May 23, 2005

Probiotics race, as EU antibiotics ban looms

Feed additive companies in Europe are racing to provide probiotics and other natural alternatives in animal feed. This is to meet the EU's ban on using antibiotics as additives, on Jan 1, 2006, 

Denmark-based Chr. Hansen is offering its BioPlus 2B probiotic which was approved by the EU for use in pig feed last year. The additive has naturally occurring probiotic bacteria and is to help in weight gain.

The company claims that tests indicate pig mortality is reduced to about 7 percent from the average 12 percent when sows are fed rations with BioPlus 2B. Probiotics are live microbial feed supplements that beneficially affect the host by preventing other micro-organisms from infecting the animal.

Last month the European Food Safety Authority panel on additives and products or substances used in animal feed, also approved the use of the probiotics Lactiferm and Fecinor, as feed additives for chickens.

Other approved probiotics include Biomin BBSH 797 for pigs and chickens, Biosprint for dairy cows, Turval BO399 for pigs, Yea Sac for leisure horses and Toyocerin for pigs, MLB (L. acidophilus) for cats, Oralin (E. faecium) for dogs, Cyclatin (E. faecium) for dogs and cats and Provita E for chickens.

Other probiotics now under consideration by the panel include Reuteri for chickens.