Prepared using a unique autolysis technology, Levabon® Aquagrow E provides high levels of immune-modulatory compounds.
The abundance of β-glucans, mannan oligosaccharides and nucleotides, all with enhanced bioavailability, work in synergy to enhance the immune system, and improve disease and stress resistance in aquatic animals.
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Figure 1: Structure of yeast cell, with major fragments highlighted
The outermost layer in yeast is mostly comprised of mannan oligosaccharides (MOS), with other immunologically important compounds in the yeast cell located internally (Figure 1).
This means that in the whole yeast cell form, these are out of reach, especially those aquatic animals with short intestines and rapid transit times.
Figure 2: After autolysis, the whole yeast cell (top left) is broken open (top right). This process is analogous to heating up corn kernels (bottom left) to make edible popcorn (bottom right)
Autolysis breaks open the cell, increasing the biological availability of these important compounds, and present them in a ready-to-use manner, often referred as the ‘popcorn effect’ (Figure 2).
The combination of multiple immune compounds brings synergistic benefits, and is more effective than providing each compound individually. This was demonstrated in barramundi (Lates calacrifer) where Levabon® Aquagrow was test alongside β-glucans and nucleotides alone. After eight weeks of feeding the respective diets, fish were challenged with Streptoccocus sp. via IP injection. Whilst small benefits were observed with the individual immune compounds, the maximum survival was evident with the more complex immune modulator, Levabon® Aquagrow (Figure 3).
Figure 3: Cumulative mortality of barramundi over 18 hours after Streptococcus challenge
Levabon® Aquagrow has also improved the disease resistance in cold water fish (rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss) and shrimp (whiteleg shrimp, Litopenaeus vannamei), under different infection models (Figures 4 & 5, respectively).
Figure 4: Cumulative mortality of rainbow trout over 16 hours after Yersinia challenge
Figure 5: Cumulative mortality of Whiteleg shrimp over 16 hours after Vibrio challenge
Figure 6: Change in NO production in fish head kidney macrophages following incubation with Levabon® Aquagrow E, at different doses. Asterisk denotes significant difference (P < 0.05)
The mode of application can be predicted from extensive literature reviews. MOS is well known for improving gastro-intestinal health, modulating the immune system and can act to adsorb pathogens, preventing their attachment to the gut epithelia. β-glucans are also known to act on many different receptors, initiating molecular cascades which result in immune modulation. One of these pathways activates leukocytes, including macrophages. Macrophages are white blood cells which are responsible for engulfing and subsequently clearing pathogens and they are activated by nitric oxide (NO). It was established that fish macrophages from the head kidney (major immune organ) are activated when exposed to Levabon® Aquagrow, through this NO mechanism (Figure 6).
Application: Mix directly into the feed. Levabon® Aquagrow is heat and pressure stable so it can survive pelleting and extrusion conditions
Dosage: Typically 2-4 kg/t, with a maximum of 6 kg/t under stressful conditions
Certain statements may not be applicable in all geographical regions. Product associated claims may differ based on government requirements.
Product availability may vary by country, please contact us for more information.
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