Efficacy of the feed additive consisting of amprolium hydrochloride (COXAM®) for use in chickens for fattening and chickens reared for laying (Huvepharma N.V.)

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 amprolium hydrochloride (COXAM®) for chickens for fattening and chickens reared for laying. COXAM® is a coccidiostat intended to be used to control coccidiosis in chickens for fattening and chickens reared for laying up to 12 weeks of age at a dose of 125 mg amprolium hydrochloride (HCl)/kg complete feed. In its former opinion, the FEEDAP Panel was not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of COXAM® for chickens for fattening and chickens reared for laying due to insufficient number of positive and significant effects on relevant parameters in one of the anticoccidial sensitivity tests (ASTs) evaluated. In the present submission, an additional AST has been provided by the applicant. In this study, challenge by an Eimeria inoculum of low pathogenicity indicated the coccidiostatic potential of amprolium HCl based on the reduction of intestinal lesions. Considering the results of three floor pen trials and two ASTs described and assessed in a previous EFSA opinion and taking into account the newly submitted AST, the FEEDAP Panel concludes that COXAM® is efficacious in controlling coccidiosis in chickens for fattening at a dose of 125 mg amprolium HCl/kg complete feed. This conclusion is extended to chickens reared for laying.