Safety and efficacy of Beltherm MP/ML (endo-1,4-beta-xylanase) as a feed additive for chickens for fattening, chickens reared for laying, turkeys for fattening, turkeys reared for breeding, turkeys for breeding purposes and minor poultry species

Abstract

Beltherm MP/ML is a feed additive that contains endo-1,4-beta-xylanase to be used as a zootechnical additive in poultry species. The production strain of the xylanase is a genetically modified strain of Bacillus subtilis. This species is considered by EFSA to qualify for the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach to safety assessment. The strain was unequivocally identified and qualifications were met. The genetic modification along with the results on the investigations regarding the presence? of the production strain and its DNA in the product were evaluated by the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) and raised no safety concerns. The FEEDAP Panel also concluded that the additive is safe for chickens and turkeys for fattening, chickens reared for laying, turkeys reared for breeding, turkeys for breeding purposes and minor poultry species at 100 ADXU/kg feed with a wide margin of safety. The Panel also concluded that no toxicological concerns for the consumer would arise from the use of Beltherm as a feed additive. The additive is considered a potential respiratory sensitiser for users. The Panel concluded that the use of the product as a feed additive raises no safety concerns for the environment. The additive has the potential to improve the performance of chickens for fattening, chickens reared for laying and minor growing poultry species at the dose of 100 ADXU/kg feed. The Panel could not conclude on the efficacy of the product in turkeys for fattening or reared for breeding or in turkeys for breeding purposes.

Keywords: digestibility enhancers; efficacy; poultry; safety; xylanase; zootechnical additives.