Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of Quantum® Blue (6-phytase) as a feed additive for laying hens and minor laying poultry species

Quantum® Blue is a 6-phytase preparation that is available in solid and liquid forms. The Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) issued an opinion on the safety and efficacy of this product as a feed additive for poultry (except laying hens) and pigs, including the assessment of the safety for the consumer, the user and the environment, as well as the safety aspects of the genetic modification. The FEEDAP Panel considers, therefore, that the safety aspects, other than for the new target species, are covered in the previous opinion and would not be affected by the requested extension of use. The present assessment focuses on the safety and efficacy of this enzyme preparation for the new target species. The results from a tolerance trial in laying hens showed that the hens tolerated well 100-fold the maximum recommended dose; therefore, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that the additive is safe for laying hens at the maximum recommended dose (2 500 FTU/kg feed). Given the wide margin of safety shown in laying hens, the FEEDAP Panel considers that the additive is safe for minor laying poultry species, provided that the same dose applies. The results from three trials showed that the addition of Quantum® Blue phytase resulted in an increase in bone mineralisation, ileal digestibility, phosphorus utilisation and performance of the laying hens. The FEEDAP Panel concludes that the additive has the potential to be efficacious in laying hens at the dose of 150 FTU/kg feed. The FEEDAP Panel considers that the conclusions drawn for laying hens can be extrapolated to minor laying poultry species at the same dose.