Modification of the terms of the authorisation of Natuphos® E as a feed additive for chickens for fattening or reared for laying/breeding

The additive Natuphos® E presents 6-phytase produced by a genetically modified strain of Aspergillus niger. The additive is currently authorised in the EU for use as a feed additive for chickens for fattening, chickens reared for laying, pigs for fattening, sows, minor porcine species for fattening or for reproduction, turkeys for fattening, turkeys reared for breeding, all other avian species (excluding laying birds) and weaned piglets. The authorisation for chickens for fattening or reared for laying is at a minimum content of 750 FTU/kg feed. The applicant has requested to lower this dose to 125 FTU/kg feed. The Panel considered a total of three short-term trials and five long-term trials. In two short-term trials, the birds that received 125 FTU/kg feed showed a significantly better retention of phosphorus from the diets. Similarly, in two long-term trials, the birds that received 125 FTU/kg feed showed a significantly better performance. Consequently, the Panel concluded that the additive has a potential to improve the performance/phosphorus retention of the birds at the dose of 125 FTU/kg feed.