Animal Feed Research Articles

Review on: Public Perception of Biotechnology on Genetically Modified Crops, Bio Policy and Intellectual Property Rights

Public discussion about genetically modified crops is strongly heavily influenced by debates over their risks and benefits. Supporters of biotechnology point to its potential to reduce hunger, prevent malnutrition, treat diseases, and improve overall health and quality of life. However, there is considerable opposition to biotechnology. Some critics argue that it poses risks to human health and the environment, while others oppose it on moral and ethical grounds. The transfer of genes between different species is often criticized as "playing God" or breaking the "Law of Nature." Biosafety on (GM) crops is a rapidly growing field that includes scientific research, ethical issues, and policy and regulatory frameworks to assess and manage risks to human and animal health, including food and feed safety, as well as environmental risks related to modern biotechnology products. Bio-policy refers to the rules, norms, and ethical considerations that govern the development, production, and use of biotechnology products. These policies differ by country and can be influenced by international agreements and organizations. A key international agreement (TRIPS) Agreement, which sets global standards for intellectual property protection. The Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement requires governments to issue patents in technological sectors, including modern biotechnology, to protect innovations in this field. This ensures that biotechnological advancements, including GM crops, are protected under intellectual property laws, aiding their development and commercialization while addressing ethical and safety concerns.

Review on: Public Perception of Biotechnology on Genetically Modified Crops, Bio Policy and Intellectual Property Rights

Public discussion about genetically modified crops is strongly heavily influenced by debates over their risks and benefits. Supporters of biotechnology point to its potential to reduce hunger, prevent malnutrition, treat diseases, and improve overall health and quality of life. However, there is considerable opposition to biotechnology. Some critics argue that it poses risks to human health and the environment, while others oppose it on moral and ethical grounds. The transfer of genes between different species is often criticized as "playing God" or breaking the "Law of Nature." Biosafety on (GM) crops is a rapidly growing field that includes scientific research, ethical issues, and policy and regulatory frameworks to assess and manage risks to human and animal health, including food and feed safety, as well as environmental risks related to modern biotechnology products. Bio-policy refers to the rules, norms, and ethical considerations that govern the development, production, and use of biotechnology products. These policies differ by country and can be influenced by international agreements and organizations. A key international agreement (TRIPS) Agreement, which sets global standards for intellectual property protection. The Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement requires governments to issue patents in technological sectors, including modern biotechnology, to protect innovations in this field. This ensures that biotechnological advancements, including GM crops, are protected under intellectual property laws, aiding their development and commercialization while addressing ethical and safety concerns.

Physicochemical characterization of flour based on waste shrimp exoskeleton obtained by dehydration processes

O Objective: To characterize the physicochemical and nutritional compounds of meal made from shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus L.) exoskeleton, obtained through hot air dehydration processes, in order to value new products and applications, according to their nutritional components. Design/Methodology/Approach: Shrimp producers from Alvarado, Veracruz, were interviewed using a quantitative approach with a descriptive scope. Likewise, shrimp (Farfantepenaeus aztecus L.) shells were dehydrated and powdered to transform them into meal. The proximate chemical composition was analyzed to determine its nutritional composition and its macro and micronutrients, as well as to identify the deficiencies or excesses of certain nutrients. The general public and local ranchers were surveyed and interviewed to establish the opinions, preferences, and behaviors of consumers regarding meal by-products, in order to evaluate their market acceptance. Results: In Alvarado, Veracruz, 2.5 tons of shrimp shell are wasted. The meal obtained from these shells has a high protein (45.40%) and mineral content, which includes Ca (11.17%), Na (6.86%), Fe (237 mg/Kg-1), and Zn (77 mg/Kg-1). Therefore, this nutrient content guarantees the quality of the protein input that is acquired and the food that is provided. Study Limitations/Implications: Access to outdated statistical information, resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, hindered the collection of relevant data. Likewise, the lack of interest of the producers in monitoring the project and the limited participation and knowledge of the workers represented a significant challenge to the progress of the study. Findings/Conclusions: The meal under study contained nutritional elements, making it a product with high nutritional quality that could add value to shrimp waste and that has potential applications in the food industry, in the production of fertilizers, and in the formulation of balanced feed for animals. Consequently, it would contribute to the reduction of pollution in the Alvarado lagoon system.

