Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of Phyzyme XP (6-phytase) as a feed additive for minor poultry species

Phyzyme XP is a feed additive that contains 6-phytase, produced by a genetically modified strain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe (ATCC 5233) and is authorised for use in feed for chickens and turkeys for fattening, laying hens, ducks, piglets, pigs for fattening and sows. The applicant requested for an extension of use of the additive to all minor poultry species. Safety for chickens and turkeys for fattening and for laying hens was previously established at 750, 1000 and 1500 U/kg feed, respectively. Given the margin of safety established for the major poultry species, a maximum dose of 1000 U/kg feed was considered safe for all minor poultry species. Since the mode of action of phytases can be reasonably assumed to be the same in all avian species the minimum effective dose authorised for fattening birds (250 U/kg feed) and for laying birds (150 U/kg feed) was considered efficacious for minor poultry species.