Probiotic Bactocell gets the green light for laying hens in Europe

Blagnac (France) - Lallemand Animal Nutrition is pleased to announce that its probiotic Bactocell® (bacteria strain Pediococcus acidilactici CNCM MA 18/5M) is now authorized by the European Commission as a zootechnical feed additive for laying hens (Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003). The new authorization has just been published in the Official Journal of the European Union (1). This authorisation is the recognition of Bactocell's safety and efficacy to enhance laying hens zootechnical performance. It is based on an important registration dossier containing several zootechnical trials performed in different countries, under various conditions, representative of the EU farming practices. Bactocell has been authorised for use in Europe for chickens for fattening, as well as for fattening pigs, weaned piglets and aquaculture (shrimps and salmonids).

A statistical analysis (meta-analysis) of the data from four trials performed in several countries, under different rearing conditions, demonstrates the beneficial effects of Bactocell supplementation on laying hens zootechnical performance:

- Increased laying rate (+2.8%)
- Improved feed conversion rate (-3.2%)
- Increased exported eggs mass (+3.5%)

In addition, egg quality parameters are also improved with Bactocell:

- Increased shell resistance (linked to increased shell mass and thickness), which is translated in the reduction of broken eggs
- Reduction of downgraded eggs (especially broken eggs) (50%)
- More intense yolk colour (+0.5 Roche Unit on average)
- Increased average egg mass
- Bigger yolk size
- Less meat spots
- Lower cholesterol content of the egg yolk (-38% after 31 weeks supplementation)

Moreover, the scientific studies conducted for many years to understand Bactocell's modes of action and interactions with the feed, the gut microflora, and the digestive tract, show the effects of the probiotic on the hens gut's health and function. These are translated into health benefits for the producer: improved gut microflora balance, reduction of pathogens (salmonella, clostridium, coliforms...), strengthening of the gut barrier (reduced microscopic inflammation, improved cellular integrity).