February 13, 2014
European Food Safety Authority confirms safety, efficacy of DSM's CAROPHYLL® Red 10%
Following a thorough evaluation, the safety and efficacy of DSM's CAROPHYLL® Red 10% for breeders has been confirmed by the experts from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).
CAROPHYLL® Red 10%, which forms part of DSM's innovative MaxiChick™, is the first ever carotenoid product to be evaluated for use as a zootechnical feed additive in the EU. CAROPHYLL® Red 10% under the recommended dose of 60 milligrams (mg) per kilogramme (kg) feed has shown a significant improvement of hatching performance in poultry breeders. In field trials and university studies around the world, MaxiChick™ consistently produced 43 more chicks per tonne of feed (in broiler breeders), translating into a savings for the chick producer of around €280,000 (US$381,000) per million birds per cycle.
CAROPHYLL® Red 10% is a nature-identical canthaxanthin source, a carotenoid which occurs widely in nature. CAROPHYLL® Red 10% is a trusted product used by the egg and poultry markets worldwide already for 40 years.
Hens cannot synthesise carotenoids de novo and therefore have to ingest these nutrients via the diet. When included in their feed at 60mg/kg CAROPHYLL® Red 10% improves the antioxidant status of the embryo prior to hatching, and subsequently of the chick for up to seven days after hatching.
Before the endorsement from EFSA, a patent in favour of DSM had been published on the use of CAROPHYLL® Red 10% (either alone or in combination with 25-Hydroxy-Vitamin D3 or HyD®) to improve breeder hatchability, fertility and the lowering of embryo mortality in poultry. CAROPHYLL® Red 10% is the only source of canthaxanthin covered under this patent.
Fernando Cisneros, Global Category Manager Carotenoids DSM Nutritional Products, comments: "The positive Scientific Opinion from EFSA on CAROPHYLL® Red 10% as a zootechnical additive for poultry diets in the EU once again demonstrates DSM's innovation drive and leadership in the field of carotenoids. CAROPHYLL® Red 10% also delivers clear benefits to chick producers who are looking to improve not just hatching success rates, but also post-hatch performance. The confirmed efficacy of CAROPHYLL® Red 10% represents a great opportunity for poultry producers in the EU, who are constantly looking for innovative solutions to optimise the performance of their breeding flocks and supports the sustainable development of breeders' production."
