Scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Endofeed® DC (endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase and endo-1,4-beta-xylanase) as a feed additive for chickens for fattening, laying hens, pigs for fattening and minor poultry and porcine species

The additive Endofeed® DC contains endo-1,3(4)-beta-glucanase and endo-1,4-beta-xylanase from the fermentation product produced by a non-genetically modified strain of Aspergillus niger. The applicant seeks the re-evaluation of the product and the extension of its use to pigs for fattening, minor poultry and porcine species. Tolerance trials in chickens for fattening, laying hens and pigs showed that the animals tolerated well 100-fold the recommended dose. Therefore, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that the additive is safe for these target species. The conclusions reached on those species can be extrapolated to minor poultry species and to minor porcine species for fattening. In the absence of adequate studies, the FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the safety of Endofeed® DC for the consumer. No specific studies were provided regarding the safety for the user. Therefore, Endofeed® DC should be considered a potential skin and eye irritant, and a potential skin and respiratory sensitiser. The results obtained in efficacy studies performed in chickens for fattening, laying hens and pigs for fattening showed that the additive has the potential to improve the performance of the animals. The nominal dose at which the potential of the enzyme preparation is demonstrated is the recommended dose. The conclusions on the efficacy on the major poultry species and on pigs for fattening can be extrapolated to minor poultry species and minor porcine species for fattening, respectively.