66 JUNE 2025 • WORLD AQUACULTURE • WWW.WAS.ORG protein sources is essential for the long-term viability of the sector. Cyberlindnera jadinii yeast offers a renewable, locally producible solution that addresses both environmental and economic challenges. In addition to being a high-quality protein source, C. jadinii provides bioactive compounds like β-glucans and mannoproteins that strengthen the immune systems of fish and reduce inflammation, making it an ideal alternative to fishmeal (Øverland and Skrede 2016; Agboola et al. 2021a). The use of yeast in aquaculture feeds can significantly improve the health and growth of species farmed in tropical regions, such as Asian seabass and Malabar red snapper, which are critical to both Australian and Singaporean markets. Research Foundation: Impact of Yeast on Fish Health and Growth The potential of C. jadinii was rigorously evaluated in a study published by Purushothaman et al. (2024), which explored the yeast’s effects on fish immune function and growth in zebrafish, Danio rerio (Figure 1). While zebrafish are a model species, the findings have strong implications for tropical aquaculture species farmed in Australia and Singapore. In this study, zebrafish were fed either a control diet or one supplemented with autolyzed C. jadinii yeast (ACJ) for four weeks (Figure 2). Using advanced proteomic techniques like iTRAQ labeling and two-dimensional liquid chromatographymass spectrometry (2D LC-MS/MS), the researchers were able to identify significant changes in proteins related to immune responses and inflammation control (Purushothaman et al. 2024). This type of analysis allowed for a deeper understanding of how yeast-enriched diets influence fish health on a molecular level, making it highly relevant to tropical aquaculture systems. Australia’s aquaculture industry is a vital contributor to the nation’s food security and economic growth. With tropical species such as Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) and Malabar red snapper (Lutjanus malabaricus) playing a key role, the sector is positioned to meet increasing global seafood demand. However, environmental pressures, disease management, and reliance on unsustainable fishmeal feed sources are significant challenges faced by Australian fish farmers. Similarly, Singapore’s aquaculture industry, which shares many of these challenges due to its tropical climate, is also seeking innovative solutions to improve fish health and production efficiency. One promising innovation is the use of the yeast Cyberlindnera jadinii as a functional protein source in aquaculture feeds. This yeast offers a sustainable alternative to fishmeal, enhances immune responses, and supports fish growth. The study published by Purushothaman et al. (2024) has demonstrated that C. jadinii can significantly boost the productivity of tropical aquaculture species like seabass and snapper. This article focuses on how this breakthrough can advance the aquaculture industry in tropical regions, particularly Australia and Singapore, driving sustainable growth and resilience. Addressing the Need for Sustainable Feed in Tropical Aquaculture The use of fishmeal as a protein source in aquaculture feeds has long been a staple, but it is becoming increasingly unsustainable due to overfishing, rising costs, and environmental degradation (Tacon and Metian 2008). In tropical countries like Australia and Singapore, where aquaculture species are subjected to fluctuating environmental conditions and disease pressures, finding alternative Boosting Aquaculture with Yeast: A Sustainable Solution for Fish Health and Growth Kathiresan Purushothaman FIGURE 1. An integrated visual summary of the study: (1) Formulation of aquafeed with Cyberlindnera jadinii yeast as a sustainable protein source; (2) Controlled zebrafish feeding trials; (3) Activation of immune-related signaling pathways; and (4) Modulation of cytokine responses and recruitment of intestinal macrophages, highlighting enhanced gut immunity and antiinflammatory effects from yeast supplementation. The use of fishmeal as a protein source in aquaculture feeds has long been a staple, but it is becoming increasingly unsustainable due to overfishing, rising costs, and environmental degradation. In tropical countries like Australia and Singapore, where aquaculture species are subjected to fluctuating environmental conditions and disease pressures, finding alternative protein sources is essential for the long-term viability of the sector.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjExNDY=