Nutrixtend Optim

Introduction

Nutrixtend Optim is a feed additive containing β-mannanase, an enzyme produced by a non-genetically modified strain of Aspergillus niger (CBS 120604). It is designed for use as a zootechnical additive in the diet of all poultry intended for fattening.

Key characteristics and findings regarding Nutrixtend Optim include:

  • Safety: The product has been evaluated and deemed safe for all poultry for fattening, based on tolerance trials in chickens and toxicity studies in rats. It poses no safety concerns for consumers or the environment.

  • Health Considerations: Nutrixtend Optim is identified as an irritant to skin and eyes and is considered a dermal and respiratory sensitizer due to the protein nature of its active substance.

  • Efficacy: According to EFSA, the additive is considered effective at an inclusion level of 30 U β-mannanase per kg of complete feed for chickens for fattening. This efficacy has been extrapolated to apply to all poultry for fattening.

Overall, Nutrixtend Optim is intended to enhance the nutritional efficiency and performance of poultry through its enzymatic activity.

 

 

Technical specifications of Nutrixtend Optim

EU category
Zootechnical additives

Functional group of additives
Digestibility enhancers

Active substance
Endo-1,4-beta-mannanase (EC 3.2.1.78)

Enzymatic activity in the product
265 U/g

EU approval, minimum content
All poultry species for fattening

30 U/kg feed

End of period of EU authorisation

10 January 2034

EU code

4a42

Production organism

Aspergillus niger (CBS 120604)

Product storage stability
The additive has a proposed maximum shelf-life of 12 months when stored at 18°C in its original, unopened container. In a study involving three batches stored in high-density polyethylene containers at temperatures of 4°C and 18°C over a 12-month period, the losses of the additive were found to be below 10% by the end of the storage period.

Storage (and heat) stability in premix and feed

  1. In Vitamin-Mineral Premix:

    • Conditions: Supplemented at 2% and stored at 4°C, 18°C, or 30°C in high-density polyethylene containers for 6 months.
    • Result: Losses were below 10% at the end of the storage period.

  2. In Mash Feed for Chickens:

    • Conditions: Supplemented to achieve enzyme activity of 27 or 53 U/kg feed, stored at 4°C, 18°C, or 30°C in high-density polyethylene containers for 3 months.
    • Result: Losses were below 10% at the end of the storage period.

  3. In Pelleted Feed for Chickens:

    • Conditions: Supplemented to achieve enzyme activity of 27 or 53 U/kg feed, stored at 4°C, 18°C, or 30°C in high-density polyethylene containers for 3 months.
    • Result: Losses were below 10% at the end of the storage period.

  4. Effect of Pelleting Process:

    • Conditions: Pelleted at 70°C for 2 seconds or at 85°C for 25 seconds.
    • Result: Losses after pelleting were 15.8% and 16.7%, respectively.

These studies indicate that the additive maintains stability with minimal losses under various storage conditions and forms of feed.


Homogeneity

The distribution of the additive was evaluated in different feed types:

  • In Premixtures:

    • Inclusion Rate: 2%
    • Coefficient of Variation: 7.0% across 10 subsamples.

  • In Feed for Chickens:

    • Type of Feed: Both mash and pellets.
    • Inclusion Rate: 27 U/kg feed.
    • Coefficient of Variation:
      • 10.1% for mash feed.
      • 10.7% for pelleted feed.

These coefficients of variation indicate the consistency and uniformity of the additive's distribution in the different types of feed.


Physical properties

The additive has the following physical characteristics:

  • Bulk Density: The average bulk density across three batches is 655 kg/m³.
  • Dusting Potential: Using the Stauber-Heubach method II, the average dusting potential is measured at 670 mg/m³, with a range of 660 to 679 mg/m³.
  • Particle Size Distribution: Analyzed by the laser-diffraction method, the particle sizes are distributed as follows:
    • 0.66% of particles are smaller than 10 micrometers (µm).
    • 4.61% of particles are smaller than 50 micrometers (µm).
    • 38.5% of particles are smaller than 100 micrometers (µm).

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
Kerry

List of references

EFSA (2023). Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of β-mannanase produced by Aspergillus niger CBS 120604( Nutrixtend Optim) for use in all poultry for fattening(Kerry Ingredients & Flavours Ltd). EFSA Journal, 2023;21(6):8045

EU (2023). COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING REGULATION (EU) 2023/2850 of 20 December 2023 concerning the authorisation of a preparation of endo– 1,4-beta-mannanase produced by Aspergillus niger CBS 120604 as a feed additive for all poultry species for fattening (holder of authorisation: Kerry Ingredients and Flavours Ltd). Official Journal of the European Union, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2023/2850/oj