Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of Rovabio® Spiky (endo-1,4-beta-xylanase and endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase) as a feed additive for chickens for fattening, chickens reared for laying and other minor poultry species (for fattening and reared for laying)

Rovabio® Spiky is an enzyme preparation, available in solid and liquid forms, of endo-1,4-beta-xylanase and endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase. The enzymes present in the additive are produced by two strains of Penicillium funiculosum, one of them genetically modified. The additive is intended to be used as a feed additive for chickens for fattening, chickens reared for laying and other minor poultry species (for fattening and reared for laying). None of the production strains was detected in their respective products. The additive does not give rise to safety concerns with regard to the genetic modification. No recombinant DNA was detected in the product obtained from the genetically modified strain of P. funiculosum. Based on the results of a tolerance trial in chickens for fattening, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that the additive is safe for chickens for fattening under the recommended conditions of use. This conclusion can be extended to chickens reared for laying and can be extrapolated to minor poultry species for fattening or reared for laying. Based on the outcome of the toxicological studies performed with the products of fermentation used to formulate the additive, the additive is of no concern regarding consumer safety. The additive is not irritant to the skin or eyes. In the absence of data, it should be considered a potential skin sensitiser and potentially harmful if inhaled. No risks to the environment are expected from the use of the additive in animal nutrition. Based on the results obtained in three efficacy studies, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that the additive has the potential to be efficacious in chickens for fattening at the minimum recommended dose. This conclusion can be extended to chickens reared for laying and can be extrapolated to minor poultry species for fattening or reared for laying.