Vasileios Bampidis

Effect of dietary dried oregano leaves on growth performance, carcase characteristics and serum cholesterol of female early maturing turkeys

1. A study was conducted with 120 female early maturing turkeys to test the effect of dietary dried oregano leaves (Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum) on body weight (BW), feed intake (FI), feed conversion efficiency (FCE), carcase characteristics and serum cholesterol concentration. Dried oregano leaves had a content of 3·6 ml essential oils/100 g, while the carvacrol content was 855 g/kg of the total essential oils. 2. From 1 to 84 d of age, the turkeys were fed on 4 diets varying in oregano content (OR0, no oregano—control; OR45, 1·25 g oregano/kg; OR90, 2·5 g oregano/kg; OR135, 3·75 g oregano/kg). Birds were given feed and water ad libitum. 3. BW was unaffected by oregano throughout the experiment. FI and FCE were similar among all treatments until 42 d of age. From 43 to 84 d of age and for the overall experimental period, FI decreased linearly in treatment OR135 and FCE increased linearly with dietary oregano content. Body and carcase weights, carcase yield, and the relative weights of the heart and liver were not significantly affected by oregano content. The relative weights of the gizzard and small intestine decreased linearly with oregano content. Serum cholesterol content was similar among all treatments. 4. In the present study, dietary oregano (1·25, 2·5 and 3·75 g/kg) improved FCE in female early maturing turkeys between 43 and 84 d, with the lowest oregano inclusion (1·25 g/kg) giving the most cost effective diet. Thus, dried oregano leaves may be used as a natural herbal growth promoter for early maturing turkeys.

Risks associated with endotoxins in feed additives produced by fermentation

Increasingly, feed additives for livestock, such as amino acids and vitamins, are being produced by Gram-negative bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli. The potential therefore exists for animals, consumers and workers to be exposed to possibly harmful amounts of endotoxin from these products. The aim of this review was to assess the extent of the risk from endotoxins in feed additives and to calculate how such risk can be assessed from the properties of the additive. Livestock are frequently exposed to a relatively high content of endotoxin in the diet: no additional hazard to livestock would be anticipated if the endotoxin concentration of the feed additive falls in the same range as feedstuffs. Consumer exposure will be unaffected by the consumption of food derived from animals receiving endotoxin-containing feed, because the small concentrations of endotoxin absorbed do not accumulate in edible tissues. In contrast, workers processing a dusty additive may be exposed to hazardous amounts of endotoxin even if the endotoxin concentration of the product is low. A calculation method is proposed to compare the potential risk to the worker, based on the dusting potential, the endotoxin concentration and technical guidance of the European Food Safety Authority, with national exposure limits.

Effect of replacing soybean meal by extruded chickpeas in the diets of growing-finishing pigs on meat quality.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the replacement of soybean meal by extruded chickpeas in diets of growing-finishing pigs on meat quality. In a 17wk study 48 growing-finishing crossbred pigs were fed ad libitum. The experimental design included four treatments, each one of 12 pigs; the ECKP0 treatment was fed with diet containing soybean meal and no chickpeas (control), while treatments ECKP100, ECKP200 and ECKP300 were fed with diets containing 100, 200 and 300kg/t of extruded chickpeas, respectively. The lean meat quality of the longissimus lumborum et thoracis muscle was evaluated by chemical analysis (moisture, protein, fat and ash), fatty acid profile, pH measurement, cooking loss, color evaluation, and sensory evaluation. Odor and taste, tenderness, juiciness, and overall acceptability were scored on 1-10 scales by a group of 10 experienced assessors after a standard cooking regime. Small differences were observed between control and experimental groups in chemical composition (P>0.05). Fatty acid profiles, pH measurements and color evaluation did not differ among treatments (P>0.05), while cooking loss was significantly lower in the control group (P<0.05). The taste panel gave slightly higher scores for the tenderness and juiciness for the control group compared with the chickpea treatments (P<0.05). No differences were observed between control and experimental groups in taste scores (P>0.05). It is concluded that the replacement of soybean meal by extruded chickpeas, when substituted isonitrogenously and isoenergetically at inclusion levels up to 300kg/t of pig, does not influence significantly meat quality.

