Scientific Opinion on the compatibility of Bacillus subtilis PB6 with coccidiostats in chickens for fattening

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the compatibility of microbial feed additive Bacillus subtilis PB6 with the coccidiostats maduramycin ammonium, monensin sodium, narasin and robenidine hydrochloride. The in vivo compatibility of the coccidiostats with Bacillus subtilis PB6 was assessed as part of a larger trial in which performance characteristics were measured. A negative control group was included, while the other groups received the recommended dose of Bacillus subtilis PB6 in the presence or absence of the tested coccidiostats at their maximum authorised levels. Intestinal samples from six birds per treatment group were analysed for aerobic spore formers. Heat treatment of the samples was included to distinguish spores from vegetative cells. No significant differences in numbers of bacilli were observed between the coccidiostat-treated groups and the group treated with Bacillus subtilis PB6 alone. Consequently, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that Bacillus subtilis PB6 is compatible with maduramycin ammonium, monensin sodium, narasin and robenidine hydrochloride when added to diets for chickens for fattening.