Xylanase product can boost body weight and feed to gain ratio in carp: EFSA

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) finds a poultry and pig feed additive can improve the performance of carps.

Data in three efficacy trials showed that the additive has the potential to enhance farmed carp productivity at the inclusion level of 1,050 EPU/kg feed, said the Authority.

The product, branded as HOSTAZYM X, comprises endo-1,4-β-xylanase available in different liquid and solid formulations. It is already approved as a feed additive in the EU for chickens and turkeys for fattening, laying hens, minor poultry species for fattening and laying, weaned piglets and pigs for fattening.

The manufacturer, Huvepharma, wanted extension of the EU authorization of the additive to carps, with the application made under the zootechnical additives functional group, digestibility enhancers.

Efficacy trials 

EFSA's FEEDAP panel detailed one efficacy and tolerance study that demonstrated the body weight of the carp was significantly higher and the feed to gain ratio was lower with the xylanase at any dose (from 1,050 EPU/kg feed) compared to the control group.

"In all trials, survival of the animals was monitored, feed distributed and body weight was measured throughout the study and specific growth rate, feed to gain ratio and relative daily feed intake were calculated. Other measurements including apparent digestibility, intestinal microbiota and body composition were performed.

"In all trials, performance was improved by the additive at the lowest tested dose (at 1,050 EPU/kg feed). Therefore, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that the additive has the potential to improve the performance of carps at 1,050 EPU/kg, in diets where the substrate for the xylanase is present," concluded the Parma based risk assessor. 

The FEEDAP Panel also ruled out any concerns for consumer safety in relation to the additive and found expected no risks for the environment from its use in carp feed.

EFSA previously adopted two opinions on the safety and efficacy of the product as a feed additive for poultry and pigs (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 20132015) and another one for its use as a feed additive in chickens reared for laying and minor poultry species reared for laying (EFSA FEEDAP Panel, 2017). 

The latest opinion can be found here.