe seafood.
To learn more about high-quality beta-glucan products from leading global suppliers such as 
Phileo by Lesaffre and 
Angel Yeast, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Truong Hai Tien – Together, let’s build a healthier and more sustainable shrimp farming industry!
