Safety and efficacy of Calsporin((R)) (Bacillus subtilis DSM 15544) as a feed additive for laying hens and avian species for laying EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP)

The additive Calsporin (R) is a preparation containing viable spores of a single strain of Bacillus subtilis. The product was previously assessed by the European Food Safety Authority and is currently authorised for use in chickens for fattening, weaned piglets, chickens reared for laying, turkeys, minor avian species and other ornamental and game birds. The present application is for an extension of use in feed for laying hens and minor avian species for laying and for game, sporting and ornamental birds for laying. No evidence of toxigenic potential or resistance to antibiotics of human and veterinary importance was found, as judged by the current guidelines. Thus the conclusion reached in previous opinions that this strain of B. subtilis is presumed safe for target animals, consumers and the environment is still considered valid. This conclusion automatically covers the use of the additive in feed for laying hens and for all avian species for laying. Use of the additive in feed for laying hens and for all avian species for laying will not introduce hazards for users not already considered. In the three trials conducted with laying hens the amount of feed needed to produce a unit of egg mass was significantly reduced when Calsporin (R) was included at the minimum recommended dose of 3 x 10(8) colony-forming units per kilogram of feed. While the Panel notes that one of the studies involved layers in the second half of production rather than from the onset of laying, the positive outcome is taken to indicate a potential for efficacy over the entire laying period. This conclusion on efficacy for laying hens can be extended to all avian species for laying when the additive is used at the same minimum dose.