Complete Feed Research Articles

Effect of Feeding Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Powder on Nutrient Digestibility of Konkan Kanyal Kids

The present study aimed to determine the Effect of feeding Ginger (Zingiber officinale) powder on nutrient digestibility of Konkan Kanyal kids. antibiotics were commonly used in animal diets to promote growth. However, due to the search for alternative additives and restrictions in many countries on using antibiotics to increase feed value, feed expenses now make up a significant part of the total cost of goat production. An experimental trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding Ginger (Zingiber officinale) powder on body weight of Konkan Kanyal kids. Twenty Konkan Kanyal kids were selected and classified in five treatments by using Randomized Block Design (RBD). Each treatment was subdivided into four replications. All the animals were fed with complete feed having mulato grass, jowar kadabi and concentrate mixture. In treatment T1 no ginger powder was supplemented while in treatment T2 3.0 g ginger powder, in treatment T3 6.0 g ginger powder, in treatment T4 9.0 g ginger powder and in treatment T5 12.0 g ginger powder was supplemented. The duration of experimental trial was 90 days. The study showed that ginger inclusion in the diet improved digestibility thus12g ginger can be included in diet of konkankanyal kids for better performance. The crude protein (CP) digestibility indicated that the animals effectively utilized dietary protein. This could be attributed to certain phytochemicals in ginger, such as tannins and saponins, which help prevent protein degradation in the rumen, allowing for better digestion in the abomasum and small intestine.

A Preliminary Study on the Modifying Effect of Strawberry Seed Oil and Sex on Rabbit Meat Quality

The aim of this research was to determine the effect of strawberry seed oil addition to rabbit feed on slaughter performance traits, meat quality traits and plasma cholesterol and triglycerides of purebred Termond White rabbits (n = 24). The experiment used young rabbits born to 6 does. From each litter, two rabbits were randomly assigned into one of the two groups. In each group (2 × n = 12; 6♂, 6♀), the animals were fed a complete pelleted feed. Rabbits from the experimental group received feed enriched with a 1% addition of strawberry seed oil. Animals were slaughtered on day 84. Rabbits fed with pellets with the addition of strawberry oil were characterized by a higher hind part and head and liver weight compared to the rabbits from the control group (p ≤ 0.05). The addition of strawberry seed oil significantly increased the pH of matured meat and affected the colour coordinates of the meat by increasing their values (p ≤ 0.05). The tested oil reduced the values of meat texture parameters such as springiness, cohesiveness and chewiness (p ≤ 0.05). The tested oil impacted the level of HDL, which was higher in the experimental group, as well as lowered the triglyceride level. The addition of strawberry seed oil was proven to significantly increase the linoleic acid content in rabbit meat (p ≤ 0.05).

Using an enzyme preparation and vitamin C to increase the meat productivity of broiler chickens

Purpose: to study the effect of vitamin C and MEK Feedbest®VGPro when introduced into the compound feed of broiler chickens with excessive background of heavy metals on the indices of meat productivity, food and biological value, ecological safety of their meat.Materials and methods. The objects of the study were meat chickens of the ROSS-508 cross. At the age of one day, 4 groups of 100 birds each were formed from them in accordance with the principle of analog groups. In the composition of the used recipes of complete compound feed in all three age periods of growing, the main grain and protein ingredients were represented by locally produced feed: corn, wheat, peas and rapeseed meal. Growing of experimental broilers for meat was completed at the age of 42 days and their control slaughter was carried out, for which 5 birds were selected from each group. The concentration of salts of heavy metals was determined in the samples of feed and meat of the experimental birds.Results. The experiment substantiated the feasibility of combined introduction of MEC Feedbest®VGPro at a rate of 100 g/t of feed and vitamin C at a rate of 500 g/t of feed into diets with excessive content of heavy metal salts. Compared to the control analogues, broilers of the 3rd experimental group showed a reliable (p<0,05) decrease in fat by 0,26 % and a simultaneous increase in dry matter, protein and the value of the protein-quality indicator in the pectoral muscle samples. Combined additions of the tested preparations contributed to a decrease in the concentration of zinc by 63,17 % (p<0,05), cadmium by 61,11 % (p<0,05) and lead by 62,34 % (p<0,05) in poultry meat samples from the 3rd experimental group, compared to the control. Moreover, in the meat samples of broilers of the 3rd experimental group, the maximum permissible concentrations of none of these elements were exceeded.

