Using attenuated-total-reflection Fourier-transformed spectroscopy to reveal molecular structural differences among willow (Salix spp.) foliage cultivars in relation to their potential as fodders.

BACKGROUND: Willow trees represent a suitable species for the development of agroforestry systems, integrating bioenergy and animal feed production. However, there is a lack of information regarding the suitability of leaves and stems, considered a bioenergy by-product, as animal feed. The aim of this study was the employment of attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (550-4000 cm-1 ) to investigate differences in the nutrient molecular structure profile of leaves and stems of selected willow cultivars to understand their utility for ruminant nutrition. RESULTS: Univariate analysis of variance of leaves showed lower intensities of cellulosic compounds and higher of protein in comparison with stems, which suggests higher leaf dry matter and protein digestibility. Spectral analyses revealed differences in both plant parts between Salix cv. Terra Nova and Salix cv. Beagle, cv. Resolution, and cv. Olof. The higher α-helix to ß-sheet ratio, which is related to a higher protein digestibility, was in correlation with the lower content of condensed tannins. Principal component and agglomerative hierarchical cluster analyses showed significant discrimination among willow cultivars in the cellulosic, structural carbohydrate, and amide regions, whereas differences were less evident for total carbohydrate and lipid-related regions. CONCLUSION: The application of attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared molecular spectroscopy is an effective tool to rapidly identify spectral features related to the nutritional composition of willow foliage and to discriminate between cultivars and parts of the plant. This information would be useful to optimize the use of willow fodders in agroforestry systems. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Efficacy of a feed additive consisting of endo-1,4-beta-xylanase and endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase produced with Talaromyces versatilis IMI 378536 and DSM 26702 (ROVABIO® ADVANCE) for weaned piglets (Adisseo France SAS).

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the efficacy of ROVABIO® ADVANCE (liquid and solid) which contains endo-1,4-beta-xylanase and endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase produced with Talaromyces versatilis IMI 378536 and DSM 26702 as a zootechnical feed additive for weaned piglets at the recommended use level of 1800 U xylanase and 1250 U glucanase per kg feed. In a previous assessment, three long-term trials in weaned piglets were submitted. Two of them were considered to support the efficacy of the additive while a third trial was not further considered due to the large number of veterinary treatments applied. A new trial was provided to support the efficacy of the additive, but it did not show a significant improvement of the performance parameters at the minimum recommended use level. Due to the lack of sufficient data, the FEEDAP Panel is not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of the additive for the target species.

Efficacy of a feed additive consisting of ferrous lysinate sulfate for all animal species (Phytobiotis Futterzusatzstoffe GmbH).

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the efficacy of ferrous lysinate sulfate (Plexomin® L-Fe) for all animal species. The additive has not been previously authorised as a feed additive in the European Union (EU). The safety of the additive for the target species, consumer, user and the environment has already been assessed in previous opinions. However, the efficacy remained inconclusive due to the absence of evidence of the bioavailability of the iron contained in the additive in the trials submitted either with chickens for fattening or with weaned piglets. For the present assessment, the applicant submitted a recalculation of the previous data on weaned piglets, which did not show evidence of bioavailability. Therefore, in the absence of adequate data, the FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the efficacy of ferrous lysinate sulfate for all animal species.

Efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Saccharomyces cerevisiae DBVPG 48 SF (BioCell®) for ruminants (Mazzoleni S.p.A.).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Saccharomyces cerevisiae DBVPG 48 SF (BioCell®) as a zootechnical feed additive for horses, pigs and ruminants. In a previous opinion, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive has the potential to be efficacious at the proposed conditions of use for horses, dairy ruminants and all pigs. However, the Panel was not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of BioCell® for calves, and, consequently, for other ruminants for fattening or rearing. The applicant provided three additional efficacy trials in veal calves to support the efficacy of BioCell® for ruminants for fattening or rearing. The three studies showed positive effects of the supplementation with the additive at 1.7 × 109 colony forming unit (CFU)/kg complete feed on the performance of veal calves. Considering the previously submitted studies in dairy cows and the new submitted trials, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive has the potential to be efficacious for all ruminants at the proposed condition of use: 4.0 × 108 CFU/kg complete feed for dairy ruminants and 4.0 × 109 CFU/kg complete feed for ruminants for fattening and rearing.