HIGH-QUALITY CASSAVA PEEL MEAL FOR GROWING PIGS: IMPLICATIONS ON CARCASS, MEAT QUALITY, ORGAN WEIGHTS, HEPATIC AND JEJUNUM HISTOLOGY

The global increase in the production and processing of cassava tubers generates a lot of peel as waste. However, the effect of processing methods to increase the quality of the peel as an animal feed resource must look at the quality of the resultant food products. These effects are insufficiently studied. The study aimed to assess the impact of the processed peel on carcass quality, meat quality, organ weight and organ histology of growing pigs. Thirty (30) male growing pigs (Landrace × Large white) were randomly distributed to five groups with six (6) animals per group in a completely randomized design. Maize was substituted with high quality cassava peel meal (HQCPM) at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% for the experimental diets ranging from diets V to Z. The pigs fed HQCPM diets had higher carcass weights, resulting in an improved carcass yield. The colour, flavour, tenderness, juiciness, texture, and overall acceptability were statistically superior in the pigs fed diet Z. High feed fibre influenced organ weights: the HQCPM diets reduced (P<0.05) the organ weights. More so, the HQCPM diets affected (P<0.05) the histology of the liver and intestine with varying degrees of inflammation, shortened villi length, and reduced surface area. HQCPM diets enhanced the carcass weight and meat quality of growing pigs up to 100% replacement for maize. Nevertheless, the diets reduced organ weights and villi lengths, leading to reduced absorptive function.

Tissue-Specific Accumulation Profiles of Phorbol Esters in Response to Abiotic and Biotic Stresses in Jatropha curcas

Jatropha curcas L. (J. curcas), a shrub plant of the Euphorbiaceae family, has received enormous attention as a promising biofuel plant for the production of biodiesel and medical potential in ethnopharmacology. However, the tumor-promoter toxin phorbol esters present in J. curcas raise concerns for health and environmental risk as its large-scale cultivation limits the use of meal obtained after oil extraction for animal feed. Here, we determined the variation of phorbol ester profiles and contents in eight J. curcas tissues by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and found phorbol esters present in all parts of the plant except the seed shell. We showed tissue-specific patterns of accumulation of phorbol esters and associated terpenoids at the transcriptional level with high transcript levels in reproductive and young tissues. Genes involved in the same module of terpenoids biosynthesis were positively correlated. We further present diverse abiotic and biotic stresses that had different effects on the accumulation of transcripts in terpenoids shared and branched terpenoid pathways in plant seedlings. The fine-tuning of terpenoids biosynthesis may link with ecological functions in plants under extreme environments and defense against pathogens.

HIGH-QUALITY CASSAVA PEEL MEAL FOR GROWING PIGS: IMPLICATIONS ON CARCASS, MEAT QUALITY, ORGAN WEIGHTS, HEPATIC AND JEJUNUM HISTOLOGY

The global increase in the production and processing of cassava tubers generates a lot of peel as waste. However, the effect of processing methods to increase the quality of the peel as an animal feed resource must look at the quality of the resultant food products. These effects are insufficiently studied. The study aimed to assess the impact of the processed peel on carcass quality, meat quality, organ weight and organ histology of growing pigs. Thirty (30) male growing pigs (Landrace × Large white) were randomly distributed to five groups with six (6) animals per group in a completely randomized design. Maize was substituted with high quality cassava peel meal (HQCPM) at 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% for the experimental diets ranging from diets V to Z. The pigs fed HQCPM diets had higher carcass weights, resulting in an improved carcass yield. The colour, flavour, tenderness, juiciness, texture, and overall acceptability were statistically superior in the pigs fed diet Z. High feed fibre influenced organ weights: the HQCPM diets reduced (P<0.05) the organ weights. More so, the HQCPM diets affected (P<0.05) the histology of the liver and intestine with varying degrees of inflammation, shortened villi length, and reduced surface area. HQCPM diets enhanced the carcass weight and meat quality of growing pigs up to 100% replacement for maize. Nevertheless, the diets reduced organ weights and villi lengths, leading to reduced absorptive function.