Effect of Feeding Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Powder on Body Weight of Konkan Kanyal Kids

An experimental trial was carried out to assess the impact of feeding ginger (Zingiber officinale) powder on the body weight of Konkan Kanyal kids. Twenty kids were selected and divided into five treatment groups using a Randomized Block Design (RBD), with each treatment further subdivided into four replications. All animals received a complete feed consisting of mulato grass, jowar kadabi, and a concentrate mixture. Treatment T1 served as the control with no ginger powder supplementation, while treatments T2, T3, T4, and T5 were supplemented with 3.0 g, 6.0 g, 9.0 g, and 12.0 g of ginger powder, respectively. The trial lasted for 90 days. There was significant (P<0.05) increase in body weight in treatment T5 which was supplemented with 12 g ginger powder than T4 T3, T2 and T1, after 90 days of ginger powder feeding. From present study it showed that feeding of ginger powder @ 12 gm improved about 18% body weight of Konkan Kanyal kids than control.

Assessment of the modification of the authorisation of the feed additive consisting of Saccharomyces cerevisiaeCNCM I-1077 for lambs and its extension of use to all ruminants and camelids reared for milk production/suckling/reproduction, all minor (young) ruminant species and camelids for fattening and Equidae other than horses (Lallemand SAS).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a preparation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-1077 as a zootechnical feed additive for several animal species. The additive, existing in a not-coated and a coated form, is currently authorised for use in feed for calves, cattle for fattening, dairy cows, dairy goats and dairy sheep, lambs, all minor ruminant species for fattening and rearing, horses and camelids for fattening and rearing. This application regards the request for the extension of use in all ruminants and camelids reared for milk production/suckling/reproduction, all minor (young) ruminant species and camelids for fattening and Equidae other than horses, and the modification of the authorisation for lambs to reduce the minimum use level. The identity of the active agent as S. cerevisiae was confirmed. Based on the qualified presumption of safety approach and since no concerns are expected from other components, the additive is considered safe for the target species, consumers and the environment. The not-coated form of the additive is not irritant to skin or eyes. The additive in both formulations should be considered a skin and respiratory sensitiser and any exposure through skin and respiratory tract is considered a risk. No conclusion could be drawn on the eye irritation potential of the coated form of the additive due to the lack of data. The additive has the potential to be efficacious when used in feed for all ruminants and camelids reared for milk production/suckling/reproduction at the minimum proposed use level of 5 × 108 CFU (colony forming unit)/kg complete feed, all minor (young) ruminant species and camelids for fattening and lambs at 1 × 109 CFU/kg complete feed, and in all Equidae species other than horses at 3 × 109 CFU/kg complete feed.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil derived from the flowering stems of Salvia sclarea L. (clary sage oil) for use in 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 from the fresh or dried flowering stems of Salvia sclarea L. (clary sage oil) when used as a sensory additive in feed and in water for drinking for all animal species. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive under assessment is considered safe up to the maximum use level in complete feed of 15 mg/kg for veal calves (milk replacers), cattle for fattening, sheep/goats, 10 mg/kg for horses, 20 mg/kg for dogs, salmonids and ornamental fish. For the other target species, the calculated safe concentrations were 5 mg/kg for chickens for fattening, 8 mg/kg for laying hens, 7 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening, 9 mg/kg for piglets, 11 mg/kg for pigs for fattening, 14 mg/kg for sows, 13 mg/kg for dairy cows, 8 mg/kg for rabbits and 4 mg/kg for cats. These conclusions were extrapolated to other physiologically related species. For any other species, the additive is safe at 4 mg/kg complete feed. The FEEDAP Panel considered that the use level in water of clary sage oil is safe provided that the total daily intake of the additive does not exceed the daily amount that is considered safe when consumed via feed. The use of clary sage oil in animal feed under the proposed conditions of use is safe for the consumer and the environment. Regarding user safety, the essential oil under assessment should be considered as an irritant to skin and eyes and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. Since the oil of the flowering stems of S. sclarea is 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 Assessment on the Safety and Efficacy of an Additive of 6-Phytase (VTR-Phytase) as a Feed Additive for All Avian Species and All Pigs (RP1026/1027)

