Biological function of β-glucan and its application in animal production.

β-glucan is a kind of natural polysaccharide, which can be used as a green additive in many fields such as food and aquaculture, and has sustainability and ecological friendliness. β-glucan has many biological functions, which can inhibit and eliminate excessive free radicals in vivo, activate the antioxidant enzyme system and reduce the degree of oxidative stress. β-glucan can reduce the production of inflammatory factors and alleviate the tissue damage caused by inflammation by regulating the inflammatory pathway. β-glucan can repair intestinal barrier, regulate intestinal microecology, and reduce the penetration of bacteria and toxins. β-glucan can regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, ensure that animals get enough energy supply, and thus maintain the health of the body. In this paper, the characteristics, biological functions and application status of β-glucan in livestock and poultry and aquaculture were reviewed in order to provide a reference for further application of β-glucan in animal breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]