Effect of different oil extraction techniques for Moringa Peregrina seed on its meal content of glucosinolates

Background Moringa peregrina (M.P) is a multipurpose promising tree that grows widely in Asia and Africa’s tropical and subtropical regions. It is generally rich in nutrients especially oil which can be used for edible or nonedible purposes and also rich in protein. However, some anti-nutritional substances, namely glucosinolates (GSLs), remain in M.P meal preventing its utilization in animal or human feeding. These substances though good for the plant to defend against herbivores, cause deleterious effects or are even toxic to animals and humans. GSLs are the most important anti-nutritional substances in M.P seed and meal. Objective Accordingly, this investigation aims to use different techniques for oil extraction from M.P seed and their effect on the GSLs content of the meal remaining after oil extraction, then the meal is detoxified to be suitable for using in animal or human feeding. Materials and methods In this study, M.P meal was obtained as a by-product left over after oil extraction from moringa seed by different extraction procedures including (hydraulic press, screw pressing, extraction by solvent via Soxhlet, and prepress − solvent extraction at room temperature).The sinalbin, moringin, and total GSLs were determined and identified by HPLC. Detoxification of GSLs was then applied for M.P meal remaining after oil extraction by hexane, using soaking in water followed by a water-washing treatment. Results and conclusion The results indicated that sinalbin and moringin are the major dominant GSLs in M.P seed and meal. Moreover, the total GSLs content in the meal that remained after all different oil extraction techniques was significantly higher when compared with their content in the seed. Also, the results showed that there was a significant decrease in the level of total GSLs in M.P meal as a result of the water treatment. It decreased from 941.8±34.14 nmol/mg in defatted meal before water treatment to 23.97±18.31 nmol/mg in residues left after treatment with water for 15 min. Therefore, soaking in water followed by a water-washing treatment is the simplest and most efficient process to remove the GSLs from M.P meal to be suitable for animal feeding.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil obtained from the fruit of Carum carvi L. (caraway oil) for all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of an essential oil obtained from the fruit of Carum carvi L. (caraway oil), when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) Panel concluded that the use of caraway oil is of no concern up to the following concentrations in complete feed: 9 mg/kg for chickens for fattening, 13 mg/kg for laying hens, 12 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening, 16 mg/kg for piglets, 19 mg/kg for pigs for fattening, 24 mg/kg for sows, 35 mg/kg for veal calves (milk replacer), 11 mg/kg for cattle for fattening, 10 mg/kg for dairy cows, sheep, goats, horses and rabbits, 25 mg/kg for salmonids and dogs. These conclusions were extrapolated to other physiologically related species. For cats, ornamental fish and other species, no conclusion can be drawn. The use of caraway oil in animal feed under the proposed conditions of use is safe for the consumer and the environment. The additive under assessment should be considered as an irritant to skin and eyes, and as a respiratory and skin sensitiser. When handling the essential oil, exposure of unprotected users to perillaldehyde may occur. Therefore, to reduce the risk, the exposure of the users should be minimised. Since C. carvi and its preparations were recognised to flavour food and its function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil obtained from the fruit of Apium graveolens L. (celery seed oil) for all animal species (FEFANA asbl).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of an essential oil obtained from the fruit of Apium graveolens L. (celery seed oil), when used as a sensory additive in feed and water for drinking for all animal species. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) Panel concluded that the use of celery seed oil is of no concern up to the following concentrations in complete feed: 1.6 mg/kg for chickens for fattening, 2.3 mg/kg for laying hens, 2.1 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening, 2.8 mg/kg for piglets, 3.3 mg/kg for pigs for fattening, 4.1 mg/kg for sows, 6.5 mg/kg for veal calves (milk replacer), 6.2 mg/kg for cattle for fattening, sheep, goats and horses, 4.0 mg/kg for dairy cows, 2.5 mg/kg for rabbits, 6.8 mg/kg for salmonids and 7.2 mg/kg for dogs. These conclusions were extrapolated to other physiologically related species. For cats, ornamental fish and other species, no conclusion can be drawn. The use of celery seed oil in animals feed is not expected to pose concern for the consumers and for the environment. The additive under assessment should be considered as an irritant to skin and eyes, and as a respiratory and skin sensitiser. When handling the essential oil, exposure of unprotected users to perillaldehyde and bergapten may occur. Therefore, to reduce the risk, the exposure of the users should be minimised. Since A. graveolens and its preparations were recognised to flavour food and its function in feed would be essentially the same as that in food, no further demonstration of efficacy was considered necessary.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of alpha-amylase (produced with Bacillus licheniformisDSM 34315) (Ronozyme® HiStarch) for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening and minor growing poultry species (DSM Nutritional Products Ltd).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of the alpha-amylase (Ronozyme® HiStarch CT/L) produced with a genetically modified strain of Bacillus licheniformis (DSM 34315) as a zootechnical feed additive for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening and minor growing poultry species. The additive is available in two forms, a coated thermotolerant granulate formulation and a liquid formulation. The production strain and its DNA were not detected in an intermediate concentrated product representative of the final formulations. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the final product did not trigger safety concerns with regard to the genetic modification. The Panel concluded that Ronozyme® HiStarch CT/L is safe for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening and minor growing poultry species at the recommended inclusion level of 80 KNU/kg complete feed. The use of Ronozyme® HiStarch CT/L in animal nutrition under the proposed conditions of use is safe for the consumers and the environment. The additive in any form was shown to be non-irritant to the skin and the solid form was shown to be non-irritant to the eyes. No conclusions could be drawn on the potential of the liquid form to be irritant to the eyes or on the potential of both forms of the additive to be dermal sensitisers due to lack of data. Owing to the proteinaceous nature of the active substance, the additive in either form was considered to be a respiratory sensitiser and any exposure by inhalation is considered a risk. In the absence of data, the Panel was not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of Ronozyme® HiStarch CT/L for chickens for fattening, turkeys for fattening and minor growing poultry species.

