Scientific Opinion on the safety and efficacy of <em>Lactobacillus kefiri</em> (DSM 19455) as a silage additive for all animal species

Lactobacillus kefiri is intended to improve the ensiling process at a dose of 5 x 107 CFU/kg fresh material. This species is considered by EFSA to be suitable for the qualified presumption of safety approach to safety assessment. As the identity of the strain has been established and no resistance to antibiotics of human and veterinary clinical significance was detected, the use of the strain in the production of silage is presumed safe for livestock species, consumers of products from animals fed the treated silage and for the environment. Given the proteinaceous nature of the active agent and the high dusting potential of the preparation tested, the FEEDAP Panel considers it prudent to treat this additive as a skin and respiratory sensitiser. It is also considered an irritant. The results of three efficacy studies indicated that L. kefiri has the potential to improve the aerobic stability of silage from forages with dry matter content above 40 % at the inclusion level of 5 x 107 CFU/kg forage