Efficacy of a feed additive consisting of carvacrol (Nimicoat®) for weaned piglets (Techna France Nutrition)

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the efficacy of a feed additive consisting of carvacrol (Nimicoat®) as a zootechnical feed additive for weaned piglets at the recommended use level of 250 mg/kg complete feed. In a previous assessment, three efficacy trials and one tolerance–efficacy trial were assessed. Only one of the efficacy trials was considered to support the efficacy at the recommended use level. The applicant provided amendments to two previously submitted studies and a new trial. The amendments to the previously submitted studies did not change the conclusions from the previous assessment. The new efficacy study showed a significant improvement of the zootechnical parameters. Two studies showed positive and significant effects on the performance of the weaned piglets when the additive was administered at 250 mg/kg feed. Due to the lack of sufficient data, the FEEDAP Panel is not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of the additive for the target species.