Safety of a feed additive consisting of sepiolite for all animal species (Sepiol S.A. and Tolsa S.A.).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety of sepiolite as a technological feed additive for all animal species. In 2022, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) delivered an Opinion on the safety and efficacy of the same additive. The Panel concluded that sepiolite used as a feed additive is safe for the consumers and the environment, and efficacious as a thickener-suspending agent, binder and anticaking agent in feed for all animal species under the proposed conditions of use. The additive was not considered an eye or skin irritant. However, it was considered a respiratory irritant, a respiratory and dermal sensitiser; owing to the dusting potential and its silica content, the additive was considered a risk by inhalation. Regarding the target species, in the previous Opinion, the Panel concluded on the safety of the additive for dairy ruminants. However, no conclusion could be drawn for all other species/categories. Based on the tolerance studies in chickens for fattening, weaned piglets and trout evaluated in the current assessment, and the one in dairy cows previously assessed, the Panel concluded that the inclusion of sepiolite at the maximum recommended level of 20,000 mg/kg complete feed is safe for all animal species.

Assessment of the feed additive consisting of calcium D-pantothenate for all animal species for the renewal of its authorisation (BASF SE).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of calcium D-pantothenate for the renewal of its authorisation as a nutritional feed additive for all animal species. The additive calcium D-pantothenate is already authorised for use in all animal species (3a841). The applicant provided evidence that the additive currently in the market complies with the existing conditions of the authorisation and that the production process has not been modified. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive remains safe for all animal species, consumers and the environment. Calcium D-pantothenate is not irritant to skin and eyes and is not a skin sensitiser. The present application for renewal of the authorisation does not include any modification proposal that would have an impact on the efficacy of the additive, and therefore, there is no need for re-assessing the efficacy.

