EFSA finds yeast probiotic effective for use in cat food
Biosprint Mucl 39885, developed by Prosol, is a probiotic live yeast, selected strain for animal feed, which is used in feed for dairy and beef cows, weaned piglets, sows and horses, as well as dogs.
In a previous opinion, EFSA’s FEEDAP Panel concluded that Biosprint is safe when used in feeds for cats and dogs. However, based on the data available, those EFSA experts were unable to conclude on the efficacy of the additive when administered to cats.
Prosol was allowed to submit additional data - an efficacy trial in cats - to address the gaps identified in the original assessment, with the panel now finding that Biosprint has the potential to be efficacious as a zootechnical additive, a gut flora stabilizer, for cats.
The trial
Ten cats (3–5 years old, European shorthair) were individually housed and randomly allocated into two groups, balanced by initial bodyweight. A wet commercial diet based on meat, animal-derived ingredients and vegetable protein was either not supplemented (control) or top-dressed with Biosprint, reads the supplementary data.
The experimental feeds were offered to the cats twice a day on a restricted basis for 36 days. Health status was monitored daily. The cats were individually weighed, and fecal samples were collected at the start of the study and on intermittent days. Feed intake was recorded daily. Fecal samples were analyzed for dry matter content as an indicator of the fecal consistency, according to the EFSA opinion.
The study showed that animals were healthy throughout, noted the EFSA panel, and no differences were seen in the body weight and feed intake of the animals during the study period.
Supplementation of the cats’ food with Biosprint significantly increased DM content of feces as compared with the control group, confirmed the scientists.