Efficacy of the feed additive consisting of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-4407 (Actisaf® Sc47) for cattle for fattening (Lesaffre International).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the efficacy of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-4407 (Actisaf® Sc47) as a zootechnical feed additive (functional group: gut flora stabiliser) in cattle for fattening. The additive is already authorised for use in feed for dairy cows, calves for rearing, lambs for fattening, dairy goats, dairy sheep and dairy buffaloes. In a previous opinion, the EFSA Scientific Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP Panel) concluded that Actisaf® Sc47 was safe for cattle for fattening, the consumers and the environment. Additionally, the Panel considered that Actisaf® Sc47 is not a skin irritant, and no conclusions could be drawn on the additive's eye irritancy and dermal sensitisation potential. Due to the lack of adequate data, the Panel could not conclude on the efficacy of the additive in cattle for fattening at the proposed conditions of use. In the current application, the applicant submitted three trials to support the efficacy in cattle for fattening. However, two of them were not considered for the assessment. The other trial showed an improved zootechnical performance of the animals at the proposed use level of 4 × 109 CFU/kg complete feed. Considering the additive is authorised in dairy cows and calves for rearing and the requirements of the current Guidance on the assessment of the efficacy of feed additives, no further demonstration of efficacy is necessary to extrapolate the conclusions previously reached to all ruminants. The significant positive effect shown in one trial in cattle for fattening supports the above extrapolation. Therefore, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that Actisaf® Sc47 is efficacious as a zootechnical additive for cattle for fattening at the proposed conditions of use.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of 6-phytase produced with Trichoderma reesei (CBS 126897) (Quantum® Blue) for fin fish (ROAL Oy).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of 6-phytase (Quantum® Blue) as a zootechnical feed additive for fin fish. The additive is authorised for use in poultry and pigs. The additive is available in solid and liquid forms, and the 6-phytase contained in the product is produced by fermentation with a genetically modified strain of Trichoderma reesei. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the genetic modification of the production strain does not give rise to safety concerns; viable cells of the production strain and its DNA were not detected in the final products. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that, based on the data available, the additive tested is safe for fin fish at the highest recommended level of 2500 phytase activity unit (FTU)/kg complete feed. The Panel concluded that Quantum® Blue is not an irritant to skin and eyes nor a skin sensitiser. Owing to the proteinaceous nature of the active substance, 6-phytase (Quantum® Blue) is considered a respiratory sensitiser. The use of Quantum® Blue as a feed additive is considered safe for the environment. The additive is considered to be efficacious as a zootechnical additive for salmonids and ornamental fish at 500 FTU/kg complete feed and other fin fish at 2500 FTU/kg complete feed.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Saccharomyces cerevisiae DSM 34246 (Canobios-BL) for cats and dogs (ACEL pharma s.r.l.).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Saccharomyces cerevisiae DSM 34246 as a zootechnical feed additive for dogs and cats. The additive, with the trade name Canobios-BL, is intended for use in feed for cats and dogs at a proposed minimum inclusion level of 5 × 109 CFU/kg complete feed. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is considered by EFSA to be suitable for the qualified presumption of safety approach to safety assessment. Since the identity of the active agent has been clearly established and the additive is composed by dried cells of the active agent and an emulsifier, that are not expected to introduce any risk, the additive is considered safe for the target species. Canobios-BL is not a skin or eye irritant but should be considered a skin and respiratory sensitiser. Canobios-BL is considered to be efficacious in feedingstuffs for dogs and cats at the use level 5 × 109 CFU/kg complete feed.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of muramidase produced with Trichoderma reesei DSM 32338 (Balancius™) for laying hens (DSM nutritional products).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of muramidase produced with Trichoderma reesei DSM 32338 (Balancius™) as a feed additive for laying hens. The additive is already authorised as a zootechnical additive (functional group: other zootechnical additives) for chickens, turkeys and minor poultry species for fattening or reared for breeding, and for weaned piglets. The enzyme is produced by fermentation with a genetically modified strain of Trichoderma reesei; viable cells of the production strain and its recombinant DNA were not detected in the additive. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive does not give rise to safety concerns regarding the genetic modification of the production strain. Based on the data available from a sub-chronic oral toxicity study, the Panel concluded that the additive is safe for laying hens at the maximum recommended level of 60,000 LSU(F) (muramidase activity units)/kg feed. The Panel also concluded that the additive is safe for the consumers and the environment. The liquid formulation of the additive is considered not irritant to the skin or eyes. The solid formulation of the additive is considered not irritant to the skin. The Panel cannot conclude on the potential of the additive (both formulations) to be a dermal sensitiser or on the potential of the solid formulation to be irritant to the eyes. Due to the proteinaceous nature, both forms of the additive should be considered respiratory sensitisers. The additive has the potential to be efficacious as a zootechnical additive for laying hens at 30,000 LSU(F)/kg feed.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of 6-phytase produced by Aspergillus oryzae DSM 33737 (HiPhorius™) for all poultry, all Suidae and all fin fish (DSM Nutritional Products Ltd).

