What is yeast cell wall?
The yeast cell is surrounded by a wall that makes up a significant share of its dry matter. The outer layer consists mainly of mannoproteins (mannose-rich proteins), the inner layer mainly of beta-1,3 and beta-1,6 glucans, with a small amount of chitin. Yeast cell wall is produced by breaking down yeast cells (autolysis or hydrolysis), separating the soluble contents (yeast extract) and drying the insoluble wall fraction.
The yeast may come from brewing, bakery or ethanol production or be grown specifically for the purpose. The source, strain and process influence the composition and therefore the functional properties.
What does it do in animal feed?
- Mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS): certain gut bacteria with mannose-specific fimbriae, such as some E. coli and Salmonella strains, can attach to mannans instead of the intestinal wall; this helps reduce their colonisation.
- Beta-glucans: are recognised by receptors on immune cells and are associated with supporting the animal's innate immune responses, especially in periods of stress such as weaning or vaccination.
- Gut health: often used in poultry, piglet and calf diets as part of strategies to support gut health.
- Mycotoxin adsorption: the glucan and glucomannan fraction can adsorb certain mycotoxins, including some that clays bind poorly.
Yeast cell wall alongside clay-based toxin binders
Clay minerals such as bentonite (montmorillonite) bind flat, polar mycotoxins such as aflatoxin B1 well, but their effect on less polar toxins such as zearalenone is limited. The beta-glucans of yeast cell wall bind through a different mechanism, mainly weak bonds and the three-dimensional structure of the glucan chains, and laboratory and animal studies show adsorption of zearalenone and some other toxins.
For this reason, many multi-component mycotoxin binders combine a clay mineral with yeast cell wall: the clay covers aflatoxins, while the yeast fraction broadens the spectrum and adds gut health and immune support. No single product binds all mycotoxins equally; binding of deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisins remains difficult for both adsorbents. Testing of raw materials and good storage remain essential.
How is inclusion assessed?
Yeast cell wall is not an essential nutrient, so there is no requirement in the classical sense. Inclusion depends on the goal (gut health support or mycotoxin risk management), the species and production stage, the challenge level and the composition of the specific product. Because content and activity vary greatly between products, the supplier's recommendation, local regulations and the product label prevail.
Quality criteria
- Beta-glucan and mannan content: declared values, with the analytical method stated, because different methods give different results.
- Source and process: yeast species and origin, degree of purification.
- Moisture and protein: indicators of drying and the remaining cell content.
- Microbiological quality: free of Salmonella and other contaminants.
- Contaminants: mycotoxins and heavy metals within feed legislation limits.
- Traceability: a certificate of analysis (CoA) and lot number for every batch.
CTF Premix and yeast cell wall
CTF Premix produces montmorillonite-based toxin binders and feed-grade bentonite at its 10,000 m² facility in Ankara under ISO 9001:2015 and GMP. Requests for binder solutions that combine clay minerals with yeast cell wall components are evaluated by our technical team according to the mycotoxin profile, target species and use. Every lot is traceable, and its certificate of analysis can be viewed on the batch verification page.
This page is for general information. Inclusion rates and product choice should be decided with a nutritionist, taking into account the species, the feed formulation and the applicable regulations.