WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • JUNE 2025 67 Key Findings: Benefits for Tropical Aquaculture The study’s proteomic analysis revealed changes in over 3,000 proteins, with 277 proteins showing significant differences between the yeastenriched diet and the control. The findings offer promising results for tropical aquaculture species like seabass and snapper, which are frequently exposed to environmental stressors. Immune System Enhancement. The yeast-supplemented diet significantly increased the abundance of proteins involved in immune pathways, such as arginine and proline metabolism and C-lectin receptor signaling, which are critical for immune regulation and pathogen defense (Agboola et al. 2021b; Purushothaman et al. 2024). This immuneboosting effect is especially relevant for tropical aquaculture in Australia and Singapore, where fluctuating water temperatures and high pathogen loads increase the susceptibility of farmed fish to diseases. By incorporating C. jadinii yeast into fish feeds, aquaculture operations could reduce disease outbreaks, lower mortality rates, and decrease reliance on antibiotics and chemical treatments. This in turn would contribute to healthier fish and more sustainable farming practices in tropical climates. Reduced Inflammation and Stress. Fish exposed to tropical environments often suffer from inflammation and stress-related health issues, which can negatively affect growth and survival rates. The study found that proteins associated with inflammation, such as those involved in apoptosis and necroptosis (programmed cell death), were reduced in fish fed the yeast-enriched diet (Kiron et al. 2022). This suggests that C. jadinii yeast helps regulate inflammation, supporting better gut health and improved resilience and productivity. Improved Growth and Feed Conversion Efficiency. In addition to enhancing immunity and reducing inflammation, the yeast-supplemented diet demonstrated significant improvements in growth performance and feed conversion efficiency (Mensah et al. 2025; Hooft et al. 2024). Optimizing feed efficiency can significantly impact production costs and profitability. By improving nutrient absorption, C. jadinii yeast allows fish to grow faster and more efficiently. Economic and Environmental Benefits for Australia For Australia, the adoption of C. jadinii yeast in aquaculture could be a transformative step toward achieving sustainability and reducing production costs. Fishmeal, traditionally sourced from wild-caught fish, is subject to price volatility and supply shortages due to overfishing (Hardy 2010). By replacing fishmeal with yeast-based proteins, Australian aquaculture can reduce its environmental footprint while benefiting from a cost-effective and locally producible feed source. Moreover, the economic benefits of yeast-based feeds extend beyond environmental sustainability. With the ability to enhance immune responses and improve growth rates, C. jadinii yeast can reduce the costs associated with disease management and feed inefficiencies, leading to higher profitability for Australian fish farmers. Singapore’s Role in Tropical Aquaculture Innovation While Australia is a major player in tropical aquaculture, Singapore also stands to benefit from the incorporation of C. jadinii yeast into its aquaculture systems. Singapore has invested heavily in innovation and technology to address food security, and the use of yeast-based feeds aligns with the country’s goals of increasing domestic seafood production while minimizing environmental impacts (FAO 2020). As a tropical nation with a strong research base, Singapore can collaborate with Australia to further refine the application of yeastbased feeds in tropical aquaculture species. Together, these countries can lead the way in promoting sustainable aquaculture practices that benefit both their economies and the global seafood supply chain. Conclusion: A Future-Ready Solution for Tropical Aquaculture in Australia and Singapore The study by Purushothaman et al. (2024) highlights the potential of C. jadinii yeast for tropical aquaculture species. FIGURE 2. Zebrafish feeding trial comparing control diet with aquafeed supplemented with Cyberlindnera jadinii (ACJ) yeast. The trial revealed reduced mortality and improved fish vitality in the ACJ-fed groups, suggesting potential health and survival benefits of yeast-based dietary supplementation. The study by Purushothaman et al. highlights the potential of C. jadinii yeast for tropical aquaculture species. By enhancing immune responses, reducing inflammation, and improving growth performance, yeast-based feeds offer a sustainable, cost-effective solution to many of the challenges faced by the aquaculture industries in Australia and Singapore. As tropical countries look to the future, yeast-based feed technologies incorporating C. jadinii can play a crucial role in promoting the resilience and sustainability of their aquaculture sectors, ensuring that they remain competitive and environmentally responsible in a growing global market. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 68)
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjExNDY=