Improvement of innate immune responses and defense activity in mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) by oral administration of beta-glucan.

The beta-glucan (BG), extracted from Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall, was orally administrated to the mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) at 0, 1, 5 and 10 g BG/kg diet for 28 days, followed by a challenge with Vibrio mimicus by intramuscular injection. Growth, phenoloxidase, superoxide dismutase, acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activity were monitored after 14 and 28 days. The results showed an immunomodulatory effect and protection against V. mimicus by dietary supplementation of BG. The recommended concentration is 5 g BG/kg diet.