Bacillus subtilis derived additive in sow diets can support piglet growth: EFSA

The Authority said it drew such a conclusion about that company’s additive, Bacillus subtilis PB6​, following a review of data pooled from four studies.

The additive is based on viable spores of a strain of Bacillus subtilis.

EFSA said it has already issued several opinions on the safety and efficacy of the additive when used in the feed for a number of poultry and swine categories. Kemin sought authorization for the use of the product in sows to benefit the progeny.

The company submitted five studies in which groups of sows were given the additive for a minimum period from the last three weeks of pregnancy, throughout farrowing and lactation, until weaning of piglets were compared with a control group.

“In only two of five studies, there was a significant beneficial effect seen in terms of piglet performance. ​

“However, when data from the four similar were pooled and analyzed, significant increases in weaned weight and average daily gain were indicated for piglets from sows given the additive,”​ said EFSA’s FEEDAP panel.

Therefore, the experts then concluded that the additive, when added to diets of sows from three weeks before parturition until weaning of piglets at a dose of 1 × 108 CFU/kg complete feed, has the potential to improve the growth of piglets from birth to weaning.

EFSA added that the active agent fulfils the requirements of the qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach, and is, thus, presumed safe for the sow and its offspring, for consumers and for the environment.

The opinion can be read here​​.