Preventing disease in Aquaculture

Disease management and prevention has become one of the top priorities for the aquaculture industry. This is due partly to economic losses, caused by disrupted production, and partly to sustainability issues and increased pressure to reduce the use of antibiotics and chemicals. The risks associated with drug resistant pathogens, environmental impacts, and  consumer perceptions of antibiotic residues in farmed products, are notably the sector’s main concerns.

The premium yeast fraction, Safmannan^®, is obtained by primary culture of a proprietary strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The product’s unique physicochemical characteristics, plus a highly controlled production process, creates a product with consistent in vivo response. Safmannan^® is proven to significantly improve resistance and fish survival in major aquaculture species facing the most threatening pathogenic challenges.

There is an improved survival of L. vannamei shrimp challenged with Vibrio parahaemolyticus (AHPND) (graph 1). Increased survival of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is observed after Streptococcus agalactiae challenge (graph 2). Improved survival of Japanese seabass (Lateolabrax japonicus) challenged with Aeromonas veronii is also witnessed (graph 3).

Safmannan^® is proven to improve the response of different immune parameters, such as prophenoloxidase activity in shrimp; lysozyme activity in the gut of tilapia; plasma anti-protease activity in red drum; superoxide dismutase in trout, and IgM production in tilapia and Japanese seabass.

Safmannan^® effectively binds pathogenic bacteria and some toxins, reducing gut colonisation by pathogens and preventing possible damage to the intestine epithelium.