Scientific Opinion on ammonium chloride (Amoklor) for lambs for fattening

Ammonium chloride when used in feedingstuffs reduces the urinary pH and the formation of urinary calculi of target animals. Amoklor contains 99 % ammonium chloride. Ammonium chloride in complete diet for lambs for fattening at the maximum dose of 1 % is considered safe for a limited period of feeding (approximately three months), the margin of safety being small (≤1.5). No residues of the parent compound and its ions are expected in organs and tissues of the target animal when fed ammonium chloride. A withdrawal period is not necessary. In the absence of data and taking into account the limited information from the material safety data sheet, ammonium chloride should be considered as an irritant to skin, eyes, the digestive and respiratory tracts and as a dermal and respiratory sensitiser. The use of ammonium chloride at the maximum level of 1 % in feedingstuffs for lambs for fattening does not pose a risk for the environment. The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the effective dose for lambs for fattening is 1 % in complete feedingstuffs. The FEEDAP Panel recommended restricting the use of the additive to a maximum period of three months.