Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of Econase XT P/L (endo-1,4-beta-xylanase) as a feed additive for laying hens, minor poultry species (including ducks, geese, quails, pheasants and pigeons) and pigs for fattening

Econase XT is an enzyme preparation with endo-1,4-beta-xylanase as the main activity. The product is currently authorised for its use in feed for chickens and turkeys for fattening and reared for laying/breeding and for weaned piglets. The applicant now requests an extension of use for laying hens, minor poultry species and pigs for fattening. Based on the results of a tolerance study on laying hens with a 100-fold overdose, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that the additive is safe for hens at the recommended maximum dose. Given the margin of safety established for the major poultry species/categories, the conclusion on the safety of the maximum dose (24000 BXU/kg) can be extrapolated to include all minor poultry species. The FEEDAP Panel concludes, based on the previous results obtained in weaned piglets, that the additive is safe for pigs for fattening at the maximum dose of 24000 BXU/kg. The potential of Econase XT in feed for laying hens to improve performance was demonstrated in a series of efficacy trials at a minimum dose of 24000 BXU/kg. By extrapolation of data obtained previously in chickens and turkeys for fattening and currently in laying hens, the efficacy for the minor poultry species can be assumed at a minimum dose of 8000 BXU/kg for all growing birds and 24000 BXU/kg for all laying birds. Significant positive effects were shown in two trials when Econase XT at a minimum dose of 16000 BXU/kg was fed to pigs for fattening. Three positive results are generally required for a demonstration of efficacy in a single animal species/category. However, the FEEDAP Panel, taking into consideration the demonstrated efficacy in piglets at the minimum dose of 24000 BXU/kg, concludes that the product has the potential to be efficacious in pigs for fattening but retains the minimum dose established for piglets.