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of 6-phytase produced by the genetically modified strain Aspergillus oryzae DSM 33737 (HiPhorius™ 10, 40, 20L and 50L) as a zootechnical feed additive for all poultry, all Suidae and all fin fish. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the genetic modification of the production strain does not give rise to safety concerns. Based on the no observed adverse effect level identified in a subchronic oral toxicity study in rats, the additive was considered safe for all poultry, all Suidae and all fin fish at the proposed conditions of use. The Panel also concluded that the use of the product as a feed additive is of no concern for the consumers and the environment. The liquid formulations of the additive are not skin or eye irritants. The two solid ones are not skin irritants but are eye irritants. Owing to the lack of data, the Panel cannot conclude on the skin sensitisation of the final formulations of the additive. Due to the proteinaceous nature of the active substance (6-phytase), the additive is considered a respiratory sensitiser. The Panel concludes that the additive is efficacious when included in the diet of poultry for fattening or reared for laying/breeding, reproductive Suidae, and all fin fish. Due to the lack of sufficient data, the Panel could not conclude on the efficacy for laying and reproductive poultry and growing Suidae.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of endo-1,4-ß xylanase, endo-1,4-ß-glucanase and xyloglucan-specific-endo-ß-1,4-glucanase produced by Trichoderma citrinoviride DSM 33578 (Huvezym® neXo) for all Suidae (Huvepharma EOOD).

