ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2023 37 HOW DO BETA-GLUCANS SUPPORT THE HEALTH OF YOUNG ANIMALS? ß-glucans are a diverse group of molecules that can be found in plants, the bran of cereal grains, certain fungi and bacteria and in yeast cell walls. Each source provides a different type of ß-glucan. In general, there are four different types of ß-glucans: ß 1,3-glucans, ß 1,4-glucans, short ß 1,3/1,6-glucans and long ß 1,3/1,6-glucans. They all have different effects due to their distinct molecular structures. The ß 1,3/1,6-glucans have a 3D structure, compared to the ß 1,3, and 1,4-glucans that have a 2D structure. Long ß 1,3/1,6-glucans help young animals in challenging health circumstances by activating the very first line of defense of the innate (non-specific) immune system. The activated immune system can then initiate the adaptive immune response to fight the pathogen. The perfect fit of the ß glucan structure into the receptors of the innate (non-specific) immune cells is crucial for the activation of the adaptive immune system. A slight deviation of the 3D structure (for example, damage) will limit the capability of activation. UNDERSTANDING THE MODES OF ACTION Research on the role of ß 1,3/1,6-glucans in supporting immunity led to the development of Selko® Fibosel®, a feed additive developed to strengthen the developing immune system and boost young animals’ natural defense mechanisms. Fibosel is composed of long ß 1,3/1,6-glucans from the yeast strain saccharomyces cerevisiae. This specific yeast strain is known for its effect on the immune system in humans and animals. The long ß 1,3/1,6-glucans present in the yeast cell wall are covered by a layer of non-digestible short chain branched carbohydrates known as mannan oligosaccharides (MOS). This layer of coverage prevents the long ß 1,3/1,6-glucans from reaching the macrophages’ receptors. To remove the MOS layer, the feed additive uses natural enzymes to cut openings in the MOS layer. This action exposes the long ß 1,3/1,6-glucans, without damaging their important 3D structure. Fibosel is the only product that uses enzymes to separate the MOS from the long ß 1,3/1,6-glucans. ACTIVATING THE INNATE IMMUNE SYSTEM TO BOOST YOUR VACCINATIONS An activated non-specific immune system creates faster and greater immune responses. The communication between non-specific and specific immune cells is driven by cytokines. Activated non-specific immune cells like macrophages send out more cytokines and this action leads to an increase in antibody titers. We performed a study that shows a 20% higher antibody titer in broiler chickens 4 weeks
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