Does Yeast Cell Wall Make Chicken Grow Faster?

创建于06.06

In the search for natural and effective means to enhance poultry production, yeast-based additives are getting more attention. One such additive, the yeast cell wall, is becoming more researched and used in poultry feed. But does it actually cause chickens to grow faster? Let's find out what yeast cell wall is, how it functions in poultry nutrition, and if it actually aids growth performance.

What Is Yeast Cell Wall?

Yeast cell wall is a residue of yeast (most often Saccharomyces cerevisiae) fermentation. It is produced by decomposing yeast cells to retrieve their outer wall, which is abundant in two primary components: β-glucans and mannan oligosaccharides (MOS). These bioactive substances are recognized for their capability to boost immunity, promote gut health, and enhance overall animal performance.

How Yeast Cell Wall Functions in Poultry Nutrition

Yeast cell wall does not provide protein or energy directly as corn or soybean meal does. It is, however, a functional source that helps increase digestive efficiency and immune function. Here's why:

1. Improves Gut Health

MOS in the yeast cell wall is a prebiotic, which feeds good gut bacteria and assists the health of the intestinal microbiome. This enhanced equilibrium in the gut flora leads to improved nutrient absorption and fewer gut disturbances, particularly during early developmental stages.

2. Boosts Immunity

The β-glucans of the yeast cell wall influence the immune system by activating macrophages and other immune cells. This prepares the immune system to be able to cope with stressors such as pathogens and vaccinations so that chickens can develop without energy-sapping implications of chronic inflammation or infection.

3. Binds Pathogens and Toxins

Yeast cell wall can also bind to toxic pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli, and even mycotoxins in feed. By inhibiting these invaders from attaching to the intestinal wall, it maintains gut integrity and ensures improved performance under disease-challenged conditions.

Functions of Yeast cell wall for poultry

1）Adsorption of pathogenic bacteria, optimize the intestinal environment  

The structure of mannooligosaccharides and the pathogen binding receptors are similar, which can competitively bind to the pathogen and prevent the pathogen adhesion. It can also be used as intestinal probiotics to promote the proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the hindgut and give full play to the barrier, nutrition and immune functions of probiotics.

2）Improve immune function, prevent disease and reduce antibiotic usage 

β-glucan activates macrophages through LECTIN and induces cellular and humoral immune responses in the body, thus enhancing non-specific immunity and immune function.

3) Enhance immunity, improve disease resistance

AA broilers fed diets supplemented with 1, 2 and 3kg/t yeast cell wall ( cell wall provided by Yangge biotech) significantly increased the serum level of Newcastle disease antibody (Wu XiaoHong et al., 2016).

Can Yeast Cell Wall Make Chickens Grow Faster?

Although yeast cell wall does not directly enhance muscle growth as anabolic compounds, its overall benefits on gut health and immune function can indirectly manifest into enhanced feed efficiency and enhanced weight gain, especially in young broilers.

Evidence from Research

Several studies have ascertained that feeding broilers yeast cell wall enhances average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), and overall performance:

A study in Poultry Science reported that broilers treated with 0.1% yeast cell wall had substantial improvement in feed efficiency and body weight gain within the first 21 days of life.

Another trial revealed that birds infected with E. coli had improved survival rates and continued weight gain when their diets were supplemented with β-glucans and MOS.

This is evidence that yeast cell wall functions as a performance promoter, particularly under stress or challenge by pathogen. Through minimizing disease and facilitating digestion, it enables birds to utilize more energy towards growth instead of immune protection.

Practical Application in Poultry Ration

1. Inclusion Rate: Generally, yeast cell wall is included at 0.05% to 0.2% feed, depending on the concentration of the product and the desired production targets.

2. Broiler Starter Diets: It's especially useful in starter rations to set up gut health during the first 10–14 days.

3. Antibiotic Alternative: Since antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) are being eliminated in most countries, yeast cell wall is a natural, residue-free substitute.

Limitations and Considerations

Though yeast cell wall is an effective tool, it is not a magic solution. Its efficacy can differ based on:

· The quality and dosage of the yeast product utilized.

· The well-being of the flock.

· Hygiene and stocking density conditions in the environment.

Moreover, over-supplementation is not always effective. Adhering to manufacturer instructions and taking advice from a poultry nutritionist are key to maximum benefit.

Conclusion

Yeast cell wall doesn't "grow chickens faster" in a straight sense, but it lays the best internal conditions for maximum growth. Through promoting gut health, increasing immune response, and lowering pathogen burden, it aids chickens in attaining their genetic potential more effectively. Therefore, it is an important ingredient of poultry feed, particularly for antibiotic-free systems.

References

1. Gao, J., Zhang, H. J., Yu, S. H., Wu, S. G., Yoon, I., Quigley, J., Gao, Y. P., & Qi, G. H. (2008). Effects of yeast culture in broiler diets on performance and immunomodulatory functions. Poultry Science, 87(7), 1377–1384. 
        
        https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2007-00416

2. Zhang, A. W., Lee, B. D., Lee, S. K., Lee, K. W., An, G. H., Song, K. B., & Lee, C. H. (2005). Effects of yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) cell components on growth performance, meat quality, and ileal mucosa development of broiler chicks. Poultry Science, 84(7), 1015–1021. 
        
        https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/84.7.1015

3. Zhou, T. X., Chen, Y. J., Yoo, J. S., Huang, Y., Lee, J. H., Jang, H. D., Shin, S. O., Kim, H. J., Cho, J. H., & Kim, I. H. (2009). Effects of chitooligosaccharide supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, intestinal microbiota, and blood profiles in broilers. Poultry Science, 88(3), 593–600. 
        
        https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.2008-00239

4. Hooge, D. M. (2004). Meta-analysis of broiler chicken pen trials evaluating dietary mannan oligosaccharide, 1993–2003. International Journal of Poultry Science, 3(3), 163–174. 
        
        https://doi.org/10.3923/ijps.2004.163.174

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