Efficacy of Coxidin (R) 25 % (monensin sodium) as a feed additive for turkeys(1) Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed

Following a request from the European Commission, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) was asked to issue an opinion on the proposal made by the applicant for reducing the minimum content of monensin sodium (Mo-Na) from Coxidin (R) 25% in complete feedingstuffs for turkeys from the current 90 mg kg(-1) to 60 mg kg(-1). Five floor pen studies on turkeys for fattening were provided by the applicant. In four studies, growth and feed to gain ratio was improved, after four weeks, by 60 mg Mo-Na from Coxidin (R) kg(-1) complete feedingstuff. In the following four-week period, comparable effects could be observed for growth rate, but not for feed to gain ratio. Clinical endpoints, indicative for coccidiosis control, were with one exception (intestinal lesion score seven days after inoculation in two studies) not influenced. Coccidiosis in turkey is commonly milder than in chicken, this may contribute to explaining the lack of conclusive clinical data in these studies. Cumulative data (after 84 days for female and 112 days for male turkeys) showed positive effects for 60 mg Mo-Na from Coxidin (R) kg(-1) complete feedingstuff for growth and feed to gain ratio in one study, for feed to gain ratio and reduced mortality in another study, and reduced mortality alone in a third study. Based on these three studies, 60 mg Mo-Na from Coxidin (R) kg(-1) complete feedingstuff are considered as effective in floor pen trials. The FEEDAP Panel considers floor pen trials as satisfactory for concluding on a minimum effective dose. On the basis of five floor pen studies submitted, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that 60 mg Mo-Na from Coxidin (R) kg(-1) complete feedingstuff can be considered as the minimum effective dose in the control of turkey coccidiosis.