Safety and efficacy of Danisco Xylanase G/L (endo-1,4-beta-xylanase) as a feed additive for turkeys for fattening 1 Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed

Danisco Xylanase G/L is an enzyme product (dry and liquid forms, respectively) of endo 1,4 beta-xylanase produced by submerged fermentation of the genetically modified microorganism Trichoderma reesei. The additive is intended for use in turkeys for fattening at a dose range of 1250-2500 U kg(-1) complete feedingstuffs. Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver an opinion on the efficacy and safety for the target animals, the consumer, user and the environment of the product Danisco Xylanase G/L. The FEEDAP Panel considers that the safety aspects other than those related to the new target species are covered in the previous opinion and would not be affected by this extension of use. Therefore, the present opinion focuses only on the safety and efficacy of this enzyme preparation for the target species turkeys for fattening. Four experiments have been provided by the applicant to support the efficacy of the product. In two of them, significant improvements in weight gain and feed conversion were observed at the minimum recommended dose (1250 U kg(-1)). The meta-analysis of the data from the four experiments supports the efficacy of the product at the minimum recommended dose. Therefore, the FEEDAP Panel considers that there is evidence to support efficacy of this product at the minimum recommended dose of 1250 U kg(-1) in turkeys for fattening. Based on the data from the tolerance study presented and the tolerance shown by other poultry species (chickens for fattening, laying hens and ducks), the FEEDAP Panel concludes that this product is safe for turkeys for fattening at the recommended use level.