Assessment of the feed additive consisting of endo-1,4-beta-xylanase (produced with Trichoderma reeseiMUCL 49755) and endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase (produced with T. reeseiMUCL 49754) (AveMix® XG 10) for weaned piglets for the renewal of its authorisation and for its extension of use to suckling piglets (AVEVE BV).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of the feed additive consisting of endo-1,4-beta-xylanase (produced with Trichoderma reesei MUCL 49755) and endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase (produced with T. reesei MUCL 49754) (AveMix® XG 10/AveMix® XG 10 L) as a zootechnical feed additive for weaned and suckling piglets. The additive is already authorised for use in weaned piglets. This scientific opinion concerns the request for the renewal of the authorisation of the additive for weaned piglets and the extension of use to suckling piglets. The applicant declared a change in the carrier material used in AveMix® XG 10 from soybean meal to calcium carbonate + wheat flour or calcium carbonate + sepiolite. The applicant provided evidence that the additive AveMix® XG 10 with calcium carbonate + wheat flour and AveMix® XG 10 L comply with the conditions of the authorisation. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal FEED (FEEDAP) noted that no data were submitted to support compliance of the formulation of AveMix® XG 10 with calcium carbonate + sepiolite with the conditions of the authorisation. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that both formulations of the additive (powder and liquid) remain safe for the target species, consumers and the environment, and that the extension of use to suckling piglets would not affect these conclusions. AveMix® XG 10 formulated with calcium carbonate + sepiolite and AveMix® XG 10 L are not irritant to skin and eyes. No conclusions on the irritation potential of AveMix® XG 10 formulated with calcium carbonate + wheat flour could be drawn. The additive in all its formulations is considered a respiratory and skin sensitiser. There was no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation for weaned piglets. The Panel concluded that the additive is efficacious in suckling piglets at 4000 XU and 900 BGU/kg complete feed.

Development of soybean meal protein isolate-based active edible film incorporating bioactive compounds rich kinnow (Citrus reticulata) peel

Soybean meal, a reservoir of high-quality protein has been produced in large quantities from the soybean oil processing industry and is mostly used as animal feed. The present work was aimed at the development and characterization of soybean meal protein-based antimicrobial edible film incorporating debittered kinnow peel powder (KPP) and valorizing the underutilized soybean meal protein as well as kinnow peel bioactive compounds. The incorporation of kinnow peel powder reduced the solubility, moisture content and swelling ability of the film than the film prepared without KPP. The addition of KPP up to 20% (w/w) increased the mechanical and barrier properties of the films. The antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the film increased by 19 to 20%, and 75 to 79%, respectively after the incorporation of KPP. The results of structural characteristics (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction), and morphology (Scanning electron microscopy) showed the good compatibility of KPP and soybean protein isolate. Thermal properties studied through differential scanning colorimetry showed higher melting temperature of KKP added films as compared to control film. The present work indicated that KPP can be successfully used to develop an active edible film and can be used for storing a variety of food products like cheese, paneer, chocolate bars, cut fruits, etc.

Enhancing the nutritional quality and digestibility of citronella waste (Cymbopogon nardus) for ruminant feed through ammoniation and fermentation techniques

