International Journal of Animal Science

Archive Articles

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Risk Assessment of a Novel Arabinofuranosidase/ Xylanase Enzyme Combination Intended to be Used in Food Animals

T Although poultry production shows relatively high feed conversion efficiency compared to other livestock species, a substantial proportion of dietary nitrogen remains undigested and is excreted as manure, contributing to environmental nitrogen losses. Enzymes capable of degrading arabinoxylans, particularly xylanase and arabinofuranosidase, have therefore been extensively investigated for their ability to improve feed digestibility and animal performance. A novel enzyme combination comprising endo-1,4-β-xylanase and α-L-arabinofuranosidase, produced by fermentation of Talaromyces versatilis strains, was developed with the objective of optimizing zootechnical performance while reducing nitrogen excretion. Literature data and meta-analysis results demonstrate that xylanase supplementation improves body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, nutrient digestibility, and apparent metabolizable energy, while reducing digesta viscosity and increasing nitrogen digestibility. Consumer safety was evaluated through a standard battery of in vitro genotoxicity assays, including the bacterial reverse mutation test (OECD TG 471), an in vitro chromosome aberration assay in Chinese hamster V79 cells (OECD TG 473), and an in vitro micronucleus test in mouse lymphoma L5178Y cells (OECD TG 487). The enzyme combination was administered twice daily by oral gavage at dose levels up to approximately 1000 mg Total Organic Solids (TOS)/kg body weight/day. User and worker safety was assessed using validated in vitro skin and eye irritation models (OECD TG 439 and TG 492). In conclusion, the novel xylanase/arabinofuranosidase enzyme combination demonstrates a favorable safety profile for consumers and users, while offering significant potential benefits in terms of zootechnical performance and environmental nitrogen reduction.

Pascal Richez1* and Clémentine Hincelin2