Guidance on the characterisation of microorganisms used as feed additives or as production organisms

Draft Endorsed by the FEEDAP Panel * 18 May 2017 Submitted for public consultation 15 June 2017 End of public consultation 15 September 2017 Adopted by the FEEDAP Panel 21 February 2018 Implementation date 1 September 2018 * Sections 3.1 and 3.2 were also endorsed by the EFSA Panel on Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO), EFSA Panel on Food Contact Materials, Enzymes, Flavourings and Processing Aids (CEF) and EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources Added to Food (ANS) on 18 May (GMO) and 7 June (CEF and ANS) 2017. Abstract This guidance document is intended to assist the applicant in the preparation and the presentation of an application, as foreseen in Article 7.6 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition. It specifically covers the characterisation of microorganisms used as feed additives or as production organisms.

Guidance on the assessment of the safety of feed additives for the consumer

Draft Endorsed by the FEEDAP Panel 17 May 2017 Submitted for public consultation 24 May 2017 End of public consultation 21 July 2017 Adoption by the FEEDAP Panel 27 September 2017 Entry into force 1 May 2018 Abstract This guidance document is intended to assist the applicant in the preparation and the presentation of an application, as foreseen in Article 7.6 of Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003, for the authorisation of additives for use in animal nutrition. It specifically covers the assessment of the safety for the consumer.

Safety and efficacy of Sacox® microGranulate (salinomycin sodium) for chickens for fattening and chickens reared for laying

Abstract Salinomycin sodium (SAL‐Na) is active against certain Gram‐positive bacteria, while Gram‐negative species are resistant. SAL‐Na at the proposed concentration is unlikely to increase shedding of Salmonella, Escherichia coli and Campylobacter and or induce resistance and cross‐resistance to antimicrobials important in human and animal therapy. SAL‐Na is safe for chickens for fattening at 70 mg/kg complete feed, for chickens reared for laying at 50 mg/kg complete feed in the first 12 weeks of life. The simultaneous use of SAL‐Na and certain antibiotic drugs (e.g. tiamulin) is contraindicated. SAL‐Na is absorbed and extensively metabolised. Metabolites have reduced ionophoric activity. SAL is the marker residue (MR). No residues in eggs are expected. SAL‐Na is not genotoxic and not a carcinogen. A NOAEL of 0.5 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day is derived from a cardiovascular study in dogs as well as from a 12‐month dog study. Consumer exposure complies with an acceptable daily intake of 0.005 mg SAL/kg bw after 1 h withdrawal. A withdrawal time and maximum residue limits are not considered necessary. SAL‐Na from Sacox® is not an irritant to skin and eyes; it is a potential sensitiser to skin and the respiratory tract. A toxicological risk by inhalation for persons handling the additive cannot be excluded. SAL‐Na in feed for chickens will not pose a risk for the aquatic environment. A risk for the terrestrial ecosystem is considered unlikely due to metabolisation and the rapid degradation of SAL in the environment. SAL‐Na at a minimum concentration of 50 mg/kg complete feed is an effective coccidiostat for chickens for fattening. This conclusion is extended to chickens reared for laying. SAL‐Na in Sacox® 120 microGranulate and Sacox® 200 microGranulate is considered bioequivalent with respect to its anticoccidial effect.

Safety and efficacy of Bacillus subtilis PB6 (Bacillus subtilis ATCC PTA‐6737) as a feed additive for sows

Abstract Bacillus subtilis PB6 is a feed additive based on viable spores of a strain of Bacillus subtilis. EFSA has already issued several opinions on the safety and efficacy of the additive when used in the feed for a number of avian and porcine species/categories. The applicant is now seeking authorisation for use in sows in order to have benefits in piglets. In the course of previous assessments, no evidence of a toxigenic potential or resistance to relevant antibiotics was found. Consequently, the strain of B. subtilis in the additive, following the qualified presumption of safety approach to safety assessment, is presumed safe for target animals including sows and their offspring, consumers and the environment. In a previous assessment, it was also concluded that the additive is not a skin/eye irritant or a skin sensitiser and that there were no concerns on respiratory sensitisation. The use of the additive with feed for sows is considered unlikely to introduce hazards for users of the product not already considered. Five studies are described in which groups of sows given the additive for a minimum period from the last 3 weeks of pregnancy, throughout farrowing and lactation, until weaning of piglets were compared with a control group. In only two of five studies, there was a significant beneficial effect seen in terms of piglet performance. However, when data from the four similar were pooled and analysed, significant increases in weaned weight and average daily gain were indicated for piglets from sows given the additive. Consequently, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that Bacillus subtilis PB6 when added to diets of sows from 3 weeks before parturition until weaning of piglets at a dose of 1 × 108 CFU/kg complete feed has the potential to improve the growth of piglets from birth to weaning.