Background and Aim: Citronella grass (Cymbopogon nardus) waste, produced by distilling citronella to produce essential oil, has a high potential for use as animal feed. However, the presence of high lignin content could limit its digestibility, prompting the need for treatment to improve its quality. This study aimed to improve the nutritional value and in vitro digestibility of ammoniated and fermented citronella waste (CW). Materials and Methods: The treatments of CW included CW without treatment as a control (T0), ammoniation of CW with urea (T1), fermentation of CW with Trichoderma harzianum (T2), and a combination of ammoniation and fermentation (amofer) of CW (T3). This study employed a randomized block design with five replicates for each of the four treatments. If there was a significant effect (p < 0.05), a post hoc Duncan’s multiple range test was performed to analyze the variance of the data. Results: The process of ammoniation and fermentation led to a notable increase in crude protein (2%–6%) while decreasing crude fiber (2%–6%), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (5%–14%), acid detergent fiber (ADF) (5%–9%), lignin (4%–9%), and cellulose (2%–10%). The treatments enhanced the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter (OM), NH3, and total volatile fatty acid by 4%–12%, 6%–19%, 0.9–10 mM, and 35–142 mM, respectively. The decrease in NDF, ADF, acid detergent lignin (ADL), and cellulose fractions was accompanied by an improvement in dry matter and OM digestibility in CW. Ammoniated-fermented (amofer) CW, followed by fermentation with T. harzianum and ammoniated urea treatment, significantly enhanced the nutritional content and in vitro digestibility. The decrease in NDF, ADF, ADL, and cellulose fractions led to an improvement in dry matter and OM digestibility in CW. Conclusion: The application of amofer treatment with T. harzianum maximizes CW’s nutritional value and digestibility, making it the most efficient preservation method. Research is needed to explore the potential use of Aspergillus spp. and Pleurotus spp. for fermenting CW as ruminant fodder. Keywords: ammoniation, Cymbopogon nardus, digestibility, fermentation, Trichoderma harzianum.

Assessment of the feed additive consisting of endo-1,4-beta-xylanase (produced with Trichoderma reesei MUCL 49755), endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase (produced with T. reesei MUCL 49754) and polygalacturonase (produced with Aspergillus fijiensis CBS 589.94) (AveMix® 02 CS) for weaned piglets for the renewal of its authorisation and for its extension of use to suckling piglets (AVEVE BV).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of the feed additive consisting of endo-1,4-beta-xylanase (produced with Trichoderma reesei MUCL 49755), endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase (produced with T. reesei MUCL 49754) and polygalacturonase (produced with Aspergillus fijiensis CBS 589.94) (AveMix® 02 CS/ AveMix® 02 CS L) as a zootechnical feed additive for weaned and suckling piglets. The additive is already authorised for use with weaned piglets. This scientific opinion concerns the request for the renewal of the authorisation of the additive for weaned piglets and the extension of use to suckling piglets. The applicant provided evidence that the additive currently in the market complies with the conditions of the authorisation. There was no new evidence that would lead the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) to reconsider its previous conclusions that the additive is safe for weaned piglets, the consumer and the environment under the authorised conditions of use. This conclusion applied also to the new target species (suckling piglets) for which a request for an extension of use was made. The additive in both formulations (powder and liquid) is not irritant to skin or eyes but should be considered a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. There was no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation for weaned piglets. The Panel concluded that the additive is efficacious in suckling piglets at 2140 XU, 1230 BGU and 46 PGLU/kg complete feed.

Modification of the terms of authorisation regarding the additive consisting of liquid l-lysine base produced with Corynebacterium glutamicumNRRL B-67439 and NRRL B-67535 for all animal species (ADM specialty ingredients (Europe) B.V.).

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 liquid l-lysine base produced with a genetically modified strain of Corynebacterium glutamicum as a nutritional feed additive for all animal species. The l-lysine base liquid produced with C. glutamicum NRRL B-67535 and NRRL B-67439 is currently authorised as a nutritional additive for all animal species. The present application is aimed at modifying the current authorisation to include C. glutamicum NRRL B-68248 as a production strain. The new production strain qualifies for the qualified presumption of safety approach when used for production purposes. It was unambiguously identified as C. glutamicum and was shown not to harbour acquired antimicrobial resistance determinants for antibiotics of human and veterinary importance. All the introduced sequences or mutations were considered to be safe, and no viable cells or DNA of the NRRL B-68248 strain was detected in the final product. Therefore, the final product does not pose any safety concern associated with the production strain. l-Lysine base produced using C. glutamicum NRRL B-68248 does not represent a risk for the target species, the consumer or the environment. The additive was considered to be neither irritant to skin or the eyes, nor a dermal sensitiser. l-Lysine base produced with C. glutamicum NRRL B-68248 is considered to be an efficacious source of the essential amino acid l-lysine for non-ruminant animal species. For the supplemental l-lysine to be as efficacious in ruminants as in non-ruminant species, it would require protection against degradation in the rumen.

