Introduction
BioCell®️is a yeast product based on the Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain DBVPG 48 SF. It is authorised for use in various porcine and ruminant categories in the EU. The product is available in three different formulations: powder, micropellet or microsphere.
Technical specifications of BioCell®
EU category
Other zootechnical additives
Functional group of additives
Improvement of performance parameters
Active substance
Saccharomyces cerevisiae (DBVPG 48 SF)
Activity in the product
1 x 109 CFU/g
EU approval
Dairy cows: 4 x 108 CFU/kg feed
All minor dairy ruminants: 4 x 108 CFU/kg feed
Pigs for fattening: 4 x 108 CFU/kg feed
Piglets (suckling and weaned): 4 x 108 CFU/kg feed
Minor porcine species (suckling piglets, weaned piglets and pigs for fattening): 4 x 108 CFU/kg feed
Sows for reproduction: 6 x 108 CFU/kg feed
Minor porcine species (sows for reproduction): 6 x 108 CFU/kg feed
Horses: 3 x 109 CFU/kg feed
End of period of authorisation
28 December 2033
EU code
4d24
Product storage stability
Three batches of the powder product were used to test the stability of the product when stored in vacuum aluminium bags at variable room temperatures ranging from -2.8°C to 32.8°C for 12 months and subsequently for a further 24 months in closed plastic containers. The micropellet and microsphere formulations were stored under the same conditions for 24 months. At the end of the storage periods, there was a negligible reduction in the total yeast count (<0.5 log).
Storage stability in feed and premix
Three batches of vitamin-mineral premixes were supplemented with either the micropellet or the microsphere product and stored for six months in paper bags at 20-25°C. No reductions in yeast counts could be detected.
The stability of the micropellet product, when added to mash feed and stored for three months in paper bags at 20-25°C, was also tested. No losses could be detected.
Heat stability
The heat stability of the microsphere formulation was tested at 70°C. After pelleting, the feed was analysed, and there was a loss of 0.5 log units.
Physical characteristics
The particle size distribution in the microsphere formulation was measured by sieving. The fraction of particles in the microsphere formulation ranging from 750 to 2000 µm varied between 72% and 80%. Between 0.06% and 0.29% of the particles were smaller than 125 µm.
The particle size distributions in the micropellet and powder formulations were measured using laser diffraction. The fraction of particles smaller than 250 µm in the micropellets was, on average, 0.7%, and no particles were smaller than 200 µm. In the powder formulation, a smaller particle size was seen. The particle size distribution was as follows: below 100, 50 and 10 µm: 44%, 32% and 7%, respectively.
All three formulations (micropellets, microsphere and powder) were used to test their homogeneous mixing capacity. Ten sub-samples of feed were collected. The CVs in the feed were 4.9, 3.3 and 4.7% for micropellets, microsphere and powder.
The dusting potential was measured to an average of 2,292 mg/m3.
Handling
The European Commission states: "For users of the additive and premixtures, feed business operators shall establish operational procedures and organisational measures to address potential risks resulting from their use. Where those risks cannot be eliminated by such procedures and measures, the additive and premixtures shall be used with personal breathing and skin protective equipment."
Producer
Mazzoleni
List of references
EFSA (2023). Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Saccharomyces cerevisiae DBVPG 48 SF (BioCell®) for horses, pigs and ruminants (Mazzoleni S.p.A.). EFSA Journal 2023;21(4):7971
EU (2023). COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2023/2734 of 7 December 2023 concerning the authorisation of a preparation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae DBVPG 48 SF as a feed additive for horses, dairy ruminants and pigs (holder of authorisation: Mazzoleni S.p.A.). Official Journal of the European Union, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2023/2734/oj