Role of β‐glucan on finfish and shellfish health and well‐being: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract

This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluating the inclusion of β‐glucan in aquaculture animal diets and its impact on their health outcomes. Relevant studies were identified from Scopus and Web of Science databases. A total of 82 primary studies published between 1996 and 2024 were reviewed, of which 70 were included in the meta‐analysis. The results revealed that the application of β‐glucan to aquaculture animal's diets significantly enhanced specific growth rate (SGR; mean effect, g = 2.71; p < 0.001), feed conversion ratio (FCR; g = −3.88; p < 0.0001) and lowered mortality after exposure to pathogens. Likewise, β‐glucan had a positive influence (p < 0.0001) on innate immune parameters (lysozyme and phagocyte activity, NBT, ACH50, and IgM). The study found that the effects of β‐glucans varied among marine and freshwater fish where freshwater fishes (g = 2.05–6.57) exhibit better performance. This study also found a negative correlation between fish's innate immune response and trophic level, suggesting that fish with higher trophic levels may be less efficient at absorbing this bio‐stimulant. Even though there were high heterogeneity (I2 = 73%–97%, p < 0.05) due to the diversity of tested organisms and publication bias, our model and findings are valid. The findings suggest that the dietary application of β‐glucans can have beneficial effects on growth and immune responses especially for freshwater species. The validity of these observations needs to be confirmed by further prospective studies.