Fish and shrimp farms around the world are looking for ways to keep their animals healthier and grow faster. Scientists have found that two types of special yeasts called Rhodotorula and Phaffia might be the answer. These yeasts are packed with nutrients and can be grown cheaply on leftover materials. When added to farm animal feed, they appear to boost immune systems, improve digestion, reduce stress, and even make the meat look better. This research review shows how these natural supplements could help aquaculture farms produce more food while spending less money and protecting animal health.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether two types of special yeasts (Rhodotorula and Phaffia) could improve the health, growth, and quality of fish and other animals raised on farms
  • Who participated: This was a review of existing research, not a new experiment. Scientists looked at many previous studies about using these yeasts in aquaculture (fish and shrimp farming)
  • Key finding: These yeasts appear to work like natural health boosters for farmed fish and shrimp. They seem to strengthen immune systems, help digestion, reduce stress, improve meat quality, and increase overall production—all while being inexpensive to produce
  • What it means for you: If you eat farmed fish or seafood, products from farms using these yeasts may be healthier and higher quality. However, this is still emerging research, and more studies are needed to confirm all the benefits in real-world farm settings

The Research Details

This is a review article, which means scientists gathered and analyzed information from many previous studies about Rhodotorula and Phaffia yeasts in aquaculture. Rather than conducting their own experiment, the researchers looked at what other scientists had already discovered about how these yeasts affect fish and shrimp farms.

The yeasts being studied are special because they produce colorful pigments and contain beneficial compounds like beta-glucans and mannan oligosaccharides. These are natural substances that can boost health. The researchers examined how these yeasts function as probiotics (good bacteria-like organisms), feed additives, and immune boosters when added to aquaculture feed.

The review focused on practical applications in the aquaculture industry, looking at how these yeasts affect animal health, growth rates, meat quality, and farm productivity. The scientists also considered the economic benefits, since these yeasts can be grown inexpensively on waste materials.

Review articles like this are important because they bring together all the available evidence on a topic. Instead of relying on one study, this approach gives a complete picture of what scientists know about these yeasts. This helps farmers and industry leaders decide whether to use these products and helps identify areas where more research is needed.

This is a review article published in a respected scientific journal (Archives of Microbiology), which means it went through quality checks before publication. However, because it reviews existing studies rather than conducting new research, the strength of the conclusions depends on the quality of the studies it examined. The article doesn’t specify how many studies were reviewed or what their quality levels were, which would be helpful information for readers.

What the Results Show

The research shows that Rhodotorula and Phaffia yeasts appear to offer multiple benefits when added to aquaculture feed. These yeasts seem to strengthen the immune systems of farmed fish and shrimp, helping them fight off diseases and infections. They also appear to improve digestion, which means the animals can get more nutrition from their food.

Another major benefit is stress reduction. Farmed animals often experience stress from crowding and handling, and these yeasts appear to help animals cope better. The yeasts also seem to improve the quality of the meat or flesh, making it more appealing to consumers. Additionally, farms using these yeasts reported higher overall production and yields, meaning they could raise more healthy animals.

The yeasts work through several mechanisms: they contain beneficial compounds that boost immunity, improve nutrient absorption, and act as natural antioxidants (substances that protect cells from damage). They also appear to protect against harmful pathogens (disease-causing organisms) that commonly affect farmed animals.

Beyond the main health benefits, the research indicates these yeasts improve specific blood chemistry markers in farmed animals, suggesting better overall metabolic health. The pigments produced by these yeasts can also enhance the natural coloring of fish flesh, which increases market value. The yeasts improve antioxidant capacity, meaning the animals’ bodies become better at protecting themselves from cellular damage. These improvements in meat quality and appearance directly translate to higher prices in the marketplace.

While other yeasts like baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) have been used in aquaculture for years, Rhodotorula and Phaffia appear to offer additional benefits, particularly in pigment production and immune enhancement. This research builds on growing interest in using natural, sustainable additives instead of synthetic supplements or antibiotics in aquaculture. The findings align with broader trends toward more sustainable and health-conscious food production.

This review article has several important limitations. First, it doesn’t specify exactly how many studies were reviewed or provide detailed information about their quality. Second, most research on these yeasts has been conducted in laboratory or controlled farm settings, and results may differ in large commercial operations. Third, the effectiveness may vary depending on the type of fish or shrimp, water conditions, and farming practices. Finally, while the yeasts appear promising, more large-scale, real-world studies are needed to confirm all claimed benefits and determine optimal dosages for different species.

The Bottom Line

Based on available evidence, these yeasts appear promising for aquaculture operations looking to improve animal health and productivity naturally. However, recommendations should be moderate: these yeasts may be worth trying as part of a comprehensive farm management strategy, but they should not be viewed as a complete replacement for good farming practices, clean water, and proper nutrition. Confidence level: Moderate—the evidence is encouraging but not yet definitive.

Fish and shrimp farmers should pay attention to this research, as it offers a potentially cost-effective way to improve productivity and animal welfare. Seafood consumers may benefit from products sourced from farms using these supplements. However, home aquarium owners should be cautious, as dosages and applications for small-scale systems may differ significantly from commercial farms. People with yeast allergies should consult healthcare providers before consuming products from farms using these supplements.

If farms implement these yeasts in their feed, improvements in animal health and growth would likely appear within weeks to a few months. However, achieving maximum benefits in meat quality and market value may take several production cycles (typically 6-18 months depending on the species). Long-term sustainability benefits would accumulate over years of use.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If you’re involved in aquaculture, track weekly measurements of animal health indicators (mortality rates, disease incidents, growth rates) and monthly assessments of feed conversion efficiency and meat quality grades before and after introducing these yeasts
  • For aquaculture operators: gradually introduce these yeasts into your feed protocol, starting with a small percentage and monitoring animal response over 4-6 weeks. Document any changes in health, growth, or production. For consumers: look for seafood products labeled as coming from farms using natural probiotic supplements or sustainable feed additives
  • Establish a baseline of your current farm’s performance metrics (growth rates, disease rates, feed costs, meat quality) before implementation. Then track these same metrics monthly for at least 6 months after introducing the yeasts to determine if benefits match the research findings in your specific operation

This article reviews research on yeast supplements in aquaculture and is intended for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice for humans. If you have concerns about the safety of seafood products or have yeast allergies, consult with a healthcare provider. Aquaculture operators should consult with veterinarians and nutritionists before implementing new feed additives. The effectiveness of these yeasts may vary based on species, environmental conditions, and farming practices. Always follow local regulations regarding feed additives and aquaculture practices.