Genome-Wide Identification of Sorghum Paclobutrazol-Resistance Gene Family and Functional Characterization of SbPRE4 in Response to Aphid Stress.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), the fifth most important cereal crop globally, serves as a staple food, animal feed, and a bioenergy source. Paclobutrazol-Resistance (PRE) genes play a pivotal role in the response to environmental stress, yet the understanding of their involvement in pest resistance remains limited. In the present study, a total of seven SbPRE genes were found within the sorghum BTx623 genome. Subsequently, their genomic location was studied, and they were distributed on four chromosomes. An analysis of cis-acting elements in SbPRE promoters revealed that various elements were associated with hormones and stress responses. Expression pattern analysis showed differentially tissue-specific expression profiles among SbPRE genes. The expression of some SbPRE genes can be induced by abiotic stress and aphid treatments. Furthermore, through phytohormones and transgenic analyses, we demonstrated that SbPRE4 improves sorghum resistance to aphids by accumulating jasmonic acids (JAs) in transgenic Arabidopsis, giving insights into the molecular and biological function of atypical basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors in sorghum pest resistance.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Quillaja saponaria Molina and Yucca schidigera Roezl ex Ortgies (Magni-PHI®) for all poultry species (to slaughter age/weight, or to the point of lay) and ornamental birds (Phibro Animal Health Corporation).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Quillaja saponaria powder and Yucca schidigera powder (Magni-Phi®) for all avian species (to slaughter age/weight, or to the point of lay) and ornamental birds, as a zootechnical additive (digestibility enhancer and other zootechnical additives). The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive is safe for chickens for fattening at the level of 250 mg/kg complete feed with a margin of safety of 20 assuming that the additive contains 3.58% of saponins. This conclusion was extrapolated to all growing poultry species and ornamental birds. The Panel concluded that the use of the feed additive in animal nutrition at 250 mg/kg complete feed is of no concern for the safety for the consumer and the environment. The Panel also concluded that the additive is not irritant to skin, but irritant to the eyes and to the respiratory system. Due to the lack of data, the FEEDAP Panel could not conclude on the skin sensitisation potential of the additive. The FEEDAP Panel was not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of the additive for all poultry species and ornamental birds.

Assessment of the feed additive consisting of endo-1,4-beta-xylanase (produced with Trichoderma reeseiMUCL 49755) and endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase (produced with T. reeseiMUCL 49754) (AveMix® XG 10) for laying hens and minor poultry species for fattening and laying for the renewal of its authorisation (AVEVE BV).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the assessment of the feed additive consisting of endo-1,4-beta-xylanase (produced with Trichoderma reesei MUCL 49755) and endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase (produced with T. reesei MUCL 49754) (AveMix® XG 10/AveMix® XG 10 L) for the renewal of its authorisation as a zootechnical feed additive for laying hens and minor poultry species for fattening and laying. The applicant declared a change in the carrier material used in AveMix® XG 10 from soybean meal to calcium carbonate + wheat flour or calcium carbonate + sepiolite. The applicant provided evidence that the additive AveMix® XG 10 with calcium carbonate + wheat flour and AveMix® XG 10 L comply with the conditions of the authorisation. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) noted that no data were submitted to support compliance of the formulation of AveMix® XG 10 with calcium carbonate + sepiolite with the conditions of the authorisation. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that both formulations of the additive (powder and liquid) remain safe for laying hens and minor poultry species for fattening and laying, consumers and the environment. AveMix® XG 10 formulated with calcium carbonate + sepiolite and AveMix® XG 10 L are not irritant to skin and eyes. No conclusions on the irritation potential of AveMix® XG 10 formulated with calcium carbonate + wheat flour could be drawn. The additive in both formulations is considered a respiratory and skin sensitiser. There was no need for assessing the efficacy of the additive in the context of the renewal of the authorisation.