Axtra XAP

Introduction

Axtra® XAP is an enzyme combination consisting of xylanase, amylase, and protease, designed to improve the technical and economic performance of poultry diets. Key aspects include: Nutrient optimisation, feed efficiency and performance enhancement

Manufacturer´s main claims:

  • Increased profitability: It significantly reduces net feed costs by optimising nutrient availability, allowing for greater flexibility in feed formulation.

  • Improved feed efficiency: On average, it delivers a 5% (or 9 points) improvement in the broiler feed conversion ratio (FCR), enhancing the efficiency of feed utilisation.

  • Strong return on investment (ROI): The product is designed to provide a strong return on investment, making it a cost-effective choice for poultry diets.

  • Superior product characteristics: Axtra® XAP is thermostable at temperatures up to 95°C (203°F), ensuring stability under high-temperature conditions. It is also free-flowing and dust-free, which enhances handling and application.

  • Increased efficiency and enhanced bird performance: This nutritional solution increases energy efficiency and improves bird performance in both corn-based and mixed-grain diets, ultimately reducing feed costs.

 

Technical specifications of Axtra XAP

EU category
Zootechnical additives

Functional group of additives
Digestibility enhancers

Active substance
Endo-1,4-beta-xylanase (EC 3.2.1.8)
Protease (EC 3.4.21.62)
alpha-amylase (EC 3.2.1.1)

Enzymatic activity in the product

Endo-1,4-beta-xylanase: 20,000 U/g product
Protease: 40,000 U/g product
alpha-amylase: 2,000 U/g product

EU approval, minimum content per kg feed

Chickens for fattening
Chickens reared laying
Minor poultry species for fattening and reared for laying

Xylanase: 2,000 U
Protease: 4,000 U
Alpha-amylase: 200 U

End of period of EU authorisation

28 September 2033

EU code

4a40

Production organism
Endo-1,4-beta-xylanase: Trichoderma reesei (ATCC PTA 5588)
Protease: Bacillus subtilis CBS 148232
Alpha-amylase: Bacillus licheniformis ATCC SD-6525

Storage stability of pure additive:

  • Conditions: Samples were stored at 25°C with 60% relative humidity (RH) and at 40°C with 75% RH in commercial packaging for up to 9 months.
  • Results at 25°C: After 9 months, the mean recovery of enzyme activities was 99% for xylanase, 83% for amylase, and 95% for protease.
  • Results at 40°C: After 3 months, the mean recovery was 78% for xylanase, 57% for amylase, and 86% for protease. After 9 months, it dropped to 44% for xylanase, 13% for amylase, and 45% for protease.

Stability in vitamin-mineral premixture:

  • Conditions: The additive was mixed into a vitamin-mineral premixture for poultry and stored at 25°C with 60% RH for up to 6 months.
  • Results: After 6 months, the mean recovery of enzyme activities was 99% for xylanase, 102% for amylase, and 97% for protease.

Stability in complete mash feed:

  • Conditions: The additive was mixed into a complete mash feed based on maize and soybean meal and stored at 25°C with 60% RH for 3 months.
  • Results: After 3 months, the mean recovery of enzyme activities was 77% for xylanase, 48% for amylase, and 104% for protease.

Heat stability

  • Conditions: The mash feed was pelleted at 95°C, and the pelleted feed was stored at 25°C for 3 months.
  • Results after pelleting: The mean recovery of enzyme activities was 84% for xylanase, 101% for amylase, and 102% for protease.
  • Results after storage: After 3 months of storage, the mean recovery of enzyme activities present after pelleting was 85% for xylanase, 73% for amylase, and 95% for protease.

Homogeneity

A study examined how evenly the additive distributes in mash feed by analysing 10 subsamples from a single batch. The results showed a coefficient of variation of 8% for both xylanase and amylase, and 7% for protease. These low percentages indicate a fairly homogeneous distribution of the enzymes in the feed.Carrier 

Physical properties

A study analysed the particle size distribution and dusting potential of three batches using laser diffraction and the Stauber Heubach method. Here are the key findings:

  • Particle size distribution:

    • 90% of particles were below 650 micrometres (µm) in diameter.
    • 10% of particles were below 400 micrometres (µm).
    • No particles were detected below 282 micrometres (µm).
    • The mean particle size was 509 micrometres (µm).

  • Dusting potential: The dusting potential ranged from 5 to 15 mg/m³.

  • Bulk density: The product has a bulk density of 1,400 kg/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 the 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, skin and eye protective equipment."

Manufacturer
IFF

List of references

EFSA (2023). Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of endo-1,4-beta-xylanase produced by Trichoderma reesei ATCC PTA-5588, protease produced by Bacillus subtilis CBS 148232, and alpha-amylase produced by Bacillus licheniformis ATCC SD-6525 (Axtra® XAP 104 TPT) for chickens for fattening, laying hens and minor poultry species (Genencor international B.V.). EFSA Journal 2023;21(2):7816

EU (2024). COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2023/1713 of 7 September 2023 concerning the authorisation of a preparation of endo-1,4-beta-xylanase produced by Trichoderma reesei ATCC PTA-5588, protease produced by Bacillus subtilis CBS 148232 and alpha-amylase produced by Bacillus licheniformis ATCC SD-6525 for chickens for fattening, chickens reared for laying and minor poultry species (holder of authorisation: Danisco (UK) Ltd represented in the Union by Genencor international B.V.). Official Journal of the European Union, L 221/51-54