Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of Danisco Xylanase G/L (endo-1,4-beta-xylanase) as feed additive for weaned piglets and pigs for fattening

Danisco Xylanase G and Danisco Xylanase L are granulated and liquid formulations, respectively, of endo-1,4-beta-xylanase. The enzyme is produced by submerged fermentation of a genetically modified strain of Trichoderma reesei. The efficacy and safety of this product for chickens for fattening, laying hens, ducks for fattening and turkeys, including the safety for the consumer, the user and the environment as well as the safety aspects of the genetic modification, were assessed by EFSA. This additive is authorised in the European Union as feed additive for chickens for fattening, laying hens, ducks and turkeys for fattening. The applicant is now asking for an extension of use of this product to weaned piglets and pigs for fattening at a dose range of 2000–4000 U/kg complete feedingstuffs. The results obtained in a tolerance trial carried out with piglets showed that the piglets tolerated an overdose of 150-fold the maximum recommended dose. Therefore, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the product Danisco Xylanase is safe for piglets at the maximum recommended dose; this conclusion can be extended to pigs for fattening provided that the same maximum dose applies. Based on the results of three trials provided in weaned piglets and the three trials provided in pigs for fattening, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive is efficacious in improving the performance of piglets and pigs for fattening at a dose of 2000 U/kg feed.