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Huvezym® neXo 100 G/L, a product containing endo-1,4-ß-xylanase, endo-1,4-ß-glucanase and xyloglucan-specific-endo-ß-1,4-glucanase activities produced by a non-genetically modified strain of Trichoderma citrinoviride (DSM 33578), as a zootechnical additive for all Suidae. The applicant provided information confirming the taxonomic identification of the production strain. The batches used for the characterisation of the final formulations showed compliance with the minimum specifications of the additive in terms of enzyme activities (> 15,000 EPU, > 1000 CU, > 1000 XGU per g) but not for the ratio of the enzymes, which is lower (ca. 7:1:1) than the ones specified (15:1:1). The Panel could not conclude on the representativeness of the test item used in the toxicological and tolerance studies with respect to the final formulations. Therefore, the conclusions are limited to the product with a minimum enzyme activity of 15,000 EPU, 1000 CU, 1000 XGU per g and a xylanase:glucanase:xyloglucanase ratio of 15:1:1. The Panel concluded that the additive is safe for the target species, consumers and the environment. Huvezym® neXo 100 G is not an irritant to the skin and eyes but should be considered a skin sensitiser. Huvezym® neXo 100 L is neither an irritant to the skin and eyes nor a skin sensitiser. Due to the proteinaceous nature of the active substances, the additive is considered a respiratory sensitiser. The additive has the potential to be efficacious in all reproductive Suidae at the minimum proposed use level. Owing to the lack of sufficient data, the Panel could not conclude on the efficacy of the additive for Suidae for fattening or reared for reproduction.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of endo-1,4-ß-xylanase produced by Komagataella phaffii ATCC PTA-127053 (Xygest™ HT) for all Suidae (Kemin Europa N.V).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of endo-1,4-ß-xylanase produced by Komagataella phaffii ATCC PTA-127053 (Xygest™ HT) as a zootechnical feed additive (functional group: digestibility enhancers) for all Suidae at a recommended minimum level of 90,000 U/kg complete feed for pigs in the growing period and 45,000 U/kg complete feed for sows. The production strain is considered suitable for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach to safety assessment. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive is safe at the minimum recommended use level for all growing Suidae and all sows in the lactating phase. Xygest™ HT was considered safe for the consumers and for the environment when used in feed for all Suidae. The additive was considered not to be irritant to eyes and skin, but was considered as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. In the absence of sufficient data, the FEEDAP Panel was not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of Xygest™ HT for all Suidae.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of fumonisin esterase produced with Komagataella phaffii NCAIM (P) Y001485 for all pigs (piglets, pigs for fattening, sows and minor growing and reproductive porcine species) (Dr. Bata Ltd.).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of the additive based on fumonisin esterase (Free Yeast® F), produced with a genetically modified strain of Komagataella phaffii. The additive is categorised as a technological feed additive, for the reduction of the contamination of feed by mycotoxins and intended for use in all pigs species (piglets, pigs for fattening, sows and minor growing and reproductive porcine species). It was shown that the production strain and its recombinant genes are not present in the additive. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive is safe for weaned and suckling piglets and pigs for fattening, and all minor growing porcine species up to 60 U/kg complete feed. No conclusions can be drawn on the safety of the additive in sows. The use of the additive in animal nutrition is of no concern for consumer safety. The additive is dust-free, and therefore, respiratory sensitisation/irritation is unlikely. The additive is non-irritant to the eyes and the skin. No conclusion could be made on skin sensitisation. The use of the additive as a feed additive is considered safe for the environment. The Panel concluded that the additive is efficacious as technological feed additive for the reduction of feed contamination by fumonisins, when used at the minimum recommended concentration of 60 U/kg. This conclusion can be extrapolated to all growing and reproductive pigs and other minor porcine species.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of inactivated selenised yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCTCC M 2022402) for all animal species (Phytobiotics Futterzusatzstoffe GmbH).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of the selenised yeast (inactivated) Saccharomyces cerevisiae CCTCC M 2022402 (Plexomin® Se 3000, available in two forms: 'granules' and 'micro') as a nutritional feed additive for all animal species. Based on a tolerance-efficacy trial, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive is safe for chickens for fattening at proposed conditions of use and this conclusion can be extrapolated to all animal species. In the absence of deposition data in all animal species and products, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the safety for the consumer. Plexomin® Se 3000 (granules) is dust-free; therefore, the exposure through inhalation is unlikely. Plexomin® Se 3000 (micro) presents a risk by inhalation. Both forms of the additive (granules and micro) are considered as respiratory sensitisers. Due to the lack of data, no conclusions can be drawn on the dermal and eye irritation potential of Plexomin® Se 3000 (granules). Plexomin® Se 3000 (micro) is not irritant to the skin and the eyes. No conclusions can be drawn on the potential of both forms of the additive to be dermal sensitisers. The use of the additive in animal nutrition is considered safe for the environment. The additive is an efficacious source of selenium in feedingstuffs for all animal species.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Lentilactobacillus diolivorans (formerly Lactobacillus diolivorans) DSM 33625 as a silage additive for all animal species (Lactosan GmbH & Co.KG).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on Lentilactobacillus diolivorans (formerly Lactobacillus diolivorans) DSM 33625 when used as a technological additive to improve ensiling of forage. The additive is intended for use with all forages and for all animal species at a proposed minimum concentration of 1 × 108 colony forming units (CFU)/kg forage. The bacterial species L. diolivorans is considered by EFSA to be suitable for the qualified presumption of safety approach to safety assessment. As the identity of the strain has been clearly established and no acquired antimicrobial resistance determinants of concern were detected, the use of the strain as a silage additive is considered safe for livestock species, for consumers of products from animals fed the treated silage and for the environment. The additive is not a skin or an eye irritant. In the absence of data, no conclusion can be drawn on the skin sensitisation of the additive. Given the proteinaceous nature of the active agent, the additive should be considered a respiratory sensitiser. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that Lentilactobacillus diolivorans DSM 33625 at a minimum concentration of 1 × 108 CFU/kg forage may extend the aerobic stability of silage prepared from easy and moderately difficult to ensile forage material with a DM range of 32-65%.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase produced by Aspergillus fijiensis CBS 589.94 (RONOZYME® VP (CT/L)) for chickens for fattening and weaned piglets (DSM Nutritional Products AG).