An application was submitted to the Food Standards Agency in April 2021 from Victory Enzymes GmbH (‘the applicant’) for the new authorisation of an additive (VTR-phytase) containing 6-phytase, under the category ‘zootechnical additives’ and functional group ‘digestibility enhancers’. The additive is proposed to be used at an inclusion rate of 500 U/kg of complete feed (12% moisture) for all avian species and all pigs. To support the Food Standards Agency (FSA) and Food Standards Scotland (FSS) in evaluating the dossier, the Advisory Committee on Animal Feedingstuffs (ACAF) were asked to review the dossier and the supplementary information from the applicant. The FSA/FSS concluded, based on the ACAF’s advice, that the additive was correctly characterised. No conclusion could be reached on the stability and homogeneity of the product. No further concerns were raised for Section II of the dossier. The additive can be considered safe for the target species, consumers and the environment. The active substance is non-irritant to the skin and eyes, but the additive should be regarded as skin and respiratory sensitiser. Given the high dusting potential of the powder formulation, it is advised to limit user/worker exposure through inhalation. VTR-phytase has the potential to be efficacious for all avian species, sows and pigs for fattening, and is efficacious in piglets when used at the proposed dose of 500 U/kg of complete feed with 12% moisture. Conclusions can be extrapolated to all Suidae at the corresponding developmental level. The views of ACAF have been taken into account in the safety assessment which represents the opinion of the FSA and FSS.

The Evaluation of Substituting Native Grass with Citronella Waste on the Digestibility of Dry Matter, Organic Matter, and Crude Protein in Ruminants Feeding

This study aims to determine the effect of substituting native grass with citronella waste on the digestibility of ruminants' dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein. A completely randomized design with 6 (six) treatments and 3 (three) replications is used in this research. The treatments were as follows: P1 = 50% native grass + 0% citronella waste + 50% concentrate; P2 = 40% native grass + 10% citronella waste + 50% concentrate; P3 = 30% native grass + 20% citronella waste + 50% concentrate; P4 = 20% native grass + 30% citronella waste + 50% concentrate; P5 = 10% native grass + 40% citronella waste + 50% concentrate; and P6 = 0% native grass + 50% citronella waste + 50% concentrate. The results showed that substituting native grass with citronella waste significantly affects (P<0.01) the digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein. The highest digestibility values were observed in the treatment using 100% native grass, with dry matter digestibility at 52.67%, organic matter at 56.58%, and crude protein at 67.55%. The study concludes that while native grass cannot be entirely replaced by citronella waste, it can substitute up to 50% of the complete feed when native grass availability is limited.

A wearable real-time particulate monitor demonstrates that soaking hay reduces dust exposure.

Affordable particulate matter (PM) monitors suitable for use on horses will facilitate the evaluation of PM mitigation methods and improve the management of equine asthma. Calibrate a real-time wearable PM monitor (Black Beauty [BB]) and compare the PM exposures of horses fed dry or soaked hay. Laboratory calibration; complete cross-over feed trial. Side-by-side sampling with BB monitors and tapered element oscillating microbalances (TEOMs) was performed under varying concentrations of PM from alfalfa hay. Linear regression was used to derive a calibration formula for each unit based on TEOM PM measurements. Precision was evaluated by calculating the coefficient of variation and pairwise correlation coefficients between three BB monitors. PM exposure was measured at the breathing zone of 10 horses for 8 h after they were fed dry or soaked hay. Repeated measures generalised linear models were constructed to determine the effect of hay treatment and measurement duration (initial 20-min vs. 8-h) upon exposure to PM with diameters smaller than or equal to 10 μm (PM10) and 2.5 μm (PM2.5). BB monitor PM2.5 and PM10 measurements were linearly correlated with TEOM data (coefficient of determination r2 > 0.85 and r2 > 0.90 respectively), but underestimated PM2.5 mass concentrations by a factor of 4 and PM10 concentrations by a factor of 44. Measures from the three BB monitors had a coefficient of variation <15% and pairwise r > 0.98. Feeding soaked hay significantly reduced average PM2.5 exposures (20-min: dry: 160 μg/m3, soaked: 53 μg/m3, p < 0.0001; 8-h: dry: 76 μg/m3, soaked: 31 μg/m3, p = 0.0008) and PM10 exposures (20-min: dry: 2829 μg/m3, soaked: 970 μg/m3, p < 0.0001; 8-h: dry: 1581 μg/m3, soaked: 488 μg/m3, p = 0.008). No health outcome measures were collected. With appropriate corrections, the BB monitor can be used to estimate horse PM exposure. While 20-min measurements yielded higher estimates of exposure than 8-h measurements, both intervals demonstrate that soaking hay reduces PM exposures by more than 50%.