Safety and efficacy of Kelforce® (l‐glutamic acid, N,N‐diacetic acid, tetrasodium salt (GLDA‐Na4)) as a feed additive for chickens for fattening

Abstract l‐Glutamic acid, N,N‐diacetic acid, tetrasodium salt (GLDA‐Na4) (Kelforce®) is sought to be used as a zootechnical feed additive in chickens for fattening to improve the absorption of zinc from feed, reducing zinc emissions through manure and thus, affecting favourably the environment. The product has not been authorised in the European Union as a feed additive. Kelforce® is intended to be marketed as a liquid and solid formulation, containing ≥ 47% and ≥ 30% of GLDA‐Na4, respectively. Kelforce® is safe for chickens for fattening at the maximum level of 1,000 mg GLDA‐Na4/kg complete feed. Based on the toxicological profile of GLDA‐Na4 and the consumer exposure to GLDA‐Na4 and to nitrilotriacetic acid trisodium salt (NTA‐Na3; an impurity of the additive), the use of Kelforce® at the maximum proposed level in feed of chickens for fattening is of no concern for consumer safety. Due to its low inhalation toxicity, the exposure to GLDA‐Na4 is unlikely to pose a risk by inhalation. However, owing to the high‐dusting potential of the solid formulation, a risk from such high level of dust, even if toxicologically inert, cannot be excluded. Kelforce® is not a skin/eye irritant or skin sensitiser. No risks for the terrestrial compartment were identified at the maximum use level of the additive. Risks for the aquatic compartment cannot be excluded based on the secondary effect of the additive on green algae. In the absence of data, the Panel cannot conclude on the safety for the sediment compartment or the possible ground water contamination. The risk of bioaccumulation and secondary poisoning caused by the additive is considered very low. Owing to the inconsistent and conflicting results from the studies assessed, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) cannot conclude on the efficacy of the additive. The Panel made a recommendation regarding the levels of formaldehyde and cyanide in the active substance.

Safety and efficacy of l‐arginine produced by fermentation using Corynebacterium glutamicum KCCM 10741P for all animal species

Abstract l‐Arginine is considered to be a non‐essential amino acid for most adult mammalian species, but it is classified as essential for birds, fish, possibly reptiles and also for strict carnivores. The product subject of this assessment is l‐arginine produced by fermentation using a non‐genetically modified strain of Corynebacterium glutamicum (KCCM 10741P). It is intended to be used in feed and water for drinking for all animal species and categories. Species identity of the production organism was confirmed and the strain was sensitive to antibiotics at concentrations at or below thresholds specified by EFSA; thus, C. glutamicum KCCM 10741P may be considered safe by the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach. No viable cells of C. glutamicum were detected in the final product. The amount of identified material exceeded 99.8%, and no impurities of concern were detected. The use of l‐arginine produced by C. glutamicum KCCM 10741P is safe for target species when supplemented to diets in appropriate amounts, for the consumer and the environment. l‐Arginine produced by C. glutamicum KCCM 10741P is considered corrosive to skin and eyes and therefore poses a risk by inhalation. The additive is an effective source of arginine for all species. For the supplemental l‐arginine to be as efficacious in ruminants as in non‐ruminant species, it requires protection against microbial degradation in the rumen.

Safety and efficacy of l‐arginine produced by fermentation with Escherichia coli NITE BP‐02186 for all animal species

Abstract l‐Arginine is considered as a non‐essential amino acid for most adult mammalian species, but it is classified as essential for birds, fish, possibly reptiles and also for strict carnivores. l‐Arginine produced by fermentation with Escherichia coli NITE BP‐02186, genetically modified to enhance the production of l‐arginine, is intended to be used in feed and water for drinking for all animal species and categories. The product under assessment does not give rise to any safety concern with regard to the genetic modification of the production strain. Its use as a nutritional additive is safe for target species when supplemented to diets in appropriate amounts. The use of l‐arginine as a feed flavouring agent is unlikely to pose any concern. No risks are expected for the consumer from the use of the product under assessment as a feed additive. It is not irritant to skin or eyes, nor a skin sensitiser. Although the presence of endotoxin activity is of no concern, the available exposure and toxicological data indicate that the additive may pose a risk to users by inhalation. The use of this additive in animal nutrition does not pose a risk to the environment. The additive is an effective source of arginine for all species. l‐Arginine is considered efficacious when used as a flavouring compound in animal nutrition.