Compatibility of the microbial product 035, a preparation of Bacillus subtilis, with lasalocid sodium, maduramicin ammonium, monensin sodium, narasin, salinomycin sodium and semduramicin sodium

Following a request from the European Commission (EC), the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver an opinion on the compatibility of the microbial product 035, a preparation of Bacillus subtilis, with the coccidiostats lasalocid sodium, maduramicin ammonium, monensin sodium, narasin, salinomycin sodium and semduramicin sodium. In a previous opinion, the FEEDAP Panel was not able to give a conclusive opinion on the compatibility of this product with several coccidiostats in feed for chickens for fattening. The applicant has now provided an in vivo study for all six coccidiostats (lasalocid sodium, maduramicin ammonium, monensin sodium, narasin, salinomycin sodium and semduramicin sodium) relevant to the present application. There was no indication of reduced animal performance as a result of the combined use of 035 and the tested coccidiostats. The absence of statistical differences in the total spore counts based on 18 animals per treatment provides evidence of the compatibility between the six coccidiostats tested and 035 in spore form. However, Bacillus spores are able to germinate in the digestive tract to an unknown extent and it is likely that the vegetative form would be more susceptible to coccidiostats. Data was provided which attempted to distinguish between the sensitivity of spores and vegetative cells but this was based on single observations only from which no conclusions can be drawn. Consequently, the FEEDAP Panel is unable to conclude on the compatibility of 035 with the six coccidiostats tested.