Study of special adaptation mechanisms and morphological regularities of broiler chickens against the background of pharmacological prevention combined pre-slaughter, heat and transport stress in industrial poultry farming

The study was conducted to investigate the adaptation mechanisms of broiler chickens against the background of pharmacological prevention which includes combined pre-slaughter, heat and transport stress in industrial poultry farming. In summer, from clinically healthy Ross 308 chickens three groups of 95648 ± 931 chickens were formed on the principle of analogy. The first group was a control group and it was fed with complete feed. The second group was the first experimental group and it was fed with complete feed which included the anti-stress supplementary feed PIK-antistress at a dose of 1270 g per 1 ton of feed 5 days before slaughter. The third group was the second experimental group and it was fed with the anti-stress supplementary feed PIK-antistress which included L-carnitine at a dose of 1700 g per 1 ton of feed 5 days before slaughter. 38 days later broiler chickens were slaughtered. 3 main periods were commonly studied: the period after fasting, the period after transporting the chickens to the slaughter site and the period just before slaughter. Adaptation processes were developing during the slaughter of broiler chickens in summer. The processes are characterized by increasing the level of the ratio of heterophils to blood lymphocytes on average 2.8 times. The use of the complex food additive PIK-antistress and PIK-antistress in combination with L-carnitine can reduce the activity of stress-implementing mechanisms and increase the survivability of chickens by 3.20 and 4.58 %, respectively and the European productivity index by 32 and 45 units. All the data obtained are consistent with the morphometric studies of the adrenal glands while against the background of the use of anti-stress prophylaxis an increase of core area was noted by 43.0 % and 36.0 % and respectively against the background of a decrease of the area of the cytoplasm of the cortical cords by 11.2 % and 22.8 %, respectively, which indicates stabilization of metabolic processes in the cell.

The Effects of Adding Hempseed Cake on Sperm Traits, Body Weight, Haematological and Biochemical Parameters in Rabbit Males.

Incorporating of agro-industrial co-products into animal nutrition could represent an opportunity to lessen the environmental impact of the food production chain. One such co-product is a hempseed cake originating from cold pressing hemp seeds to extract oil for human consumption. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the action of hempseed cake in the diet on male rabbit reproductive and some non-reproductive indexes. Male rabbits were fed either a standard diet (control group; C; n = 10) or a diet enriched with hempseed cake (experimental group E5 with 5% of a hempseed cake; n = 10, and experimental group E10 with 10% of a hempseed cake; n = 10) in 100 kg of the milled complete feed mixture. Rabbit weight gain, sperm concentration, motility, progressive motility, and sperm quality were evaluated using CASA and flow cytometry. Feeding with a hempseed cake, given at both tested concentrations, had no effect on weight gain per week and the total average weight gain compared to the control group (p > 0.05). Hempseed cake addition had no effect on sperm concentration in ejaculate, sperm motility, and progressive motility (p > 0.05). Selected haematological and biochemical indexes were examined. The E5 group showed positive tendencies in hepatic profile parameters, while in the E10 group the tendencies were opposite, though within the reference values. Based on our results, no negative effects of hempseed cake feeding on rabbit reproduction and health status were found, and we can recommend the use of hempseed cake at doses up to 10% in the nutrition and feeding of rabbits. Therefore, agro-industrial co-products can decrease the feeding cost.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of endo‐1,4‐β‐xylanase produced with Trichoderma reesei CBS 114044 (ECONASE® XT) for pigs for fattening, laying hens and minor poultry species (AB Enzymes Finland Oy)

