Safety and efficacy of a molybdenum compound (E7) sodium molybdate dihydrate as feed additive for sheep based on a dossier submitted by Trouw Nutrition International B.V.

Abstract

Safety and efficacy of a molybdenum compound (E7) sodium molybdate dihydrate as feed additive for sheep based on a dossier submitted by Trouw Nutrition International B.V. AbstractFollowing a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on safety and efficacy of sodium molybdate dihydrate for sheep, based on a dossier submitted for the re-evaluation of the additive. The additive is currently authorised in the EU for all animal species as 'Nutritional additive' -'Compounds of trace elements'. Taking the optimal Cu:Mo ratio of 3-10, and the highest total copper level authorised in complete feeds for sheep (15 mg/kg), the FEEDAP Panel concluded that 2.5 mg total Mo/kg complete feed is safe for sheep. Considering (i) a safe intake of 0.6 mg Mo/day, (ii) the estimate average intake figure from food in Europe (generally less than 100 lg/day), (iii) the contribution of foods of animal origin to the total molybdenum intake (estimated to be up to 22 %), and (iv) that molybdenum would not accumulate in edible tissues/products of sheep fed molybdenum supplemented diets up to the upper safe level, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the use of sodium molybdate as a additive in sheep at 2.5 mg total Mo/kg complete feed is safe for consumers. The additive under assessment feed poses no risk by inhalation to users; it is a skin and eye irritant, but it is not considered as a skin sensitiser. Sodium molybdate used up to 2.5 mg Mo/kg complete sheep feed poses no concerns for the safety for the environment. The FEEDAP Panel recognises that molybdenum does not need to be added to diets to cover the nutritional needs of molybdenum of sheep. Molybdenum supplementation in sheep feed is considered effective in order to guarantee an adequate balance with copper, when the Cu:Mo ratio in the diet is in the range 3-10.

Determining the Effects of Pelleted Cranberry Vine Grains on the Ewe and Offspring during Pregnancy and Lactation

“…It is well understood that high concentrations of copper (20 ppm or above; [ 54 ]) can be toxic to sheep. However, increasing feed supplementation with sodium molybdate is effective at negating the toxic effects of copper [ 55 ]. Specifically, it is recommended that for every 3–10 ppm of copper, 1 ppm of molybdenum be fed to prevent copper toxicity [ 55 ].…”

“…However, increasing feed supplementation with sodium molybdate is effective at negating the toxic effects of copper [ 55 ]. Specifically, it is recommended that for every 3–10 ppm of copper, 1 ppm of molybdenum be fed to prevent copper toxicity [ 55 ]. Knowing this, increased amounts of sodium molybdate were added during the creation of the experimental CVP pellet that was fed during the trial.…”

Molybdenum – a scoping review for Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023

“…Ruminants, such as cows and sheep, are sensitive to excessive molybdenum intake, which may lead to copper deficiency. Low molybdenum levels in feed are in contrast expected to enhance copper toxicity (31). There is a complex relationship between molybdenum, copper, and sulphur, especially in ruminants, which do not have efficient regulatory mechanisms for copper (31,32).…”

“…Low molybdenum levels in feed are in contrast expected to enhance copper toxicity (31). There is a complex relationship between molybdenum, copper, and sulphur, especially in ruminants, which do not have efficient regulatory mechanisms for copper (31,32). Sulphur and molybdenum react to form thiomolybdates, which bind strongly to copper and form insoluble copper thiomolybdates, resulting in copper depletion.…”

“…This is also the background for the clinical use of tetrathiomolybdate to increase copper excretion in Wilson disease (33). Sodium molybdate dehydrate is used as a feed additive for sheep, and the safety and efficacy of the use was evaluated by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in 2019 (31).…”