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase produced by Aspergillus fijiensis CBS 589.94 (RONOZYME® VP (CT/L)) as a zootechnical feed additive for chickens for fattening and weaned piglets. Based on the no observed adverse effect level identified in a subchronic oral toxicity study in rats and the tolerance trials provided, the additive was considered safe for chickens for fattening and weaned piglets at the proposed conditions of use. The Panel also concluded that the use of the product as a feed additive does not rise concerns for consumers and the environment. Owing to the lack of data obtained with the final formulations, the Panel could not conclude on the potential of the additive to be irritant to skin and eyes or on its potential as a dermal sensitiser. Due to the proteinaceous nature of the active substance, the additive is considered a respiratory sensitiser. The Panel concluded that the additive is efficacious as a zootechnical additive in chickens for fattening and weaned piglets at the minimum recommended level of 10 FBG/kg feed.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of endo-1,4-beta-xylanase, endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase and endo-1,4-beta-glucanase produced by Trichoderma reeseiATCC 74444 (Ronozyme® Multigrain) for use in poultry for fattening, poultry for laying and piglets (weaned) (DSM Nutritional Products).

Ronozyme® Multigrain G/L is the trade name of the feed additive under assessment containing endo-1,4-beta-xylanase, endo-1,4-beta-glucanase and endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase produced by a non-genetically modified strain of Trichoderma reesei (ATCC 74444). It is authorised for use as a zootechnical additive (functional group: digestibility enhancer) in poultry for fattening, poultry for laying and weaned piglets. This scientific opinion concerns the request for the renewal of the authorisation of the additive for the species/categories for which there is an authorisation. The applicant provided evidence that the additive currently in the market complies with the conditions of the authorisation. There is no new evidence that would lead the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) to reconsider previous conclusions that the additive is safe for the animal species/categories, the consumer and the environment under the authorised conditions of use. Regarding the safety for the user, the additive should be considered a potential respiratory sensitiser. In absence of data, the Panel could not conclude on the potential of the additive to cause skin and eye irritation or dermal sensitisation. There was no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation for poultry for fattening, poultry for laying and weaned piglets.

Efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Companilactobacillus farciminisCNCM I-3740 (Biacton®) for chickens and turkeys for fattening (ChemVet dk A/S).

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the efficacy of the additive consisting of Companilactobacillus farciminis (formerly Lactobacillus farciminis) CNCM I-3740 (tradename: Biacton®) for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening and laying hens. The additive is a preparation containing viable cells of C. farciminis CNCM I-3740 at the minimum concentration of 1 × 109 CFU/g additive. It is intended to be used as a zootechnical additive in feed for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening and laying hens at the recommended application level of 5 × 108 CFU/kg complete feed. In the context of previous opinions, no conclusions could be drawn on the efficacy of the additive in any of the target species based on the data provided. As regards chickens for fattening, in the former opinions the supplementation of the additive at the recommended level showed a significantly greater weight or weight gain compared to birds in the control group only in two studies. New statistical analysis data of one efficacy trial were submitted. The results showed that Biacton® supplemented at 8.5 × 108 CFU/kg feed or at higher levels significantly improved the feed to gain ratio of chickens for fattening compared to control birds or to birds receiving the additive at the recommended level. Therefore, the Panel concluded that Biacton® has the potential to be efficacious in chickens for fattening at the concentration of 8.5 × 108 CFU/kg complete feed. This conclusion was extrapolated to turkeys for fattening.

Efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Bacillus velezensisNITE BP-01844 (BA-KING®) for chickens for fattening, chickens reared for laying, turkeys for fattening, turkeys reared for breeding and all avian species for fattening, or rearing to slaughter or point of lay including non-food producing species (Toa Biopharma Co., Ltd.).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the efficacy of BA-KING® Bacillus velezensis as a zootechnical feed additive to be used as a gut flora stabiliser for chickens for fattening, chickens reared for laying, turkeys for fattening, turkeys reared for breeding and all avian species for fattening or rearing to slaughter or point of lay including non-food producing species. The product under assessment is based on viable spores of a strain identified as B. velezensis, which is considered suitable for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach to safety assessment. In a previous opinion, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that BA-KING® was safe for the target species, consumers of products derived from animals fed the additive and the environment. Additionally, the additive was not irritant to skin but potentially irritant to eyes and respiratory sensitiser. The Panel could not conclude on the efficacy of the additive for the target species at the proposed conditions of use. In the current application, two additional efficacy trials in chickens for fattening were provided. The results showed an improvement in the performance parameters of chickens when supplemented with BA-KING® at 2.0 × 108 CFU/kg complete feed relative to a control group. Considering the previously submitted studies and the newly submitted studies in chickens for fattening, the Panel concluded that BA-KING®, supplemented at 2.0 × 108 CFU/kg complete feed, has the potential to be efficacious in all avian species for fattening or reared for laying/breeding and non-food-producing avian species at the same physiological stage.

Efficacy of Availa®Cr (chromium chelate of dl-methionine) as a feed additive for dairy cows (Zinpro Animal Nutrition (Europe), Inc).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the efficacy of Availa®Cr (active compound: chromium chelate of dl-methionine) as a feed additive for dairy cows. In a previous opinion, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that Availa®Cr at a maximum recommended use level of 0.5 mg Cr(III) (8 mg Cr from Availa®Cr/cow per day) was safe for dairy cows and the consumers. Additionally, the FEEDAP Panel considered that the additives posed a risk to the user by inhalation, it was not irritant to skin and eyes, and it should be considered a skin sensitiser. The Panel could not conclude on the efficacy of the additive at the proposed conditions of use. Since the new information provided in the current application is lacking sufficient evidence, the FEEDAP Panel is still not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of chromium dl-methionine from Availa®Cr.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of endo-1,4-ß-d-mannanase produced by Paenibacillus lentus DSM 33618 (Hemicell® HT/HT-L) for chickens and turkeys for fattening, chickens reared for laying, turkeys reared for breeding, minor poultry species to point of lay, pigs for fattening, weaned piglets and minor porcine species (Elanco GmbH).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of endo-1,4-ß-d-mannanase (Hemicell® HT/HT-L) produced by a genetically-modified strain of Paenibacillus lentus (DSM 33618) as a zootechnical feed additive for chickens and turkeys for fattening, chickens reared for laying, turkeys reared for breeding, minor poultry species to point of lay, pigs for fattening, piglets (weaned) and minor porcine species. The production strain was obtained from a Paenibacillus lentus recipient strain that has been evaluated previously by EFSA and considered to be safe. The genetic modification does not raise safety concerns and there were no antibiotic resistance genes from the genetic modification in the production strain. Viable cells and the DNA of the production strain were not found in the intermediate product used to formulate the additive. Hemicell® HT/HT-L produced by Paenibacillus lentus DSM 33618 is considered safe for the above-mentioned target species at the intended conditions of use. The use of Hemicell® HT/HT-L as a feed additive raises no concerns for the consumer or for the environment. Hemicell® HT/HT-L is not irritant to the skin and eyes but is regarded as a dermal sensitiser and a potential respiratory sensitiser. The additive has a potential to be efficacious at 32,000 U/kg in chickens for fattening, chickens reared for laying, minor poultry species for fattening or reared for laying/breeding, pigs for fattening and minor porcine species, and at 48,000 U/kg in turkeys for fattening, turkeys reared for breeding and weaned piglets.