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of a product containing endo‐1,4‐β‐xylanase (ECONASE® XT) as a zootechnical feed additive (digestibility enhancer) for pigs for fattening, laying hens and minor poultry species. ECONASE® XT is available in two liquid and three solid forms and is produced with a genetically modified strain of Trichoderma reesei (CBS 114044). The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the genetic modification of the production strain does not raise any safety concerns, and viable cells of the production strain and its DNA were not detected in the final products. The Panel also concluded that ECONASE® XT is safe for pigs for fattening, laying hens and minor poultry species at the proposed conditions of use. The use of the additive raises no safety concerns for the consumers of products derived from animals fed with the additive or for the environment. The liquid and solid forms of ECONASE® XT are non‐irritant to the skin, but only the liquid forms were confirmed as non‐irritant to the eyes and not dermal sensitisers. The Panel could not conclude on the irritation potential to the eyes and the dermal sensitisation potential for the solid forms. Due to the proteinaceous nature of the active substance, the additive is considered to be a respiratory sensitiser. The additive has the potential to be efficacious in pigs for fattening at 20,000 BXU/kg complete feed, in all laying poultry species at 12,000 BXU/kg complete feed and in minor poultry species other than laying birds at 8000 BXU/kg complete feed.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil derived from leaves and terminal branchlets of Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) Cheel (tea tree oil) for use in 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 tea tree oil obtained from leaves and terminal branchlets of Melaleuca alternifolia (Maiden & Betche) Cheel when used as a sensory additive for all animal species. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that tea tree oil was very unlikely to be of safety concern for long-living and reproductive animals and is of no concern for target species for fattening at the following concentrations in complete feed: 1.1 mg/kg for chickens for fattening, 1.5 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening, 1.7 mg/kg for laying hens, 2.0 mg/kg for piglets, 2.4 mg/kg for pigs for fattening, 3.1 mg/kg for sows, 5.0 mg/kg for veal calves (milk replacer) and salmonids, 4.4 mg/kg for cattle for fattening, sheep/goats and horses, 2.9 mg/kg for dairy cows, 1.8 mg/kg for rabbits, 0.9 mg/kg for cats, 5.3 mg/kg for dogs, 6.6 for crustaceans and 15 mg/kg for ornamental fish. These conclusions were extrapolated to other physiologically related species. For any other species, the additive is very unlikely to be of safety concern at 1.1 mg/kg complete feed. No concerns for consumers and the environment were identified following the use of the additive up to the highest safe use level in feed. Regarding user safety, tea tree oil should be considered as an irritant to skin and eyes and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. It is classified as a reprotoxic substance (category 1B) following CLP criteria and should be handled accordingly. Since M. alternifolia 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.

Differences in Heating Temperature and Type of Phytase Enzyme on Enzyme Activity, Calcium and Phosphorus Levels in Complete Poultry Feed

Phytic acid is an antinutritional factor that can negatively affect livestock productivity by reducing the bioavailability of essential nutrients. Its content in feed ingredients can be minimized or even eliminated through various processing techniques, such as the addition of phytase enzymes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different heating temperatures and types of phytase enzymes on enzyme activity, calcium, and phosphorus levels in complete poultry feed. The research was conducted using a completely randomized design (CRD) with a factorial arrangement. The treatment consisted of two factors: factor A (phytase enzyme addition at three levels: no enzyme (0 FTU), commercial enzyme A (800 FTU), and commercial enzyme B (800 FTU), and factor B (heating temperature levels of 65°C, 70°C, 75°C, and 80°C). Each treatment combination was replicated three times. Data were analyzed using Minitab software, followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) to determine significant differences between treatments at a 5% significance level. The results indicated that the addition of phytase enzymes significantly affected (P0.05) enzyme activity, calcium, and phosphorus levels in the feed. The best results for enzyme activity were observed with the treatment EAT3 (commercial phytase enzyme A at a heating temperature of 75°C), while the best results for calcium and phosphorus levels were achieved with treatment EBT3 (commercial phytase enzyme B at a heating temperature of 75°C).

