Feed containing Euglena has the potential to enhance the growth and natural immunity of juvenile amberjack
Euglena Enhances Feed for Farmed Yellowtail
JAPAN
Thursday, January 23, 2025, 10:00 (GMT + 9)
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A groundbreaking study has found that incorporating Euglena-based feed into the diet of juvenile yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata), commonly known as Japanese amberjack or hamachi, can enhance growth and strengthen natural immunity.
Euglena Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Mitsuru Izumo; hereinafter referred to as "the Company") has collaborated with Assistant Professor Saichiro Yokoyama of the Faculty of Fisheries, Kagoshima University (Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture; President: Akira Sano) on this research. The findings were presented at the 2024 Kyushu Branch Conference of the Japanese Society of Fisheries Science, held on December 14–15, 2024.
Background and Objectives
In the global aquaculture industry, there is a growing focus on enhancing the health and immunity of farmed fish to reduce reliance on antibiotics and bolster resistance to disease. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) advocates for feed solutions that minimize the use of antibiotics while promoting fish health. Such measures not only mitigate environmental risks like the proliferation of resistant bacteria but also ensure safer and higher-quality seafood for consumers.
Previous studies have shown that Euglena and its rare component, paramylon, play a role in maintaining and regulating human immunity. Paramylon, a β-glucan polysaccharide unique to Euglena, is believed to stimulate immune responses by interacting with immune cells in the mucosal system. This immunostimulatory effect may also support the growth and health of farmed fish.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Euglena-enriched feed on the growth, immunity, and body composition of juvenile yellowtail.
Research Details
Juvenile yellowtail were divided into two groups:
- Control Group: Fed standard feed without Euglena powder.
- Test Group: Fed feed containing 1.0% Euglena powder.
Over 30 days, several metrics were assessed, including growth performance, body composition, and immunity markers. Statistical analysis was performed using a one-sided t-test with α = 0.05.
Key Findings
1. Enhanced Growth Performance
Yellowtail fed Euglena-based feed showed significantly greater weight gain and growth rates compared to the control group (Figure 1). Additionally, the crude lipid content in the test group was higher, suggesting that energy reserves were more effectively stored.
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2. Improved Natural Immunity
Lysozyme activity—a key indicator of natural immune function—was significantly higher in the test group (Figure 3). This suggests that Euglena may enhance innate immunity.
Other health parameters, such as blood GOT/GPT activity, glucose levels, and triglyceride concentrations, showed no differences between the groups, indicating no adverse effects from the Euglena-enriched diet.
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- Figure 3: Blood lysozyme activity
(Significant difference observed; p<0.05)
The study demonstrates that Euglena-based feed can promote growth and enhance natural immunity in juvenile yellowtail. Building on these results, future research will explore the broader effects of Euglena on other farmed species such as yellowtail, amberjack, and red sea bream.
The Company's Sustainable Agritech Division is planning demonstration trials of Euglena-based feed in collaboration with aquaculture producers, with the aim of commercializing this innovative product.
This research marks a significant step toward creating healthier, more sustainable feed solutions for the aquaculture industry. As efforts continue, Euglena Co., Ltd. remains committed to providing effective and eco-friendly solutions that align with global goals for sustainable seafood production.
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