Safety and efficacy of ECONASE XT (endo-1,4-β-xylanase) as a feed additive for pigs for fattening.

ECONASE XT is an enzyme preparation with endo-1,4-β-xylanase which is authorised as a feed additive for chickens for fattening or reared for laying, turkeys for fattening or reared for breeding, laying hens, weaned piglets, pigs for fattening and minor poultry species. The authorisation of the additive for pigs for fattening is at 24,000 BXU/kg feed. The applicant asked for a modification on the conditions of use in pigs for fattening, which consists in the reduction of the minimum recommended level from 24,000 BXU/kg feed to 16,000 BXU/kg feed. In previous opinions, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) assessed the safety of the product when used as a feed additive and concluded that the use of the product raises no concerns for consumer safety and no risks for the environment are expected. The Panel also concluded that the additive is non-irritant to the skin, and the liquid form is non-irritant to the eyes and is not a dermal sensitiser; however, it is considered a respiratory sensitiser. Regarding the use of the additive in pigs for fattening, the Panel concluded that under the conditions of use, the additive is safe for pigs for fattening and that it can be efficacious at 24,000 BXU/kg. In the current application, the applicant provided three efficacy trials to support the efficacy at 16,000 BXU/kg feed. Two of these studies had been previously evaluated by the FEEDAP Panel and supported the efficacy at 16,000 BXU/kg feed. The third study revealed a significant effect of the additive on the feed to gain ratio in pigs for fattening at 20,000 BXU/kg feed (analysed content). The FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive has a potential to be efficacious in pigs for fattening as a zootechnical additive at the dose of 20,000 BXU/kg feed.