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil derived from the flowering tops of Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav. (Spanish type origanum oil) for use in 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 from the flowering tops of Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav. (Spanish type origanum oil) when used as a sensory additive in feed and in water for drinking for all animal species. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive under assessment is considered safe up to the maximum use level in complete feed of 15 mg/kg for poultry species, 30 mg/kg for pigs and horses, 20 mg/kg for ruminants, 25 mg/kg for rabbits, dogs, cats and ornamental fish, and 125 mg/kg for salmonids. These conclusions were extrapolated to other physiologically related species. For any other species, the additive is safe at 15 mg/kg complete feed. The FEEDAP Panel considered that the use level in water for drinking is safe provided that the total daily intake of the additive does not exceed the daily amount that is considered safe when consumed via feed. The use of the additive in animal feed under the proposed conditions of use is safe for the consumer and the environment. Regarding user safety, the essential oil under assessment should be considered as an irritant to skin and eyes and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. Since T. capitata 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 derived from the flowering tops of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (lavender oil) for use in 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 from the fresh flowering tops of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (lavender oil) when used as a sensory additive in feed and in water for drinking for all animal species. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive under assessment is considered safe up to the maximum proposed use levels in complete feed of 30 mg/kg for dogs and ornamental fish. For the other target species, the calculated safe concentrations were 9 mg/kg for chickens for fattening, 13 mg/kg for laying hens, 12 mg/kg for turkeys for fattening, 19 mg/kg for pigs for fattening, 16 mg/kg for piglets, 23 mg/kg for sows, 39 mg/kg for veal calves (milk replacer) and salmonids, 35 mg/kg for cattle for fattening, sheep/goats and horses, 22 mg/kg for dairy cows, 14 mg/kg for rabbits and 7 mg/kg for cats. These conclusions were extrapolated to other physiologically related species. For any other species, the additive is safe at 7 mg/kg complete feed. The use of lavender oil in water for drinking was considered safe provided that the total daily intake does not exceed the daily amount considered safe when consumed via feed. The use of lavender oil in animal feed under the proposed conditions of use is safe for the consumer and the environment. Regarding user safety, the essential oil under assessment should be considered as an irritant to skin and eyes and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. Since the oil of the flowering tops of L. angustifolia is 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 lutein-rich extract of Tagetes erecta L. for turkeys for fattening (EW Nutrition).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of lutein-rich extract of Tagetes erecta L. as sensory additive (functional group: Colourants (ii) substances which, when fed to animals, add colours to food of animal origin) for turkeys for fattening. The additive is already authorised for use in feed for chickens for fattening and minor poultry for fattening and laying hens and minor poultry for laying. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the use of lutein-rich extract of T. erecta is safe for turkeys for fattening when used up to the maximum proposed use level of 80 mg total carotenoids/kg complete feed. The Panel concluded that the use of lutein-rich extract of T. erecta in feed for turkeys for fattening under the proposed conditions of use would not be of concern for the consumer, considering also its use in other poultry for fattening and for laying hens. Regarding user safety, the lutein-rich extract of T. erecta extract is irritant to skin and eyes and any exposure is considered a risk. The conclusions on user safety reached for the lutein-rich extract of T. erecta would, in principle, apply to preparations made with it. The use of the additive in feed for turkeys for fattening under the proposed conditions of use is safe for the environment. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive has the potential to colour the skin of turkeys for fattening at the proposed conditions of use.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil derived from the leaves of Salvia officinalis ssp. lavandulifolia (Vahl) Gams (Spanish sage oil) for use in 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 Spanish sage oil from the leaves of Salvia officinalis ssp. lavandulifolia (Vahl) Gams (Spanish sage oil) when used as a sensory additive in feed and in water for drinking for all animal species. The EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concluded that the additive under assessment is considered safe up to the maximum use level of 14 mg/kg complete feed for all animal species. The FEEDAP Panel considered that the use of Spanish sage oil in water for drinking is safe provided that the total daily intake of the additive does not exceed the daily amount that is considered safe when consumed via feed. The use of Spanish sage oil in animal feed under the proposed conditions of use is safe for the consumer and the environment. Regarding user safety, the essential oil under assessment should be considered as an irritant to skin and eyes and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. Since the oil of the leaves of S. officinalis ssp. lavandulifolia (Vahl) Gams is 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.

Exogenous Cellulase Enzyme Supplementation in Complete Feed Based On Fermentation of Banana Stems for Nutritional Consumption of Beef Cattle

Exogenous Cellulase Enzyme Supplementation in Complete Feed Based On Fermentation of Banana Stems for Nutritional Consumption of Beef Cattle

Occurrence of Ochratoxin in Complete Feed Mixtures for Monogastric Animals

Abstract Ochratoxin A is a foreign substance of natural origin. It can be found in a wide range of commodities, including animal feed. Ochratoxin A is a dangerous contaminant, which can have a negative effect on the health and production of animals. In this study, the incidence of ochratoxin A in a complete feed for broilers (n = 25) and pigs (n = 6) was determined. Ochratoxin A was detected in one sample of pigs feed (16.67 %) and its concentration was 1.221 µg.kg−1. This mycotoxin was not detected in the broiler feed samples. These results indicate that the feed samples collected were safe and do not pose a risk of acute mycotoxicosis in animals.